Wii and PlayStation PSP.” And as new devices are rolled out, you can be sure that Rapid Repair will be upto-date on what’s out there. Last year, 12 hours prior to the latest iPhone release in the United States, Vronko flew to Paris to be one of the first to pick his up at a midnight iPhone release event—only to tear it apart to see how it was assembled. “Today, there is a real demand for the ‘doit-yourself’ market,” says Vronko. “We could have viewed this as a lost opportunity, but you’ve got to get your head out of the clouds, figure out a way to make operational changes and have the courage and persistence to adapt a plan until it works for you. Through our online assistance, we now sell parts and accessories for these do-ityourselfers.” Vronko says the passion to be an entrepreneur is the most intangible requisite. “If you can’t get up in the morning and be excited about making something happen for your business, you’re in the wrong place,” says Vronko. “You have to wake up knowing that every day you are ultimately responsible for sales, finance, labor, expenses, and every other facet of your own success. While most people understandably prefer the comfort and security of having a limited scope of functions of the company, an entrepreneur sees this responsibility as the  call to arms of each new day.”

As business continues to grow, Vronko and Levy are moving the business to a 4,300 square foot building in early fall. Rapid Repair employs 15 people. The Web address is: www.rapidrepair.com.

Aaron Vronko, BBA ’06
Aaron Vronko’s inquisitiveness was evident at an early age. He admits to always questioning how things worked while growing up and credits his parents for putting up with the question “why” a million or so times. A highly energetic individual, Vronko attended
classes at Grand Valley State University to obtain a Microsoft Systems Engineering certificate while still a junior in high school in Grand Rapids, Mich. He entered WMU as a freshman undecided in his major and admits he “bombed out” the first semester. He took the next semester off and landed a job at the help desk of a local pharmaceutical company where he worked for 2.5 years before losing his position, along with many others, through a merger. “I soon realized that I had to get my life back on track, so I enrolled in
classes at a local community college for a year before transferring back to Western as a management major.” He graduated magna cum laude in 2006 and from then on he began to devote all of his time to the business. Vronko credits his professors at the Haworth College of Business with “teaching me the sound fundamentals of running a good business,” and for “showing me how to advance business development.” Vronko married fellow WMU alumna Lindsay Scott, BS ’08, this summer.

Ben Levy grew up in Kalamazoo, but spent his high school years in Grand Rapids, Mich. Ben was an all-state wrestler. “My coach, Dave
Mills, helped me excel in the sport and also taught me many things about life and ethics,” says Levy. Levy chose Western because
he had a lot of family and friends in Kalamazoo, and it was far enough away from home to live on his own. He started as a computer science major, and then switched to computer information systems. Levy graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2004 with a major in computer information systems.

My first assumption was that it was time for a new computer. Ours was about five years old, relatively ancient in technological years.

But then I started thinking — should I be so quick to assume that computers and the other gadgets of modern life, like iPods and game systems, are always ready to retire after two years, or three or four? For economic and environmental reasons (repairing is better than replacing), shouldn’t I look into the possibility that we could salvage our computer?

I decided to call Adam Sanderson, chief executive of Computer Overhauls, based in Manhattan. I interviewed Mr. Sanderson about four years ago for a column and have since hired him occasionally for emergency computer problems.

Mr. Sanderson remotely peeked into my computer and confirmed my worst fears — the hard drive was dying.

We could go out and buy a new one. Or, he suggested, we could ship or bring in the tower that contains the hard drive and he would replace it for about $150 — far less than the cheapest desktop we could buy. Prices can be higher for more powerful hard drives and up to about $200 for laptops.

“We would clean out the whole machine, reinstall everything fresh and it would be like a brand-new computer,” he told me.

But then my software wouldn’t be upgraded, would it?

No, Mr. Sanderson told me, but you may not really need to.

“It depends on what you’re using the computer for,” he said. “If you’re surfing the Internet and doing e-mail, which is what the bulk of people do, then you’re only using 5 to 10 percent of the actual power of your computer anyhow. Most people don’t need upgraded software.”

The turnaround is about 48 hours, he said, and comes with a three-year guarantee.

