Meet mario santos | technical consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with mario santos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi mario, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always enjoyed fixing machines! I started doing it when I was around 14 years old. But mostly, I wanted to help people and also contribute to keeping our planet clean. I figured that a machine that could be repaired and used a few more years would not only save the customer money, but would also reduce environmental pollution and preserve our planet’s diminishing natural resources.
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Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Santronics in 1996. Initially, we focused on repairing mainly TVs and audio equipment. We have since expanded our repair services to also include dryers, washers, ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwave ovens, snowblowers, lawn mowers, and treadmills. Basically any type of machine commonly found in most households. And we also repair a wide variety of commercial and industrial machines. As the years passed, my goal gradually became to make Santronics a one-stop repair shop. I’m very happy to have been able to make it. Specially in NJ, which isn’t always known as a very business-friendly state! Originally from Portugal, as many before me, I came to the US with a few bucks in my pocket and the willingness to work hard to achieve the so-called American Dream! Not easy, but doable. Even now, the United States continues to be the land of opportunity! And I am very grateful for all the opportunities afford to me along the way. I knew some English and I had studied in a technical high-school in Portugal. While always keeping my goal of having my own business insight, at times I worked multiple jobs to support myself and pay for my college education in Electronics Engineering. Eventually, I was able to save about $5,000 and decided to start Santronics. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy! On several occasions I lost money by trusting people too much who offered to help me but ended up just taking advantage of my kindness and lack of experience. If you are thinking about starting a business, get a mentor! Someone who has experience and a track record in your field of interest and the business you want to have. It will be your most valuable investment and will save you a lot of money and unnecessary aggravation. And that’s why I launched a training division! Santronics has also become a leader in technical training and entrepreneurship opportunities helping individuals start their own repair business or prepare for good technical jobs as service technicians in high-tech industries.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Ironbound section of the City of Newark is a great area to live, work and have fun… If you like to dance, country-style music, I recommend Tascas restaurant on Ferry St. Great Brazilian food and a fun family place to hang out. If you prefer a more quite, cozy environment, then visit my friends at Preguinho restaurant, on Elm Road. It’s a small, family-owned restaurant serving typical Portuguese food. Not far, you can also shop at the garden mall, in the city of Elizabeth, a few minutes away form Newark airport. There are also many stores on Ferry St where you can find a wide variety of products and souvenirs form Brazil, Portugal, and several countries from Central and south America.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been fortunate to meet many individuals along the way who have, directly or indirectly, help me bring to life my ideas and projects. I also value learning from others who have achieved far beyond by own aspirations and success. I read A LOT! These are my favorite quotes. The authors have inspired and encouraged me on many occasions.

“We must become the change we want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

“An optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.” Harry S. Truman

“Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.” Albert Schweitzer

Website: www.santronics.net

Image Credits
Santronics Inc. Mario Santos