DAY 1

Topic: Intro to the expo and the future for the GRE

Jeremy Kwaterski is undeniably one of the “Cell Phone Repair Industries” founding fathers.  With over 25 years of experience in the Cell Phone Repair industry, Jeremy founded CPR Cell Phone Repair in 2004 and was the CEO until he sold the company in 2013.   

Jeremy is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the Repair Industry. Jeremy is a visionary with a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies. 

In 2019 Jeremy founded  the first Association/Buying Group for Repair Shops called Repairs First Association.  With over 600 locations Repairs First Association is slated to become the biggest consortium of repair shops in the world.

Jeremy Kwaterski  is the founder & Executive Director  of The Gadget Repair Expo.  

Jeremy is an avid car enthusiast and event promoter who owns a Hot Air Balloon company that manages Balloon Festivals across the USA.

Jeremy Kwaterski

Founder of CPR Cell Phone Repair

Topic: Mastering Business Ownership: Setting Expectations, Coaching Employees, Managing Operations and More

Brian Ahern is a USMC veteran that has been in the service industry since 2000 when he was the Regional Operations Manager for the Cottman Transmission Franchise.

Brian was recruited by CPR Cell Phone Repair in 2010 and quickly grabbed the reins as the Vice President of Franchise Operations. Brian is a leader, creative thinker, and solutions oriented problem solver.

Brian has a passion for the industry that is unwavering and he possesses a deep desire to help business owners create additional revenue streams and maximize the potential of the Cell Phone Repair Industry.

After exiting his role with CPR Cell Phone Repair, Brian was hired as the Vice President of operations for Phone Medic which operated nine cell phone locations in the Kansas City area. Brian’s unique skill sets helped grow these locations rapidly to profitability.

In Brian’s leisure time, he is an outdoor enthusiast that enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and competing in bird dog trials all across the Midwest.

Brian Ahern

Repairs First Association

Nicole Russell is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for breathing life into big ideas and training the next generation of self-starters. As the founder of CellBotics, a leading educating center dedicated to training students in IT and STEM-related topics such as; cell phone repair and Entrepreneurship. She is also CTO of Repairs First Association. Nicole has helped thousands gain critical skills in forging their own paths to financial independence. 

Few things bring her more satisfaction than working with students in person or over the phone and mentoring them on how to become successful technicians and professionals.

Nicole Russell

Founder & CEO of CellBotics, CTO of Repairs First

Topic: Samsing ISP and WISE Certification

Passionate about grassroots marketing, building communities and connecting the right opportunities together. Diverse partnerships that span across multiple like minded organizations and industries are my priority.

Jeremy Willis

Topic: Samsing ISP

Passionate leader in delivering best-in-class customer service through operational execution. Assurance in Quality, Speed, and Communication of repair are key pillars to delivering great service. As repair industry changes with evolving times, OEMs like Samsung will continue to listen to feedback of our valued Technicians, Customers, and Community to improve our customer experience continuously.

Dennis Prock

Director | DTC In-Store & Field Operations

Topic: Samsing ISP

Dedicated results driven professional specializing in operational business planning, supply chain and data analysis. Samsung has continuously pushed me to perform at a high level and excel in managing relationships with our partners in the repair industry as an account manager. Prior to Samsung, Abraham held various roles in the banking and auto-finance industry.

Abraham Cho

MX Care | Account Support Manager | DTC Partner Management

Topic: Regulatory Spotlight

What’s happening where and what to know about right to repair.

At The Repair Association, our mission is to foster a repair-friendly society that values consumer rights, sustainability, and technological innovation. To ensure that we remain true to these principles, it begins with the composition of our team, leadership, and especially our board of directors.

Matt Zieminski

Repair.org

Topic: Design for Service, Motorola Right To Repair Solutions, and After Market Parts

Darnwin will be talking about Design for Service – An internal design process dedicated to the repairability of the devices for in and out of warranty operations. Motorola right to repair solutions – Will show how Motorola support right to repair and how they can access information. After Market Parts – Pros and Cons; are we truly extending the life of the products?

