"It's a very difficult business, one that completely opposes Dell's business model, " says Steven Salopek, a technology analyst with Bank One Investment Advisors, which held 8.5 million shares of Dell as of the end of last year.

FORBES: Pulled in a new direction

Leroy's model is Dell, which has built its entire business on fast response times to incoming orders.

FORBES: Bucking the downtrend

Leroy's model is Dell Computer, which has built its entire business on fast response times to incoming orders.

FORBES: Bucking the downtrend