By Suzanne Schmidt
Staff Writer
Since they were children, the technicians and manager of the newly opened Repair Zone have been taking electronics apart to see how they work.
Their skills are paying off now at the one-stop-shop for repairs at 24724 SR 54 in Lutz. The business repairs cell phones, computers, laptops, game consoles and sells, trades and buys used games.
Jose Baluarte, manager of the store, said they can fix just about anything.
“If you need advice, we can help since we know a little about everything,” Baluarte said. “Even if we don’t know how to fix it, we will find a way.”
Baluarte fixes computer software and hardware. He went to school for technology while living in his native Peru and he is currently enrolled at ITT Technical Institute in the electronic engineering program.
“When I was a kid I used to open stuff and see inside,” Baluarte said. “I used to try to open up my TV and see where Superman was. I always wanted to figure out how things work.”
Baluarte said he is willing to go to companies and to people’s houses to fix their computer problems.
“I can help with networks, installation and maintenance,” Baluarte said. “I can also give advice. I want to try to explain everything to make it easy for people to understand. If I don’t know something, I will find the way to fix it.”
Rinaldo Hoyte, technician, has an associate’s degree in computer science from Remington College and a bachelor’s degree in business technical management from DeVry University. His specialty is fixing game consoles and cell phones.
“I went through 10 Xboxes before I got one that worked right,” Hoyte said. “Now I know when something goes wrong exactly how to fix it.”
Ryan Aumiller, technician, has an associate’s degree in electronic engineering from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. His specialty is computers and audio/visual equipment.
“I was always fascinated by electronics,” Aumiller said. “All electronics are millions and billions of switches working in tandem. I always wanted to figure out as much as I can about it.”
The store also has a game room featuring a high definition projector with 5.1 surround sound. The consoles available are Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360. People can pay a fee to play in the game room or use the room to check out the used games for sale at the store.
“The game room will be nice for kids who want to come out with the idea of trading or selling games,” Baluarte said. “It is nice because the kids will be able to test the games before they buy them. Kids will also be able to bring in a game and play it with their friends.”
Vanessa Myers of Lutz is a mother of three children. She said she called Repair Zone when her computer got a virus.
“They came to my house and picked up my computer which was a big help,” Myers said. “They were able to get rid of the virus and save everything I needed. They were very knowledgeable and they went above and beyond to help me. It is the best repair place I have ever been to.”
For more information call (813) 406-4835 or visit www.RepairZonecenter.com.
