Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Thomas Barnes.

A technology entrepreneur and franchise owner, shares his journey from corporate IT to owning an Experimax store, specializing in Apple product sales, service, and repairs. He discusses entrepreneurship, customer service, hiring strategies, and the challenges of competing in the tech repair industry.

Segment Breakdown & Key Highlights Introduction & Background

Host Rushion McDonald introduces Thomas Barnes as Atlanta’s Technology Guru, highlighting his love for math and science that led him into the tech industry.
Thomas reflects on his 30+ years in IT, working with Fortune 50, 100, and 500 companies, and his decision to become a business owner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entrepreneurial Journey & Franchise Ownership

Shares his motivation to own a business instead of working for others, officially becoming an Experimax franchise owner in 2021.
Explains his research process, initially exploring food and beverage franchises before discovering the Apple-focused Experimax model.
Highlights the brand's niche market—specializing in Apple product repairs and sales, leveraging his tech and business expertise.

Challenges & Competitive Strategy

Discusses the difficulty of hiring skilled technicians, emphasizing the need for Apple expertise but openness to training individuals with Android/Windows experience.
Introduces John Goldwasser, his store manager, who is proficient in both Apple and Android technology.
Differentiates Experimax from Apple Stores, offering shorter wait times, personalized service, and no mandatory appointments.
Competes with local repair shops, emphasizing his store’s established reputation and specialized expertise.

Customer Service & Business Growth

Emphasizes treating employees with respect to ensure loyalty and a strong team culture.
Discusses customer acquisition costs and his strategy of actively networking and promoting his store.
Highlights customer experiences, mentioning loyal Apple users seeking alternatives for repairs and upgrades.

Entrepreneurship & Lessons Learned

Stresses the importance of faith, resilience, and risk-taking in business.
Encourages entrepreneurs to step out on faith and not fear challenges.
Talks about the importance of a business plan, sharing his experience of developing financial projections for securing loans.

About Thomas Barnes

Atlanta-based technology entrepreneur with 30+ years in IT.
Franchise owner of Experimax Sandy Springs, specializing in Apple product sales, service, and repairs.
Passionate about customer service, mentorship, and business growth.
Advocate for entrepreneurship, faith-based leadership, and strategic planning.

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