Small Business Sam – How a HutchCC Student Started His Own Tech Business While in School 

By Lizzie Rush
Staff writer
IG: liz.rush

For most busy college students, starting up their own small business while also handling their vigorous workload is just a distant dream.

Iowa freshman, Samuel Barker, has turned that distant dream into his reality.

Dealing with finances while being a college student could be classified as an Olympic sport. When something important breaks, it can be immensely difficult to find the time, resources, and money ro repair the item. Sammy B Tech Repair was started with the goal of helping broke college students repair their electronics for a reasonable price. Barker wants students to have access to quality and timely tech repairs. Barker does the work for free and only asks that clients purchase the parts themselves, most being under $25.

“I run Sammy B Tech Repair, where I help students fix their devices for the best possible price. My goal is to make repairs not only affordable, but done quickly, with care, so students aren’t stuck without their tech,” Barker said.

Barker said that he started his business just a few months ago because he has always had an interest in all things tech related as well as a passion for helping others. He decided to combine his passions and create Sammy B Tech Repair, as a way to continue his love for tech and help out college students in need. His experience in tech repairs goes back several years. He started working on electronics as a kid and quickly became skilled in the area.

Barker provides many services. He works with all devices, from phones and computers, to gaming consoles. He shared that some of his most popular repairs thus far have been screen replacements, battery swaps, and charging ports. Barker is able to fix a variety of problems on various types of tech products. He also offers devices that clients can borrow in the meantime while he is repairing their electronics.

When asked what he gets out of the business since he is not making any sort of profit, he shared a compelling story. Barker detailed that a few years ago during a hard time in his life, he read the book Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli which taught him a lot about the importance of giving back to others.

“It changed how I saw things and made me realize how much purpose there is in helping others and being a friend to everyone. The book gave me a fresh start and my purpose now is helping others,” Barker said.

Barker said he believes people should go to him for tech repairs instead of a more well known company because he offers the most affordable option while also caring for the customer. As a student himself he understands the importance of students having access to affordable repairs for their expensive electronics.

Students can reach out to Sammy B Tech Repair through the number (515) 478-5470 or email him at sjb1061@dragons.hutchcc.edu.

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