On the other hand, he said, if you are going to work on video editing or movie production, you probably want the newest software available. Also, any computer older than seven years should probably be replaced if it’s having difficulties, he added.

Mr. Sanderson also repairs iPods and iPhones, and his business is booming.

“There’s definitely a huge surge in the amount of repairs” in this economic climate, he said, as people choose to keep what they have rather than spend twice as much on the newest model.

Once I started looking into it, I found a surprising array of repair options, ranging from specialized experts to a community of techies who offer free advice online.

Rapid Repair, for example, based in Kalamazoo, Mich., “tries to serve an underserved population,” by fixing game systems like Nintendo Wiis, PlayStations, Zune MP3 players, iPods and iPhones, said Aaron Vronko, service manager for Rapid Repair.

The company, which does not repair computers, was founded in 2004 and fields about 500 requests a week, Mr. Vronko said. In general, he advised, repairs make sense if they can be done for less than half the cost of a new item.

“If you have a $200 gadget and you can repair it for $80 or $90, the customers sees value in saving over $100,” he said. “There’s a certain feeling you get buying something new, but saving money is also good.”

Suppose, for example, that your 30-gigabyte iPod with video has some problems. If the device is still under warranty, you send it back to Apple. If the warranty has lapsed, you can still send it to Apple and it will cost $129 to repair or $59 for a new battery, which is often the problem.

At Rapid Repair, the highest repair cost would $90, but often runs less if the trouble is minor. The company also offers to replace batteries for $20.

“About half our customers buy the parts and do their repairs themselves,” Mr. Vronko said. He suggests, though, that once the item is about five years old, it’s probably not worth fixing.

What if the product is still under warranty, but something that isn’t covered breaks, and you want to get someone to fix it for less than the manufacturer will charge? You need to check if the repair company is authorized by the manufacturer. If it is, then typically the repair can be done and the warranty remains valid if other problems crop up.

Here is another option. Let’s say you have a technologically savvy friend who is willing to help you figure out your computer’s problem. But she lives in California and you live in London.

There are a variety of services and software that allow you to remotely control a computer. I checked out a company called CrossLoop, which offers two options. You can download software from the company’s Web site that allows you to remotely gain access to another computer system — either MacIntosh or Microsoft Windows — and diagnose the difficulty.

To protect security, said Mrinal Desai, co-founder of CrossLoop, each time you and your friend use the software, you must type in a randomly generated 12-digit code that is changed for each use. And both of you have to do it within two minutes.

Or, if you don’t have a friend willing or able to help, you can hire one of the 14,000 experts listed on CrossLoop’s site. They are posted with their experience, prices, customer ratings and where they are located — which can be anywhere in the world. CrossLoop takes 15 percent of the experts’ fees.

Mr. Desai says that his company does not vet the experts, but rather, like eBay, the online community weeds out the bad ones through reviews and ratings.

And if you like your expert, you can return to him again and again. “He becomes your I.T. guy,” Mr. Desai said.

Want an even broader base to draw on for repairing just about anything? Try FixYa.com. If you have a problem with your lawn mower, computer, toaster or car, you can tap for free into the 250,000 “enthusiasts,” as FixYa’s founder, Yaniv Bensadon, calls them.

And if one of the enthusiasts is especially helpful, and well, enthusiastic, that person can be promoted to premium expert. For $20 you can have a live chat with your expert; for $13, you can have a one-time e-mail exchange; or, if you have a lot of fixing to do, you can sign up for a $10 monthly unlimited e-mail exchange.

So, back to me and my failing computer. In the end, we decided that because the computer was five years old — with a sticky keyboard and a few other problems as well — we would opt for a new one.

I’m still getting used to it, so it’s nice to know that there’s a world of experts at my fingertips, just waiting to help.

What: Fast repairs for electronic devices
Who: Ben Levy and Aaron Vronko of RapidRepair.com
Where: Kalamazoo, Michigan
When: Started in 2004
Startup Costs: Approximately $1,500

Four years ago, when Ben Levy broke his iPod after tinkering with it, he began searching online forums for a solution. What he discovered, however, was that many people were in the same boat and Apple’s warranty often didn’t cover certain repairs, or they were very costly.

