A Bristol-based entrepreneur, Casey Sather, has initiated a groundbreaking effort to address the pressing issue of electronic waste (e-waste) by providing affordable repair services for broken electronics. This initiative, known as FixMyTek, emerged from Sather’s own experiences as a student at the University of Bristol, where he first began repairing devices for his peers.

At just 27 years old, Sather recalls fixing his first iPhone during his teenage years. Over the years, he honed his skills by utilising online resources like YouTube, which allowed him to tackle a variety of devices. During his time at university, he noticed a concerning trend: many students were either being overcharged at repair shops or discarding their broken devices entirely. “The thing with repair is, it’s not that hard,” Sather stated during an interview, emphasising that necessary repair parts can often be sourced online along with guidance from instructional videos.

Recognising the demand for trustworthy, economical repair services, Sather began Fix My Crack, establishing two repair shops positioned within both the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. His approach focused on affordability, especially for fellow students who often face financial constraints. “The last thing we want to do is charge a student,” he reaffirmed, noting that simple tasks, such as cleaning charging ports, should not incur exorbitant costs.

As his venture gained traction among the university community, Sather rebranded the business to FixMyTek to better reflect its expanding scope. The new name coincided with the growth of his team, which now comprises seven full-time employees, all of whom are recent graduates from Bristol’s universities. In addition to continuing to provide student repairs, FixMyTek has broadened its mission to assist local businesses in managing their e-waste. This aspect of the business includes collaborating with researchers from the university to understand and improve how such enterprises handle their obsolete technology.

In efforts to maintain low costs for student repairs, profits generated from corporate events are reinvested into the community. Sather’s team actively participates in local repair cafes, where community members can bring various broken items—from mobile phones and laptops to everyday appliances such as toasters and coffee machines—and learn valuable repair skills free of charge. The next repair café session led by FixMyTek is scheduled for 23 March at Sparks in Broadmead.

Sather advocates for self-repair as a viable solution not only for individual financial savings but also for environmental benefit and personal empowerment. “The whole goal is to both give people these skills and the confidence that they need to go and fix stuff,” he remarked. He emphasised that companies have historically complicated the repair process, compelling consumers to purchase new devices rather than attempt repairs. Ultimately, FixMyTek is positioning itself as a champion of sustainable practices within the community through education and hands-on support.

Source: Noah Wire Services