Darwin Garcia

Reverse Logistics – Sr Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineer at Motorola

Topic: Co-Speaker with Dawin Garcia

I live in the Central Texas area and manage and support the NA geo for all Upsell/Value Added Services for Motorola. This includes OOW repair, Parts Sales, Support Service Sales (e.g. Moto Care) and Software solution sales

Ronald Travis

Business Development Sr. Manager – Motorola NA Global Upsell Services at Motorola Mobility (a Lenovo Company)

Topic: Using Data and Technology to Run a More Profitable Repair Business

Ansar has been working in the point of sale industry for over 10+ years and currently leads sales & marketing efforts at RepairDesk, a leading provider of point of sale solutions to repair stores.

RepairDesk serves thousands of repair stores all over the world. Repair stores use RepairDesk to track repair jobs, manage inventory and get insights into how their business is performing.

Ansar Khan

VP, Sales & Marketing , RepairDesk

Topic: R2 for Retail Shops

Known as an R2V3 expert, Michael leads the Glacier Team in serving our clients with all their certification needs.  Michael routinely collaborates with SERI on technical issues that have proved to push Glacier Consulting to the top level in the R2V3 EHS Consulting.

Prior to coming to Glacier, Michael spent 7 years at Clover Technologies Group as their corporate EHS Director leading the company in R2 compliance throughout North America.

Michael Hutchcraft

President, Glacier Consulting

Topic: Walk the path of a Technician to an Entrepreneur

Elizabeth is a highly energetic leader and has utilized technical, operational and business development expertise to enable small firms and fortune 500 companies like Trillion Technologies and Trading LLC, Trillion International Trading Company LTD, Ford Motor Company, Compuware Corporation, DTE Energy and to support their international operations, business strategies and development .

Elizabeth Chen

Trillion

Topic: Co-Speaker with Elizabeth Chen

 Michelle left her corporate job almost a year ago to work for her mom’s business in the secondary cell phone market. Immersing herself in this new industry, Michelle continues to learn more about the ins and outs of repair and resale while bringing a unique perspective to navigating challenges and opportunities in smaller enterprises. Following her mom’s example, Michelle strives to lean into her entrepreneurial side and embrace change, driven to make a difference in the industry as well as contribute to the success and evolution of her family’s business

Michelle Chen

Trillion

Topic: Strategic Sourcing

Business development, multichannel retail, recommerce and reverse logistics expert with demonstrated success generating millions of profitable top-line sales dollars. Industry leader and energetic subject matter authority in every aspect of pre-owned and refurbished consumer electronics.

Detail-oriented and organized decision maker with a strong statistical background . Enthusiastic team leader and people developer.

Sean Cleland

Vice President – Mobility, B-Stock

From “Additional Rent” to “Zoning” – How to identify pitfalls in a commercial retail lease

With more than 18 years working with brick-and-mortar telecom retailers, Neal developed a deep understanding and respect for retail store owners and the ongoing challenges they face in running a profitable business. In 2018, Neal made the move from outside sales to in-house lease negotiator to meet the need of securing fair and understandable leases for prepaid cellular phone stores. The Lease Pros was established in 2023 to provide lease related services to any business owner that lacks the experience, confidence, and/or the bandwidth to effectively negotiate a lease on their own. Neal received his B.A. from Michigan State University and his J.D. (with honors) from Wayne State University Law School.

Neal Young

The Lease Pros

Topic: Why Sell Wireless in Repair Stores?

Robert Yap, VP of Gen Mobile, a DISH Wireless L.L.C. brand, has over 20 years of telecommunication experience. Mr. Yap was an executive at several telecommunications companies (wireless, CLEC, and calling cards), including at Gen Mobile, Inc. From 2015 to 2017, he was the President of TruConnect Communications, Inc., a nationwide wireless Lifeline Provider. In 2018, Mr. Yap founded Gen Mobile, Inc. (later acquired by DISH Wireless L.L.C.), to provide consumers affordable wireless service options and to help bridge the digital divide for the 30% of Americans that have limited access to the internet. Mr. Yap received his B.A. in Economics from Northwestern University and his J.D., with honors, from George Washington University School of Law.

Robert Yap

VP of Gen Mobile

Topic: The Role of Device Insurance in Boosting Business Revenue and Customer Loyalty

Discuss how device insurance programs not only add additional revenue streams and increase door swings for a business, but can also be customized to cater to the specific needs and preferences of prepaid wireless customers, increasing customer loyalty.

