The orchestra of modern day technology is nothing without its semiconductor. Just as a violin section must swell to create emotion within the music, groups of synchronized transistor gates must activate in tempo to form a beautiful crescendo within the circuitry. This is all made possible with the help of coveted microchips, and Senior Reece Beck understands their value.

Beck runs a business buying, repairing, and selling microchip components through different methods online.

“I buy parts that are involved in semiconductor manufacturing. Sometimes I fix them, sometimes they’re just ready to go,” Beck said.

Beck said he acquires the parts to fix and resell in a variety of different ways.

“Sometimes I’ll buy them on an auction site, sometimes from companies. For example, I knew someone working at a company that was closing down, and I was able to go purchase some of their old inventory,” Beck said.

Senior Matteo Scanu said Beck’s knowledge of tech markets, computer components, and the appropriate pricing and sales techniques allow him to sell more effectively than most people.

“I think it’s really impressive, [Beck] knows exactly what to do. He’ll see some components on eBay and just know whether or not they’re valuable,” Scanu said.

Senior McKeane McBrearty said he thinks the key to Beck’s business is its originality and the unique technical skill required.

“It really takes a certain level of know-how to sell this stuff and have it actually be lucrative, and he’s taken the time to learn it all,” McBrearty said.

Beck said he has a wide variety of buyers, some even in different continents.

“Some of my buyers are universities that do tech research, as well as companies that manufacture computer parts. A lot of the stuff I sell gets shipped to buyers in China and Taiwan,” Beck said. 

Beck said he first became interested in computer parts and technology as a whole in middle school, and has remained interested ever since.

“I’ve always loved this stuff. I started off doing little tech projects just for myself, and once I realized I could make a profit off of it, I’ve put even more time and effort in.” Beck said.

Beck said the profit incentive is part of the reason that he invests so much time into his business, but not the only one.

“I’d say it’s one of the things I’m passionate about.” Beck said.