Adam Mohamed launched the Meiers Corners-based Fast Fix Wireless Inc., which offers cell phone/tablet repair, pre-paid smartphone services and cell phone and tablet accessories. (Photo courtesy of Adam Mohamed)

STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE — Growing up in the digital age, Adam Mohamed, 21, was always fascinated with technology.

“I always liked to keep up on the latest cell phones and devices that were coming out,” he said.

As the son of an electronics store business owner, he’s been taught from a young age that hard work and dedication pay off. So when he saw how smart phones were rocketing in price, he came up with the idea for a niche business.

“I realized the potential of a cell phone repair business when I saw how cell phones were increasing in price,” said Mohamed, who is currently pursuing a business degree at the College of Staten Island.

“My first repair was actually on my own phone. I had cracked the screen on my iPhone and when I went to my cell phone carrier to get it replaced they told me to replace the phone through my insurance was more than the phone was worth, so I decided to fix it myself,” he added.

This was the catalyst for launching the Meiers Corners-based Fast Fix Wireless Inc., which offers cell phone/tablet repair, pre-paid smartphone services and cell phone and tablet accessories, in April.

“I saw the benefits of owning your own business through my father, who owned a store in Brooklyn for 22 years,” he said.

“The way I feel is you’re better to start a business when you’re young and have the time you need to put into the business. It’s now or never. The longer you wait, the harder and more unlikely it is that you will do what you want,” said Mohamed.

CARVING OUT A NICHE

Since we now live in a high-tech society, Mohamed believes his business is one that will always be in demand.

“Cell phones are used everyday by mostly everyone — young and old. If your phone breaks and you are not properly covered for it, purchasing a new phone will cost a lot more than it would to get it repaired. And the prices that we give our customers come out to be even less than going through insurance,” he said.

Working more than 16 hours per day and taking college classes at the same time, Mohamed is determined to succeed in his first business venture.

“In this business it takes patience and hard work to be successful. Like any business, it takes time for it to grow, and get it to the place where I know it has the potential to be,” said Mohamed.

“By doing this I feel I’m giving inspiration to other young business entrepreneurs who can realize if you want to do something you can, as long as you put your mind to it,” he added.

And Mohamed has learned from a young age that good customer service is integral to running a successful business.

“Seeing my customers leaving happy with service my business provided them is something that makes me feel great. But what I love most about my job is that it’s something I wanted to do, and I made it happen,” he said.

This article by Tracey Porpora first appeared in the Staten Island Advance and on SILive.com July 30, 2015. It is reprinted here with permission.