The Digital Doctor will see you now | The Vergecast

Leo Mastrolia, known to many as the Digital Doctor, has built a thriving business around repairing gadgets and, more recently, creating engaging content about his work. What started as a leap of faith during the peak of COVID-19 has blossomed into a multi-faceted enterprise that highlights the growing demand for device repair and the power of personalized customer service.

The Unlikely Beginning of a Repair Empire

Mastrolia's journey into the repair world began at a young age. As an 18-year-old, he was working overnight shifts at Wawa and, due to his own tendency to break his phone frequently, found himself a regular at a local cell phone repair shop. He eventually asked the owner for a job, eager to learn the trade and save himself the monthly repair costs. After about a year of working there and saving diligently, Mastrolia decided to strike out on his own. College wasn't for him, and he felt a strong pull towards entrepreneurship. Spotting a vacant rental space in his town, he took a significant risk, investing every last dollar he had to open Digital Doctor Repairs.

Remarkably, this venture kicked off during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses struggled, Mastrolia recognized an opportunity. With everyone working remotely, the demand for functional phones, tablets, and computers skyrocketed. There were also limited repair options in his area, making his new shop an essential service. Initially, success wasn't immediate; it took about six months to build momentum. During this period, he continued working overnights at Wawa, directing his earnings into the business account to keep it afloat. This dedication eventually paid off, and the business has seen continuous growth year after year.