Jared Brier

Akko

Topic: Content Creation + Automation = $$$

For the past decade, my journey in the repair game has been a wild ride – starting from my living room desk hustling on eBay to now steering a repair empire with 2 locations in Savannah. Juggling Uber rides and a full-time gig while growing the business? Yep, did that too. Taking over the Savannah iDoctor crew was a game-changer, and now we’re cruising around fixing gadgets with our own fleet.

But it’s not all about the tech hustle; I’ve spent the last three years mentoring young kids, getting them hyped about tech and guiding them on the path to being mini-bosses. When it comes to social media from TikTok to YouTube, we’re rocking over 50 million views and building a squad on Twitter Spaces every day. If you’re into tech, business vibes, or just cool content, you’re in the right spot – let’s keep this industry alive!

Christopher Smith

 Owner of Savannah iDoctor

Topic: Store Flipping: Take a Failing Store and Make it Amazing!

Jase Anzo, the driving force behind Techy Cape Coral, achieved remarkable success in just 13 months. With a keen eye for numbers and data-driven decisions, the store, launched on May 31st, 2022, and sold on May 31st, 2023, amassed an impressive $482,362 in revenue.

Specializing in 120Hz display refurbishment for premium devices, The Techy Cape Coral completed 313 screen laminations, contributing $54,779 to their gross revenue. His story is a testament to entrepreneurship and the power of in-house refurbishing. In his session, he will be giving tips on how your store can do the same!

Jase Anzo

Entrepreneur

Topic: How to add Data Recovery to your Repair Store

Jessa is the founder of iPad Rehab. With her PhD in molecular genetics, she works on the research side– experimenting and testing to find solutions to new logic board repair problems. Her tenacity for finding faults is the reason our data recovery success rate is best in class. She is also the face of our YouTube presence and applies her unique teaching style as iPad Rehab Practical Board Repair School Lead Instructor.

Jessa Jones

Founder of iPadRehab

DAY 2

Topic: Morning Sales Training Session

Ahmed is a professional Motivational Speaker who speaks on a variety of topics for audiences. It is his lifelong passion to make a positive impact in the lives of others, by sharing his experiences and expertise.

His strategic approach combined with an unorthodox perspective, Ahmed helps people break through barriers and challenges, overcome doubts and take large strides towards achieving their goals.

Ahmed Abusharbain

CEO at Unlimited Prepay Distribution/ CEO at UPPLUCK

Topic: Repair Store Management

Tony is an Industry veteran with 11 of his own Cell Phone Repair store locations under the CellFix Franchise Brand. 

 In 2013 Tony founded GSM Warehouse to meet the device needs of thousands of wireless locations & repair shops worldwide.  

Tony has had his finger on the pulse of the Cell Phone Repair industry for more than 15 years.  He has a passion for the wholesale industry because he knows that having Devices for Resale is a much needed service to the repair industry that is not being met.

When Tony is on a break from growing his multiple companies he loves to spend time with his family and is an avid sports car enthusiast.

Tony Baker

Co-owner of CellFix Inc and CEO and Founder of GSM Warehouse

Topic: The Power & Value of Mentorship

This topic looks at the effectiveness of having a business mentor, someone with significantly more experience who can help you avoid many of the common pitfalls that hurt business owners.

Bob Lafon is a wireless industry veteran of nearly 40 years. His experience includes management roles with regional, national, and international wireless carriers. In addition, he’s held senior executive roles with an award-winning wireless retailer with more than 100 locations, an accessory manufacturer, and provided consulting services to numerous companies in a variety of wireless industry segments. He is also a successful entrepreneur, having started a built several successful companies.

Mr. Lafon is a frequent keynote speaker, panel moderator or panelist at industry trade shows and is known globally as a thought leader in his field. He currently serves on several advisory boards within the wireless industry and periodically writes articles for wireless industry publications. He is also the Co-founder of the wildly successful Mobile Disrupt conference.

Bob Lafon

Co-founder & Managing Partner Capital Growth Partners

Topic: Using remote access solutions to increase customer confidence and profitability

George Abdelmalak is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of proven success in the field of consumer electronics and telecommunications industries. Diversity of his experience makes him unique, holding senior level positions at Helio, Hyla Mobile, Blackbelt Defence Software, and P4C Global.

George Abdelmalak

Director of Sales – Mobile, North America at Blancco Technology Group

Topic: Securing funding and diversifying revenue streams

As an accomplished economics and business double major graduate from CSU Stanislaus, Charles Davis brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the forefront of corporate structure, funding strategies, and income diversification. With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, he’s successfully guided numerous individuals toward their financial goals by leveraging strategic funding opportunities.

