Libertyville Couple Opens Electronics Repair Business in Vernon Hills

When Fernando Ferreira was laid off from his job last year after 20 years with his company, he and his wife Gina were faced with deciding what to do about the future. 

"His number came up. It happened to be that it was time, I guess," said Gina. Fernando received a good severance package, Gina said, which allowed the couple to look into other options. "He didn't really want to go back into the corporate world."

The Libertyville couple decided to look into various franchise opportunities. Fast-forward to Sept. 5, when the Ferreiras opened a franchise of CPR Cell Phone Repair at 278 Village Commons Shopping Center in Vernon Hills. 

"We wanted some sort of service to help people," said Gina. "This seemed like it was a good fit."

The couple signed the necessary contracts with the Florida-based company early this year and then built out the space. It was a real grassroots effort, as the Ferreiras and their children did much of the work—like installing floors and painting—themselves. 

"It was all-hands-on-deck," said Gina.

Gina and Fernando also hired two technology pros to work in the shop. Fernando and the two tech pros went through corporate technical training, leaving them able to fix everything from cell phones to tablets.

"Anything with a button or a screen," said Gina. "There are tons of people who need our service."

CPR will repair both laptops and PCs, including the keyboards, screens and housings. They can also tackle issues like cracked cell phone screens and water-damaged phones. They've even fixed game systems and cameras. 

"We do so much more than just cell phones," said Gina. She added that in many cases, the repairs can be performed the same day.

The shop also offers a buy/sell/trade program, where customers can purchase a phone in the shop that has been refurbished. Gina said this is a particularly good option for a person whose own phone cannot be repaired for some reason but they need another phone to use until his or her contract has ended. 

"If you're looking for a specific phone, we can try to order it for you," said Fernando. "It's all about trying to provide solutions so (customers) can make an informed decision."

CPR also sells items like cell phone cases and wireless speakers. 

The Ferreiras plan to open two other stores in the next couple of years, including one in Gurnee. 

CPR Cell Phone Repair can be reached at (847) 463-7407.