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Reflections from the CR Field
(unsolicited)
My older brother, who has an MBA from a prestigious university, has been unemployed many times in the past 20 years because he is in "middle management" and his job has been phased out as the companies he worked for were purchased by larger companies. June 2nd is his last day at a major auto industry parts supplier. Unemployed again. I, on the other hand, even with the ups and downs in the economy, have never experienced a day without work since I started repairing cameras for a local shop back in 1973 and on my own since 1977. My success (or failure) depends solely upon the work that I do with my own two hands, not the whims of some corporate bigwig that decides that my job is expendable.
At the end of the day, being a "camera repairman" or even a "photographic equipment technician" as some would prefer, doesn't sound nearly as glamorous as "regional manager" or "vp of marketing" for some big well-known company, but being in charge of my own destiny and actually loving my job means a lot more to me.
Bob Kilbourn / CamerRepairs
Hello, I am one of the second generation camera repairmen. My father John O. Fortin started our business in 1979. He has passed away , and my brother and I have run it for over twenty years. I have also thought about my decision
I made so long ago. Was it the right decision ? I am the type of man who always considers the pro and cons to everything.
Working for myself has been, for the most part a wonderful experience. I LOVE cameras and the photographic business. I cannot say for sure if I would feel the same if I had worked for someone . However I have been able to change my hours over the years when my children were young. I have developed some great relationships in the business.
I have never really run out of work, I have even been able to start a small side business. I have been able to provide my wife extra time for her to finish her BS & MS. Spend time watching my two children grow up. The down side has really been medical benefits. I am one of the lucky ones however, my wife Sandy has always worked in the medical field and provided me and the kids with medical insurance. I worked my ass off at times , but it goes in my pocket , not some "$%&#" who could give a crap about me, only how much goes into his Bonus. My father put 30 years in United Camera Providence RI, and didn't get so much as a cheap watch when they decided to change business models. That really why my father started my business, to have his sons make their own living. Anyway enough rambling from me. 25 years and counting.
Mark / Midstate Camera Repair
Good points. I have sometimes regretted my decisions, thought I should have applied my self better in school. But here, I am my own boss. I have my niche and it won't be outsourced. 34 years repairing, 22 of those on my own.
John Hermanson, CPS Inc.
What this field has to Offer- Independence. A trait common in
this field is our independent nature. Whether we work for others, or
ourselves we all share an independent streak. Successful camera repair techs have the ability to control their
time, economics and working conditions.
- Income. Income range between
$35,000 - $80,000; plus (based on 40% - 50% of gross billing). Incomes
for technicians who own their business can be higher or lower depending
on individual ability. Lead technicians working for large shops in this field can make over $100,000 per year. If you look at real incomes in other
fields and see their direction, you'll find this field has a lot to
offer.
Nikon 1DX. "I just had my first one that needed a new shutter. Using the SPT guide, which Chuck Bertone wrote this turned out to be a very nice repair for $550.00 The shutter cost about $120.00 and the job took about 1 hour. Not to bad for my 1st one. Sometimes these look more intimidating than they really are. Just one curious thing. It will not work with the customer's battery, which is a "Polaroid" brand. It does work with the Nikon battery. Of course I tried to recharge it with a Nikon charger but the camera only shows normal display with low battery indicator and no release or A/F." Mike
- Security. This is a skilled
field and technicians have always been in short supply. Most camera
technicians find that they are the only ones in their area. Even in
large cities there is little competition. Your job or business starts
with a high wall and as your skill and experience grow so does that
wall. You won't be put out of business by a chain store moving next
door or find your job sent out of country. You can make your own
economic security.
- Home or Retail Business. For
many a real home business is the goal. In this field a home business is
not only possible but it's the most common type of business. Whether a
home business is your goal or a stepping-stone; the low overhead,
flextime and minimum space requirements make this field ideal.
Rick Green started Green's Camera Repair as a home business over twenty
years ago. In just a few short years, it grew into a retail business.
Several years ago he sent me pictures of his location, a new million
dollar multi-technician shop. The most inspiring part of this story is
that Rick is a disabled person who overcame obstacles and achieved his
goals. His business is now under second-generation management.
- Equal Opportunity. Everybody
has an equal opportunity, men and women, engineer or high school
graduate, people just starting out or those getting ready for
retirement. People enter this field from all walks of life seeking an
independent lifestyle with a good income that relates to their
interests and hobbies.
Both business and technology are going through major changes. Change can mean opportunity if you are prepared. This field needs technicians who have the skills and ability to meet the digital age!
THIS FIELD CAN BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!
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