Charles Davis

Rize Consulting, CEO

Topic: Unrecoverable Scenarios and the Future of Data Recovery

Matthew Burger is a Data Recovery Engineer at DriveSavers Data Recovery. His specific focus is on data recovery from physically and electrically failed embedded flash memory in smart devices utilizing SOCs and hardware encryption, as well as removable SSDs, flash drives, and other storage devices. He is part of a highly specialized and knowledgeable team of engineers who regularly push the limits of what is possible in data recovery.


Matthew has been working with NAND flash memory storage for 7 years. Before working at DriveSavers, Matthew was the team lead of an electronics repair and IT solutions company. He began working with DriveSavers in 2021 and, with his team of data recovery engineers, continues to create new recovery methods that go above and beyond what was once thought possible.

Matt Burger

 Data Recovery Engineer

Jonathan Angarita CEO at Super Phones/ CEO at EZ Learning Young and motivated entrepreneur owner of 4 Repair shops in Jacksonville, FL. Recently launched a new project for bilingual Micro Soldering Trainings with the objective of expanding the development of technicians helping them improve their knowledge and businesses offering more services. Starting at an early age has motivated Jonathan to aim for more young people to enter this industry and share his experience to help them achieve their goals

Jonathan Angarita Rincon

EZ learning

I craft amazing experiences for clients and customers.

My current endeavor is AKKO, a property protection startup. After registering for an AKKO Plan, you’ll never need to buy another protection plan again.

Enjoy same-day repairs, easy and fast claims, and have peace-of-mind while saving money since we use our technology to pass along savings.

Jared Brier

Founder & Co-CEO @ AKKO

Adrian Amrel is a visionary entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the world of technology. Through his YouTube channel, he has been able to teach thousands of people the intricacies of cell phone repair and has helped them start their own businesses.

Adrian Amrel

Owner and YouTuber, 911 Gadgets

Sofia is a working mom with 3 kids, currently residing in Houston Texas with hands-down experience in Management and Marketing. In 2013, Sofia joined CellSmart POS as a Tech support but owned the company likes her own and after all the constant hard work of 10 years, she is the COO of the company now.

Before joining CellSmart POS, she was a lecturer with ten years of experience teaching business studies to undergraduate and graduate students. Besides being a fantastic COO of the company, she is an amazing cook who loves to make Desi wholesome food for her family and spend time with them in her free time.

Sofia Waleed

COO of CellSmart

Aakshay Kripalani currently resides in Norcross, Ga., with his amazing wife Lavi, two beautiful daughters, and canine kid.
He has served as CEO of Injured Gadgets since 2008. Prior to his involvement with the company, he also owned an online marketing firm as well as numerous social media outlets. In addition, he has extensive experience in web development, advertising, logistics management and finance.
Shay entered the wireless repair industry by selling parts online from his garage through eBay and craigslist. With almost a decade in the repair industry, he has real-life business experience and knowledge of the repair world and is always an open book when it comes to sharing ideas and his expertise. 
As a team, Injured Gadgets consistently strives to be the most credible and constant source of knowledge and parts for the mobile repair world. For fun he enjoys flipping real estate, reading wikipedia articles, and playing with his little girls.

Aakshay Kripalani

CEO of Injured Gadgets

Known as the ‘Million Dollar Shop Owner’, Jeff owns The SmartPhone Medics which grosses well over 1 million annually. He shares his screts to success at the Gadget Repair Expo as a speaker. 

Jeff Sandridge

Owner, The SmartPhone Medics

A dynamic & inspirational leader who lives by the credo of “take the hill or die trying, failure is not an option!” Diversity of experience defines my career. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to oversee the sales, marketing, operations, distribution, collections, and accounting functions of companies; both public and private, and have successfully put that knowledge to use in my own companies, for employers, and clients.

Bob Lafon

President, Capital Growth Partners

Chris Schroeder is a local buyback expert who buys used and damaged phones, MacBooks, cameras, game consoles, and other electronics. He is based out of League City Texas. He has taught over 300 people how to start their own local buyback business with his Resellerator Method.

Christopher Alan Schroeder

Electronics Reselling Accelerator & ReScale