He and his friend Aaron Vronko, 25, decided to purchase a few broken iPods and teach themselves how to fix them. Before long, they were offering low-cost repairs on iPods and other small electronic devices. As demand for their services grew, Vronko and Levy, now 28, officially launched RapidRepair.com in 2004 with $1,500 from their personal savings.

Today, the site handles more than 500 repairs a week from across the nation and 65 countries worldwide, with customers mailing in their broken products to be serviced within 24 to 48 hours. The 15-employee Kalamazoo, Michigan-based company also boasts some offerings unique to its name: It is the first to offer color modifications for iPods and is the creator of the iVue clear panel, which is available for several iPod models.

“[The biggest challenge for us] was making the transition from a small group of friends getting paid to do what interests us to a medium-size professional organization of co-workers with divergent interests, skills and priorities,” says Vronko.

With 2008 sales projections at more than $3 million, Vronko sees the company evolving in the next few years to meet the rapid changes of the technology market and says its success is largely due to the low cost of launching the site.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open a store in Kalamazoo and be supported by a walk-in customer base,” says Vronko. “Being an online business has allowed us to reach a larger customer base and has gotten us to the status we are at today.”

RAPID REPAIR: Ben had an original 1st Gen. 5GB iPod that he was messing around with it (because that’s what tech curious guys do) and broke it. When he looked to see if there was someone who had parts or any other assistance for iPods all he found were other iPod owners in basically the same situation.  Since we both have a background in computers (worked in IT for a Fortune 500 company), Ben decided to collect and repair some.  I was living on his couch at the time (literally) and we realized that this need wasn’t a one-shot deal, it was real consumer demand. In March of 2004 the first website, iPodMods.com, went online.  At the same time, we were lucky to land a repair contract for a large refurbished goods dealer and that cash flow, experience, and parts helped us launch in a big way.

MYMAC: Is it an asset or a liability to be located in the rust belt, near the cereal capital?

RAPID REPAIR: Michigan has a great public education system including one of the top five public universities in the country, so even though many of its major manufacturing employers have struggled my entire adult life, it has been a major producer and exporter of skilled workers.  That has actually made it pretty easy to attract and retain knowledge workers, who have the talent, but don’t want to move out-of-state to use it.

Along the same lines, we don’t have the opportunity to attract as much local or walk-in business as we would in a more modern metropolitan area such as New York, Chicago, or L.A., but the improvements in technology and infrastructure have made our business easily extend beyond the physical limits that applied even 15 years ago.

MYMAC: How do you obtain your parts and supplies to repair iPods and other hand held equipment?

RAPID REPAIR: Apple does not officially endorse or supply for repair of customers’ iPods, meaning we have to obtain our Apple OEM parts from array of third parties which and often includes de-manufactured new units.  Our refurbished iPods are built from tested and certified parts from used iPods which makes them the most environmentally friendly option because they just re-use goods that were previously manufactured.

MYMAC: What distinguishes Rapid Repair from your competitors?

RAPID REPAIR: Rapid Repair is the oldest and largest end-user electronics repair company who started with a focus on repairing iPods.  As such we have a keen focus and love of these devices.  While many of our smaller competitors have faltered with issues of customer service or other problems we have continued to be run as a professional organization with this important tenet guiding us:

The purpose of a business is to create value for its shareholders, employees, and customers.  If you fail on any of these, you can not succeed.

MYMAC: Who is your number one competitor?

RAPID REPAIR: This may sound evasive, but truthfully it’s the trash bin!  It’s a general sense from people that iPod repair doesn’t exist, or it’s too expensive, or it’s too much effort to be worth it.  While we certainly have other companies in our line of business, our number one goal when devising marketing strategies is not to fight over the people who have decided to get their iPod repaired.  Instead we try to inform and attract the millions who will otherwise just throw this technology away.

MYMAC: Are you able to keep sufficient inventory in house to maintain a steady workflow for your customers?

