Mindgames Computer Repair builds customer trust

After working more than 20 years as an employee at Mindgames, a computer services company, Linda Gomez became its sole proprietor. After buying the business in 2013, she tweaked the name to become Mindgames Computer Repair. She runs the business at 2417 Nemec St. with her son, Chris Gomez, and longtime employee, José Hinojosa.
“These guys are my right AND left arm,” Gomez said about her staff. “I feel so fortunate to have people working here who are competent and that I can trust.”
For Gomez, trust is integral for long-term success in the computer repair business. 
“People keep important and sensitive information on their computers,” she said. “When they bring their devices to us for repair, they are putting their trust in us, and we take that very seriously. Here, people can count on the fact that their privacy is kept private.”
As a standard practice, the staff at Mindgames maintains background checks on all employees. Gomez sees that kind of care and transparency as a basic part of customer service. 
“For many of my customers, they simply do not feel comfortable sending their personal computers off to be repaired,” Gomez said, “or taking it to a large chain store where they are not sure who would have access to their computers.”
For those households collecting a graveyard of old or dead electronics, Mindgames offers repair and maintenance services. The business can service cellphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. It even offers data retrieval for corrupted external drives.
“We give honest evaluations on equipment,” Gomez said. “Some devices are worth putting a little money back in to and continue using them, but the nature of electronics is that, as the prices come down, sometimes it is just a better decision to buy new.”
Gomez helps facilitate the recycling of older equipment by repairing and selling used, abandoned equipment to people who can’t afford to buy new. Older models are sold at reduced prices or sometimes donated outright. 
“A computer is a necessity today, so if we can provide one to someone who does not have the means otherwise, then we are happy to do it,” she said. “As a small business, we are part of this community, and when we help others in the community, it is good for all of us.”
Gomez keeps her radar on the costs of services and hardware in the industry and works hard to stay competitive. 
“We are not in this business to make as much money as possible,” she said. “We support our families with the business, but we are here to show compassion and help people.”
“We know our prices beat out the big companies,” she continued. “That might bring people through the door, but they come back because they trust the quality of our work and our commitment to do what it takes to make them happy. Honestly, many of our customers have become friends.”
As for being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Gomez said she has not had any problems with that. 
“For the most part, my male colleagues have been helpful and supportive,” she said.
Gomez shattered the digital ceiling not by hacking in but with her own style of compassionate business savvy.
Mindgames Computer Repair is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. Call 361-225-0846 for more.