My Biz: Gadget Guy in Cedar Rapids enjoys his work

Phone, computer, tablet repairs build business

By Katie Mills Giorgio, correspondent

Published: in

When Jonathan Clifton was a boy, his toys never lasted long in their original condition.

Clifton would take apart whatever he could get his hands on - including toys that belonged to his brother and sister - because he was 'fascinated by how things work.'

'I was the kid who used to program the VCR for my grandma and grandpa,' he said.

A journeyman electrician by trade, Clifton was laid off each winter, thanks to cold Iowa weather. For many years he spent his time repairing electronics for friends and co-workers.

'Then I got ambitious last winter,' Clifton said, saying that's when he decided to launch Gadget Guy.

His ambition, combined with hard work, has paid off. As the Gadget Guy, Clifton repairs just about any electronic device. A majority of Clifton's business is repairing cracked screens on cellphones and tablets. His most popular repairs involve - no surprise - iPhones, which run about $75 to $85 depending on the generation of the phone.

Clifton's work is meticulous, requiring gloves and precise instruments for working with very small and delicate parts. When he's in the zone, it can take him anywhere from 30 minutes an hour to repair a cracked iPhone screen. 'Every little piece matters.'

Clifton also works on computers, repairing faulty hardware and handling data backup, restoration and recovery. 'Water damage is my worst enemy,' he joked. 'But with the proper techniques and tools you can recover from it.'

Clifton does all his work in the basement of his home. He appreciates being close to his family - his wife works as an in-home day-care provider. 'I like being responsible for myself and taking care of my family,' Clifton said.

Clifton said he constantly works to create a balance.

'You want to be busy and profitable and grow,' he said. 'I also want to be accurate, and the busier I get, the less I am able to provide the highest-quality customer service.'

In a world hyper-connected to electronic devices, Clifton said his work is very rewarding.

'I am doing what I love,' he said. 'When I get to see a kid's face when they get their iPod back, it's awesome. It's like being Santa Claus.'

*Know a manager or company in business for more than a year that would be ideal for 'My Biz'? Contact Chelsea Keenan at Chelsea.keenan@sourcemedia.net

At a glance

*Company: Gadget Guy

*Owner: Jonathan Clifton

*Address: 176 Carter St. NW, Cedar Rapids

*Phone: (319) 651-3849

*Website: http://ift.tt/1nrhTSj

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