John Maikell

Background

About John Maikell

I was just seven years old when my uncle told me, “John, always stand up to greet and shake someone’s hand.” With that advice my professional journey took its first step, and in such a small movement, I internalized an entire philosophy: learn from my mentors. Understand the intent of an action and take the risk. Perform the dance of engagement and refine it. Share the experience. My name is John Maikell, and I am an original founder and former owner-operator of Wisp, a personal electronics repair shop. Wisp offers repairs for personal devices such as smart phones, PCs, laptops, video game consoles (and just about any device with a power button). As an operator, I brought to Wisp ten years of electronics repair experience, having diagnosed and repaired professionally over twenty-thousand devices. Under my leadership, the staff at Wisp translated the technical into the usual for B2C, B2B, and B2G clients by clarifying jargon and device-specific problems with testable data and accessible communication. Free diagnostics allowed us to empower our clients with the knowledge about whether to repair or replace their devices. This free service was crucial in developing the trust of our community. However, clients then knew they could come to open arms at Wisp for any of their technical woes. The financial result was double-digit percentage growth year-over-year and millions in revenue generated. Finally, the staff at Wisp implemented finesse: the careful and intuited understanding of the difference between what a client is asking for and discovering what they truly need to best meet their technology goals. Finesse also translated to the details of our repairs, down to the tactile feel of a button press, ensuring just the right “clickety-clack.” The world-class experiences provided to clients and employees alike were possible through my experimental and systemic approaches to business: a balanced use of communication, processes, training, coaching, risk-taking, debriefing, and delegation. Add to that my direct involvement with supply chain partners, marketing partners, business networking members, and community contacts, it's no wonder why in just five years Wisp became one of the most highly rated, trusted, and reviewed repair companies and businesses in the Greater New Orleans area. Scholar in 2019 Spring Semester Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business program.(cohort 22)