RAPID REPAIR: This is the biggest area where much of our competition has failed, and we pride ourselves on being in-stock for over 95% of the items in our catalog.  In fact, this is often our deciding factor when considering whether to add support for a new device or model, “will we have the supply to fill our customer orders?”

MYMAC: Are your iPod and other device parts third party, or original factory equipment?

RAPID REPAIR: All but a few parts (most notably our eXtended Life Batteries) are original, but it is clearly stated in the product description if they are not.

MYMAC: How do Apple’s new touch screen iPods and iPhones alter your business, internally and with your customer base?

RAPID REPAIR: For the most part, the devices we service have gotten more compact and complex ever since we started.  However device models including the iPod Classic (6th Gen. iPod), Nano 3rd Gen., Touch 1st Gen., iPhone, and all models since have really attained a new level of complexity in what it takes to service them.  As a result, we have gone to a specialization model where each technician only services 2-3 different devices for 6 months at a time.  This has allowed each to really be a true expert of their models improving efficiency and quality.

MYMAC: Is it possible to stay ahead of the incoming gear for repair, and still be profitable?

RAPID REPAIR: It’s a perpetual challenge, but the day you wake up and don’t look forward to it, is the day you’re done.  At one point a basic iPod cost $400 and the most expensive model was $600 (iPod Photo 60GB, late 2004.)  During that time most repairs only took 10 minutes or less to complete and only moderate skill was required, and with 8-9 significant replaceable parts it was easy to make an economical repair out of almost anything.

Now, the iPod Nano starts at $150, can easily take 30 minutes just to service one, and the main board has all major system functions including storage integrated, so the cost of the part plus labor make extremely difficult to compete with just buying new.  Despite this, there is still ample opportunity to run a business that creates value for everyone as long as you are efficient and carefully balance all the ingredients.

MYMAC: What is your knowledge base? How do you figure out how to work on brand new technology?

RAPID REPAIR: Many of us have a background in computer repair, A+ certifications, have worked in desk-side service for corporations, and a general love of technology.  However, we have found the most important pre-requisite for a successful technician is a mechanical aptitude and desire.  Even with no experience, if you have the ability to analyze and understand how a machine works, then disassemble and put it back together, you have what it takes.  Typically, when we take apart a new device we are forging new territory, our success depends on people with this aptitude and innate sense of electronics — and often times we still break the first one! (Nobody said it was easy.)

MYMAC: What about game consoles? Are they easier or harder to work on than iPods/iPhones?

RAPID REPAIR: Different; more screws, more glue and more complex hardware, which occasionally lead to some really hard to solve problems.  On the other side there is also more space to work with and besides the occasional odd nut, the failures are usually easily recognized from a short list of 2-3 for each model.

MYMAC: What percentage of your customer repairs are iPhones, iPods, or other-ware?

RAPID REPAIR: When we started it was 100% iPods, currently, we are approximately 40% iPods, 20% iPhones, 20% Zunes, and 20% consoles.

MYMAC: Why should people repair used, old, broken iPods/iPhones, when they can buy new ones so easily and affordably?

RAPID REPAIR: Two good reasons, 1 – it’s cheaper.  Yes, new ones may not break the bank, but most repairs cost between 25-60% of the cost of replacing the device and especially in tough times like these, $100 savings can be a lot. 2 – It makes sense socially and technologically.  Our business of reusing, repairing, and refurbishing saves over 10,000 pounds of (sometimes hazardous) electronics waste from hitting the landfill every year. Also, spending the short dollar now, to make your current device last 1-2 more years usually means that next time you’ll buy something more advanced at a lower price.

MYMAC: Do you also sell refurbs? Are you mostly sales or repair, and where is the trend going?

RAPID REPAIR: We resisted for a long time, insisting that your device repair is a refurb.  But the customer is always right and building certified refurbished iPods makes better use of all the broken units that people sell to us.  At this point, we are about 90% repairs and 10% refurbs, but the needle definitely continues to move towards more refurbs.  In many ways this makes sense, because we can build up a stock of tested good devices which are ready to ship, and avoid the lead time in processing devices one-off.

MYMAC: What are your return, exchange, and warranty policies?

