Article Reprinted from the Baltimore Jewish Times - December 3, 2004 Success Story Richard and Joyce Levitas have a business that works for everyone. Phil Jacobs Editor Joyce and Richard Levitas could be the most quoted, called and loved people in marketing departments, school offices and almost any Jewish agency from Baltimore to California to Israel. And the funny part of this is, the Pikesville natives and former Suburban Orthodox and Ner Tamid members don’t even live here anymore. They made aliyah in the summer of 2000 and make their home in Beit Shemesh. Yet, say the name “Levitas” in certain Jewish circles, and word associations come back in phrases like “we love them,” to “they are incredible.” Lynn Katzen, director of Israel and Middle East Affairs for the Baltimore Jewish Council, asks Joyce sometimes why she isn’t sleeping when she makes a call. “She’s always working,” said Ms. Katzen. Their business is called PBCS Technology. Its website is PBCStechnology.com. What they do is provide electronic communications products such as newsletters, Friday packets for schools, invitations, promotions and tools that help even the most computer-challenged to build a beautiful website. Joyce and Richard run the business from the upstairs office of their busy home, busy because they have four children ranging in age from 8 to 15. Don’t forget that Israel is seven hours ahead of the United States. To work “American hours,” the couple is in contact with our business day late into the night and early morning in Israel. Joyce works on software development, while Richard specializes in business development and support. He still uses Baltimore as a base of operations when he returns for business trips. “Our business has four basic products,” he said. “We can provide e-newsletters, we can provide a Web site tool to help schools and other organizations build and maintain Web sites, we help in website development and content management, and we do custom development.” “Joyce and I are into technology,” said Richard, who runs long distance races in Israel, when he’s not a father, husband and business owner. “We’re helping Jewish non-profits serve their constituents and save money.” His wife is focused on the structure and components of the necessary business software her clients require. But both are high-energy and in constant motion. When they first moved to Israel, they entered a high-tech world that was actually on the decline. Many of their Anglo neighbors in Israel were experiencing setbacks in employment, especially after the world stock markets declined. Joyce and Richard took a couple of years to find their place in the business world. They worked a coupon business until they developed a business model that worked. And that business model has taken the worry of e-communication away from so many non-profits. PCBS helped the Jewish Federation of Howard County build its Web site. “I’ve known them since my days at Yeshivat Rambam,” said Avram Weiss, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Howard County. “Before they made aliyah, we were all Rambam parents. “I lost touch with them until somebody referred them to me as people who build Web sites. All I can say is that the before and the after of our Web site is unbelievable. “When Richard made his presentation to our board, everyone who was technologically savvy were all wowed by it, because it was so easy to use, and it wasn’t expensive. And even though they’re in Israel, they are here for us. They are better than anybody, and they respond faster than anyone I’ve ever dealt with.” Arthur C. Abramson, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, agreed. “They are doing a website for us and a news letter for us,” he said. “They do incredible work, and they are a gift to the Jewish community in many ways.” “Everything goes a step forward with them,” said Ms. Katzen. “It feels like one big happy family. They’re in Israel, and they’re helping the Jewish community they know here in Baltimore. I guess the one thing that concerned me when I first me them was the time difference. But it’s unbelievable how it doesn’t get in the way.” At Baltimore Hebrew University, the talk is of PCBS designing a new website. “They’ve been very good,” said BHU marketing director Melinda Greenberg. “We like the idea of supporting someone local who also lives in Israel and supporting the Israeli economy.” For their part, the Levitas’ say their customers like to be able to work on their own websites, knowing they have support. “We’re trying to get our arms around the Jewish market,” said Richard. “Right now it’s the niche market we’re focused on.” The business also is helping the family realize their dream of living in Israel. “We’re just so comfortable living here,” said Richard, 44. “It’s a different life experience,” added Joyce, 38. “Our children’s quality of life is so much better.”