FixEm Appliance Repair

Natan Framowitz: Unlocking Potential

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

OAKLAND — Natan Framowitz might never have known he had a talent for appliance repair were it not for the encouragement of a close friend. “Around 2014, my longtime friend, Mo, started doing appliance repairs and convinced me that I should join him in the field,” he recounts. “I was hesitant at first—the idea of people relying on me to fix their appliances was a bit intimidating. But soon after I started, I realized I had a knack for it. I found I was able to fix things that other technicians couldn’t, and it basically became second nature.”

In 2018, after three years working together at the same company, Natan and Mo decided to team up and start their own appliance repair business. Today, as co-owner of FixEm Appliance Repair, Natan says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “Doing service calls gives me the opportunity to meet a lot more people than I would otherwise. Even though I’m only there for an hour or so, I enjoy talking with customers and making those small connections.”

A resident of Oakland, Natan spends the bulk of his time outside of work on creative pursuits. “My main hobby is making music,” he details. “That’s how I relax—whenever I’m stressed, I just grab my guitar and start playing, and the whole world gets erased. I’m also in the midst of building my own acoustic guitar.”

In his life and career, Natan espouses the value of believing in one’s self. “Never give up on your goals—believe in yourself and you’ll get there,” he says. “Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll succeed, don’t be afraid to try. As I mentioned earlier, I was hesitant about doing appliance repair, but I didn’t let my doubts stop me. Because of that, I ended up unlocking potential I didn’t even know I had. So, don’t be afraid to take that first step. You never know what hidden talents you may discover.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Natan says he’d spend more time making music. “I’d probably build a little home recording studio where I could chill out and pass the time exploring music.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could immediately master any musical instrument, what would you choose?

A: The bagpipes.

Q: What kinds of music do you like?

A: I mainly enjoy rock and heavy metal, but lately I’ve really been getting into jazz.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?

A: Before I started doing appliance repair, I was more of a night owl, but I’ve since become an early bird out of necessity.

Q: What’s your favorite dessert?

A: Vanilla ice cream.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?

A: I would go back to a time before cellphones and social media, when people had more palpable connections with each other.