RAPID REPAIR: Basic synopsis is it’s 90 days on parts and labor for all repairs we do.  We accept returns with no fee if something is wrong with the part/repair, and if you decide you want something different we will exchange for something else with 100% item credit in the first 30 days. For full details of our policies see, http://www.rapidrepair.com/policies.htm (with links to the most important along the top of that frame.)

Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Rapid Repair will accept electronics that are repairable as well as those that are beyond repair – basically they’ll take electronics in just about any stage of life out of the waste stream. Most of what they take are iPhones and iPods – probably because they are small and easier to ship than tvs, for example. Items that can be repaired are then resold, and items that have moved on to the next life are then broken down and all of the parts are scrapped and used for something else.

What’s Wrong with E-Waste?

Electronics today are filled with lots of tiny parts and metals. Dumping these in a landfill means that the toxic materials in the broken electronics can make their way into area waterways and soil. Recycling facilities in developing countries that pay workers to break down electronics can expose workers to toxic materials, often without any safety procedures in place. Shipping electronics around the world to developing countries to be recycled means creating a huge carbon footprint for a product that may or may not have a future life.

In addition, many electronics have a very short lifespan (cell phones for example last an average of two years or less) – either because they are not built to last and because of the need to constantly upgrade to keep up with technology and your neighbor. This will quickly become a runaway problem if we don’t make better use of the materials we have, as well as, develop better recycling procedures.

How Does Rapid Repair Work?

If you have items that are functional, but that you are getting rid of, Rapid Repair will buy them off of you – including paying you up to $200 for a fully functional 1st generation iPhone. Anyone interested in getting involved, in need of a place to recycle electronics, or interested in purchasing used electronics can send their worn out items to Rapid Repair or bring them into the shop in Kalamazoo. Rapid Repair does have several recycling plants that they work with to recycle items (batteries, circuit boards, etc) that they can’t take care of. Each of these facilities certifies that they safely and sustainably recycle all materials. Items that can’t be reused or recycled are given to local artisans for use in their work.

Rapid Repair takes items from the US and internationally. This brings an interesting point up - is it better to ship an item around the world to be repaired, or just trash it and purchase new? Is either sustainable, or is it just a temporary fix? Local repair shops used to be common but have since all but died out with the constant need to just upgrade electronics rather than repair them. Will this new interest in carbon footprints and reflection on personal responsibility in environmental stewardship bring a rebirth in repair shops – another green business along with all of the renewable energy jobs?

Don’t feel comfortable shipping your broken electronic around the US? Many communities have e-Waste collection days. Encourage yours to partner with electronics recyclers that use responsible recycling practices.:Rapid Repair

Let’s examine how the two devices compare when it comes to features, display, interface and general usability, content management and download compatibility, and hardware quality.

The Features

While both iPods and Zunes support the standard audio, video, photo and gaming capabilities, the Microsoft Zune brand embraces two features that the iPod does not support. The Zune’s FM tuner allows users to receive FM radio signals in their areas and tag specific songs for download later (only with the new Zune 3.0). Additionally, Zune users can network over WiFi with nearby Zunes to sample songs they have, for up to three days.

While it may seem that you will never need an FM radio with thousands of songs at your fingertips, it gives you the chance to break your bubble of isolation and tune into the latest music or catch news from the outside world. This is supported by the many iPod users who have clamored for built-in FM in the past, and a vocal minority will probably continue to do so.

Not as useful at this point is the Zune’s WiFi music sharing feature, which is unfortunately rendered ineffective by the need to have … another Zune in beaming distance. Combine this will the digital rights management (DRM) limitation of 3 days or 3 plays, and some question if this addition is even worth it. We still expect this will be a fun and interesting feature if Microsoft ever figures out how to steal some of the iPod’s market mojo.

The Display

The iPod Classic’s 2.5-inch color LCD screen is a significant drawback for the Apple device when compared to the Zune’s 3.2-inch screen. The size difference affects the quality of the video media experience, putting Zune well in the lead for visual content superiority.

Earlier generation Zunes and iPods had front panels constructed of polycarbonate plastic. These panels were impact-resistant but scratched easily and transmitted force to the LCD screen. Front panels and lenses wouldn’t break often, but LCD screens — the most expensive of the three visual hardware components — would take much of the force, ultimately breaking much more often.

