It seems no one wants to work on electronic gadget any more, including old stereo systems and radios.
But James "Andy" Smith is ready and waiting.
"If it plugs in, then I'll work on it," says the proprietor of River City Electronics, which is located at 1317 LaFayette Road. It is across from Rusty's Meat Market in Rossville.
He says, "Most people won't spend the time it takes to repair an old radio. My philosophy is to do a lot of jobs at a little profit on each. Also, that way you help a lot of people."
He recently repaired a stereo system that was still lighting up, but had gone silent. He says, "Most people wouldn't spend an hour and a half on a job like that and furnish a part, then charge $40."
Mr. Smith says in the current environment that many people don't want to throw away a radio or TV that quits working, but often they cannot find anyone to work on them."
He learned how to fix electronic items as a kid from his father, Ernest Smith, who was an RCA serviceman before becoming a minister in later years.
"He taught me most of what I know about electronics," he says.
Andy Smith repaired items for the last 12 years for Rent To Own, then he went out on his own three months ago.
He gets some interesting items into the shop, including a 1926 Atwater-Kent radio he is now repairing.
He noted the large-style components in the old radio.
His repair job will be complete as soon as he finds a machine shop to replicate one of the old turn knobs.
The shop also features for sale some TVs that he has repaired after they were returned to local department stores.
Andy Smith can be reached at 706 956-8112.