Daily Inspiration: Meet Douglas McMillian

Today we’d like to introduce you to Douglas McMillian.

Hi Douglas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started working on pinball machines and other coin operated machines in 2014 for an amusement company in Dayton ohio. I was hired on as a subcontractor repaint machines in the shop as well as machines out on location. In addition I was tasked with in home service calls and collecting money from machines on route. As well as repairing vending machines. While working as a repair/collections I had stated electronics training at ITt Tech to get my Associates in electronics. Completed my training in 2016 graduated with honors. By 2020 things had changed with the company I subcontracted to. We had a difference of options. I left working for them in April of 2020 and started working for myself. Where I opened up a small repair and restoration shop out of my house.
By 2021 I was doing so well, I added on to my house to have a full time shop there. That could house 6 pinballs and 3 arcades for repair or restoration. I have been doing service calls all over ohio to this day. In addition manufacturing custom parts for machines. I have a space on facebook ” Pixearcade” as well as my website WWW.Pixelarcade-repairs.com.
I have no employees its just me doing it all. And enjoying every minute of it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
First the big one, CVID-19. It made it very hard to do service calls. A lot of people were affraid to have anyone in there homes.
Next was space, I started in my garage not quite the space needed. So in 2021 I had an addition added to the house. That in its self was another big head ache. For a year in a half I had to deal with constant leaks. Because of the poor craftsmanship. Fought with the contractor in an out of court. Even with all the evidence the small business administration sided with the contractor.
Now trying to empty the shop so I can finish the finish, paint and wiring so the power can be turned on to the shop. To this date still running off of an extension cord and propane heaters in the shop.
Buying electronic parts, most of the parts I buy come form overseas. With that individual in office some times the tariffs can be unexpected.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Its a one person operation, I repair and restore pinballs and classic Arcades. From time to time I work on other coin operated machines. I do in home or business service calls. I cover most of greater Ohio.
In addition I make custom 3D printed parts or make my own molds for other parts. Aw ell as custom as hand paint custom art work on machines as needed.
I build custom arcades to order for customers to purchase.

How do you think about luck?
Being in the right place at the right time.
Finding my nitch.

Pricing:

• In shop repairs 70 per hrs +parts
• Restorations 20 per hrs + parts
• Within 50 miles 85 per hrs + part +50 trip charge
• Outside 50 miles 100 + parts +50 trip charge
• Board repairs 350.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pixelarcade-repairs.com
• Facebook: Pixel Arcade