New-model Zunes and iPods have moved to laminated glass for the lens over the LCD, which is more scratch resistant but more easily broken. If the device is dropped, the lens takes much of the force, in turn sparing the LCD. We rarely see broken screens with Zunes, most likely due to a safer design.

Replacing a lens is far less expensive than replacing an LCD screen. Remember, neither company covers screen damage under warranty.

Interface and General Usability

While the Zune might have more features, the iPod gains a unique advantage in its simplicity, allowing a less savvy user to navigate and utilize the included features. But a huge contributor to the iPod’s success has been the click wheel, which has been the navigation key since the release of the iPod mini in 2004. Customers simply love the interface; you can scroll large lists quickly, with as yet unmatched precision. Thousands of songs, organized by any major category, can be accessed depending on how quickly you move your finger.

In contrast, the Zune began without touch-sensitive functionality. Manipulating early generation Zunes provided users a quick mode of transportation but very little precision. Newer generation Zunes come equipped with the “squircle” (square-circle hybrid), which is touch-sensitive and enables users to navigate large lists more precisely. Still, with a few years of trial and error, the iPod click wheel is more refined.

Content Management and Download Compatibility

The usage of all included features and the simplicity of accessing all the content you could want and loading that content to your device are a few of the iPod’s greatest perks. The Zune’s content management platform isn’t quite as universal or comprehensive.

The iPod/iTunes package integrates and simplifies the content loading process. Both iTunes and Zune Marketplace are software installations that integrate with the device that each program supports. Because of its notoriety and the length it has been on the market, iTunes is a one-stop shop for almost all media, providing music, tons of movies and television shows.

Zune Marketplace, on the other hand, is not as well organized and isn’t nearly as extensive with its content offerings. Therefore, Zune owners have to find other ways to find content that the Zune Marketplace might not offer, like ripping owned CDs and movies and converting downloadable media purchased from other outlets.

Both programs accept plain MP3s, but neither device is compatible with its competitor’s content. So if you use iTunes, you won’t be able to load or play iTunes content on a Zune device.

Hardware Quality

Audio Processor: The audio processors on new Zunes integrate power management directly onto the chip, which allows it to sip slowly and offset the extra power usage from its added features. Advantage iPod, but not by much.

Batteries: Neither the Zune nor the iPod is built for consumers to easily replace a worn-out battery, which is part of the device’s built-in obsolescence. However, with some bravery or professional help, you can easily get your battery replaced.

Low Insertion Force (LIF) Cable: The new Zune uses a Low Insertion Force (LIF) cable that connects the hard drive to the system board. Due to a design flaw, the LIF is flimsy and breaks much easier than the iPod’s well-positioned cable. Therefore, trauma or force effects the connection to a greater extent with the new Zune.

The iPod has also had its share of LIF cable issues. With the fourth- and fifth-generation iPods, the LIF cable would lose connectivity over time. The iPod’s LIF was held into the socket with a clip, which would dig into the pin leads and create divots. However, the manufacturer has attempted to fix this flaw with the new generation of iPod, which features a redesign that appears to address the problem. We won’t know for about another year if the redesign will factor into the device’s built-in obsolescence.

Built-In Obsolescence: iPod and Zune manufacturers have learned from design flaws over time, and it appears that most of the significant problems have been fixed with their latest iterations. Still, neither company has made changing the device battery any less difficult for consumers. Consumers who find that a broken device doesn’t fall under warranty can employ any number of professional repair services to perform an affordable fix.

Remember, the industry standard is that fifteen percent of electronics devices will fail in the first year. Don’t let designed obsolescence get you down; talk to a professional about how you can salvage your device.

It’s no surprise, then, that Aaron Vronko from Rapid Repair receives hundreds of damaged iPods every semester. That’s why he has developed a few do-it-yourself tricks to salvage soggy or groggy electronics:

To protect your iPod from spills and scratches, use an ultra-thin plastic covering (try a ThinSkin from Rapid Repair).

