Mark Maher - Vintage tech restoration business leads to hit Youtube channel

Electrical Engineering graduate, Mark Maher progressed to a management role for ERIKS, before a stint on Channel 4's 'Mend it for Money. Mark was inspired to set up his own business repairing and restoring vintage electronics. In 2022, Mark became a Content Creator with his hit Youtube channel, 'Mend it Mark'.

I studied part-time, as I already had a job as a Project Engineer, in the Industrial Automation and Power Transmission sector. Soon after graduation, I got promoted to the position of Technical Manager – and became  responsible for a team of Project Engineers, and the technical and quality  aspects of the Power Transmission products.

As my career progressed, my focus was moved towards management, and away from engineering. However, I really had a passion for practical  hands-on electronic engineering – so I decided to set up a small ‘hobby business’, named after the village that I lived (Lazy SEO!). I invested  the profits on test equipment for several years, until I had  formed a comprehensive electronics lab. I was soon undertaking a wide range of mini projects, from sub-contract PCB design, embedded programming, testing, and a lot of repairs for the local area.

During the pandemic of 2020, I received a random email from a TV studio, inviting me to audition for a Channel 4 TV series, Mend It For Money. They needed an ‘Electronics Expert’ to restore some items, and found me on my website. I was reluctant at first, but decided to go for it. It turned out that I really enjoyed the whole experience, and learned a lot about film making. Whilst filming one of the episodes, I had my first encounter with a successful YouTuber (Nick Zammeti), and was very surprised to learn of his lifestyle – basically getting paid a lot, for filming your hobby! However, at this point – I was focussed on making the TV series.

The TV series aired early 2021, however it didn’t get commissioned for a second series. So inspired by the success of Nick Zammeti, I uploaded the first video on my ‘Mend It Mark’ YouTube channel. I had no idea if it would be a success – but within 3 years, I was able to quit my day job!

It really has to be some of the lecturers, and the labs. I really enjoyed the lectures that were delivered in a really engaging and enjoyable way – some of the lecturers had a talent for making it fun. I have fond memories of Embedded Software, and Digital Communications modules – they were fascinating subjects – not so much for the maths – that got rather tricky at times.

The Electronics Engineering course provided a wide range of know-how, from analogue circuits, embedded software, to radio frequency digital communication. There was even a module covering law! This proved very useful throughout my career, being able to understand many differing technical issues, and navigate the murky world of EU Directives for products being placed on the market.

As a YouTuber, the EE degree allows me to make commentary about repairs I am making at really detailed levels when required. It certainly gives me confidence to tackle items that I have no experience of – nothing is that complicated after you take it apart.

Engineering has to be the most rewarding form of creativity. As an engineer, you get to solve problems, an  invent new things,  that could change, or save  the world. All of the cool stuff was made by Engineers!

There is a shortage of Engineers in this country, and Engineers are needed more now, than ever. Engineers are the most useful people: practical, versatile, and smart. Engineers will always have a job. A shortage of anything, makes it expensive. That will be reflected in your salaries! I have enjoyed a very comfortable career in Engineering, and the job was always finding out, and exploring, any topic. You will never stop learning! And being able to develop and provide answers is extremely satisfying!