Franchisor Stories
The technology repair franchise has evolved beyond fixing broken devices, giving entrepreneurs a business built around repair, retail, trade-ins, memberships and smart technology services.
Consumer technology has become more essential than ever, but it has also become more complicated. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming systems and smart home devices all require specialized expertise to repair and maintain, while consumers increasingly expect fast service and a convenient, one-stop experience.
Techy has spent nearly two decades adapting to those changing expectations. What began as a smartphone accessories business has grown into an international technology brand that combines electronics repair, device buybacks, refurbished device sales, accessories and smart home services under one roof. That evolution has positioned the company differently from traditional repair shops while creating a franchise model built around multiple ways to serve customers.
In 2006, Bill Daragan and his cousin, Timothy Phelps, opened a store selling smartphone accessories. As more customers began coming to them for repairs, the business expanded beyond retail and eventually became Techy. Daragan now serves as CEO of the company, which has grown to more than 250 locations in nine countries.
Today, Techy repairs smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches and gaming consoles while also offering electronics buybacks, trade-ins, renewed device sales and smart home services. Rather than relying on a single revenue source, the company has built a model that allows franchise owners to serve customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their technology.
What makes Techy stand out is how it has expanded alongside the technology industry instead of remaining focused solely on device repair. As connected homes become more common, the company has broadened its offerings to include smart home installation and business technology services. That shift reflects a larger change in how consumers interact with technology, with devices, networks and connected systems increasingly expected to work together.
Techy’s expansion into smart home and business technology services has helped the brand broaden its role beyond device repair. That evolution also contributed to the company’s inclusion in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500.
"Being named to the Franchise 500 is a significant milestone that reflects the resilience of our business model," Daragan said. "As technology becomes more complex, our role as the 'local tech expert' becomes more vital. We are excited to leverage this recognition to fuel our next phase of expansion."
Techy’s services are not limited to individual consumers. The company also supports businesses with IT services and continues to build out its connected home offerings, giving franchise owners more than one type of customer to serve.
Techy's innovation extends beyond the services it offers to the way it structures franchise ownership. Rather than asking owners to build a repair business from scratch, the company provides training through Techy University, access to a global supply chain, national marketing support, proprietary operating systems and established vendor relationships.
Franchisees can generate revenue through repairs, retail sales, device buybacks, memberships and business services. The company also provides new owners with training covering the fundamentals of operating a Techy location, allowing candidates to enter the system without an extensive technical background.
Techy has also invested in AI-powered customer communication, call center support and follow-up systems intended to help franchisees stay connected with customers while concentrating on the growth of their locations.
Techy has built a broader business than a typical device repair shop. Along with repairs, franchisees can offer retail products, trade-ins, memberships, smart home installation and technology support for businesses.
That willingness to evolve alongside the industry is what makes Techy one of 1851 Franchise's Most Innovative Franchise Concepts. Rather than defining itself by a single service, the brand has built a platform that continues expanding as consumers and businesses rely on more connected technology every year.
Stay tuned throughout the rest of the month for 1851 Franchise's full Innovative Franchise Concepts series to explore the other innovative brands making waves in the industry.
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