For more serious protection against bumps, drops, and hits, upgrade to a protective case made of hard material.

To make your battery last the extra mile, charge your iPod often and run it completely dead once a month.

If you exercise while listening to music, invest in a flash-based MP3 player like the iPod Nano or the Zune Flash. The constant shaking of running can cause the hard drive in a full-size iPod to wear out.

If there’s something wrong with your iPod, don’t hesitate ~ send it in before you lose your music! Most iPods are repaired for less than $50, and the diagnostic is free. If you change your mind after sending your iPod, Rapid Repair will ship it back to you or refund your shipping cost. For more info, visit www.rapidrepair.com.

It was 2004, and Levy had broken his iPod and couldn’t find anywhere to repair it quickly. The two friends decided to fix it themselves — and to launch a repair business out of their apartment to make some money.

The partners now operate Rapid Repair in a 3,000-square-foot facility at 1825 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo. What was a small enterprise now has 12 employees and logged $2.5 million in sales last year.

The company fixes — typically in 24 to 48 hours — iPods, iPhones, Zune MP3 players and the latest editions of game consoles, including PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation PSP.

Even though the business faces a lot of competition, Vronko said, Rapid Repair is now servicing about 500 customers a week, which would make it one of the largest end-user iPod-repair companies in the United States.

“They did a good job of communicating with me while it was there, and it wasn’t expensive,” said Princeton Wright, a Three Rivers man who visited Rapid Repair recently to get his iPod fixed. The device ultimately needed a new battery rather than elaborate repairs.

“These are all basically shrunken computers,” Levy said of the small devices he and his technicians fix. “We’ve both been repairing computers for a long time. We both had a passion for it.”

Levy, 28, was born and raised in Kalamazoo but moved to Grand Rapids when he was a teen. Vronko, 25, is from Grand Rapids originally. He graduated from WMU in 2006 with a business-management degree, and Levy graduated in 2004 with a degree in computer information systems.

They said they elected to keep their business in Kalamazoo because it is home to a sophisticated information-technology work force in which people are often looking for work.

“There are a lot of people with technical skills and talent here,” Vronko said. “The talent pool here is underutilized.”

Back in 2004, neither would have expected to be operating a thriving business four years later.

“It’s kind of mind-boggling that this would turn into a full-time job,” Levy said.
Vronko said he is amazed by the places Rapid Repair has taken him.

“We’ve been really surprised by the impact we’ve had on the iPod community,” Vronko said. “I’m surprised about how much traveling I have been able to do in the past year due to promoting our business across the country.”

Vronko said he’s not surprised he’s already found business success at his age.

“Ever since I was kid, I knew I wanted to excel in the business world, and I have done that now,” he said. “I’m very happy with how the business has grown and how hard-working all of our employees are.”

Rapid Repair fixes devices with sound problems, damage from liquids, problems with hard drives and broken screens, according to information provided by the company.

All you need to do is visit: www.ipodmods.com and click on the repair service that fits your needs. So give us a try and call us at 1-888-POD-MODS

iPodMods has been doing repairs of iPods and many other different small electronics for over 3 years. They have opened the doors to the public and would like to help out iPod owners across the globe with their top notch support. They offer a wide variety of parts for most models and do repairs on ALL iPod types.

Check the site next week for premier customizations and modifications pages! Once the new modifications pages are available, we will start taking orders on this top secret project ONLY available at ipodmods.com!

Turn your iPaper weight into a working iPod again! For those of you who can wait more than 24 hours to get your iPod serviced, then this site is for you. We provide top quality service and repair and our technicians are specialists at repairing ALL iPod models. We will perform a detailed diagnostic of the problem and contact you with a repair quote prior to any actual repairs. All iPods that pass through our company go through a detailed 4 point inspection not available anywhere else!

Some competitor sites claim that they will be able to fix loose headphone jacks, and Fire Wire port problems. This is true, but you need to know that in some cases the Main Board will need to be replaced because the solder pads on your broken iPod’s Main Board may be unfixable. We will put it under the microscope and find out what can be done, and we will give you the lowest possible quote.

**iPodMods changed their name to Rapid Repair in April 2007**