Who We Are
Free Geek Twin Cities is dedicated to digital inclusion, reuse, and responsible recycling. We accomplish this by providing affordable electronics, offering education and experience, and repurposing technology.
OUR MISSION
Free Geek Twin Cities is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to sustainably reuse technology, enable digital access, and provide education to create a community that empowers people to realize their potential.
The Digital Divide and e-Waste are two issues that can result from progression in the fields of science and technology. At Free Geek, we aim to combat these issues by pointing them at one another!
WHAT IS FREE GEEK TWIN CITIES?
The Digital Divide and Education
There are still many people in our community that do not have access to computers and the Internet, or do not possess the skills to adequately leverage these technologies. There are many reasons for this gap in our population, but one of our main goals is alleviate this problem through work and education. Volunteers work in programs where they gain skills on how to use, build, and understand computers.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, our community generates increasing amounts of electronic waste. At Free Geek Twin Cities, we accept this e-waste with the primary goal of giving it a second life through reuse and refurbishment. When reuse isn’t possible, we ensure that all remaining materials are recycled responsibly—with a strong commitment to both environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Electronic Waste and Reuse
History
Free Geek Twin Cities (FGTC) is inspired by the original Free Geek Portland, founded in 1999 to tackle the growing e-waste problem. While Free Geek Portland has grown into a massive operation, Free Geek Twin Cities is still relatively young. Free Geek Twin Cities has been founded in 2010.
There are a few Free Geeks across the country, but all operate independently of one another.
We’ve been all over south Minneapolis, from all sorts of buildings (including a firehouse!) to our current location in Seward next to Memory Lanes.
In 2020, we redesigned our thrift store. We are grateful for the continued support of computer geeks close and far, and excited for the road ahead!
For more videos about FGTC click here
Meet the Team
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I began volunteering at Free Geek around 2015, discovering it while searching for a power supply for my dad’s computer. I love my job and can’t wait to see what fun items come through the door—from a working PC inside a convection oven to vintage cash registers running DOOM! Outside of Free Geek, I’m a proud cat dad to two wonderful cats, Kramer and Zalmuna, who sometimes take a stroll across my keyboard while I’m working. I also hoard CDs, with a collection totaling over 500GB.
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I first tagged along to Free Geek with a good friend of mine who likes to tinker, but I didn't actively shop here myself until I rediscovered my love of photography and started digging through the bins of used cameras. I stopped finding fresh camera stock after a while, and when I found out they didn't have a dedicated person on the team to handle that stuff, I volunteered. After a few months of coming in once or twice a week, the job in the store opened up, and I pounced.
Obviously, I like getting to play with cameras and draw a regular paycheck, but that's not enough for me to love this place the way I do. Free Geek is really special because it attracts all kinds of enthusiastic nerds who just make it a fun place to be, and I've found I love helping people in the store, especially if they're unfamiliar with technology. It's meaningful and never dull. I learn new things every single day I come in, and I've made real friends here. I even have my own volunteer now!
I'm originally from Memphis, TN. I came to Minneapolis to attend MCAD, where I majored in Comic Art. So yeah, I'm a published cartoonist and illustrator. If you'd like to see samples of my work, you can view my portfolio at https://diananock.artstation.com/
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Charles is a key teammate in the facilitating and processing donations from the community.
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Everyone online knows me as Mr.Mind. I am the creator of the retro category and the unofficial “Retro King” of Free Geek. I found Free Geek while looking for retro parts, and I was enchanted by the idea of saving old computers while building a retro community. I started the retro room so volunteers can experience the history of computers and bring back the childhood joy of experimenting with “new” old tech at the same time.
Some fun facts about me are: I have a pet cat named Julie, I love dancing, trying new foods and going on hikes.
Outside of Free Geek, I do a range of academic things. I’ve been part of a panel of experts at a conference hosted by the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and part of another panel of experts at a conference hosted by Women’s Wear Daily. I am also the author of The Economics of Online Gaming: A Player’s Introduction to Economic Thinking, a book about using a video game to make economics more exciting and easier to understand. I used to travel – I’ve been to all 50 states – but now I spend more time at home with my wife and son.
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I found Free Geek through a friend! I love Free Geek’s mission and goals. I’m glad to be able to help the environment and the community. It’s also pretty fun to see fun stuff come in all the time.
My favorite hobbies at the moment include anything audio/music related, cars, video games, and spending time with friends, family, and my dogo’s.
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I found out about this place online while applying for jobs and thought it seemed like a cool place. I like how comfortable and easy-going the work environment is. It’s vastly different from corporate stuff - in a good way! A fun fact about me is that I am left-handed. In my free time, I like to read books, mostly thrillers.
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Roman supports the store’s operations on Sundays.
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Wes is a long - tenured member of Free Geek who leads the volunteer recycling efforts.
Meet the Board
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I found out about Free Geek when I was looking for volunteer opportunities that I could do with my teenage children. They were both very interested in technology so this seemed like a great fit.
I love Free Geek because they are helpful to so many different people in different ways. If you cannot afford technology that is necessary today, they can help. If you want to find something unique, they receive unique donations every week that will be process and put in the thrift store. There are so many different volunteer opportunities that you can learn something new each time you come.
In my day job, I am an audit partner with KPMG LLP. I try to use the skills that I have learned at KPMG to always look for ways to make Free Geek even better.
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My connection to Free Geek Twin Cities was created serendipitously through the most perfect alignment of stars in my personal life and career.
I’m a 22 year career technology nerd with an intense passion for IT Asset Management - the world in which IT hardware and software are nurtured and cared for from cradle to grave.
I strive to focus every aspect of my personal life and career on minimizing waste and encouraging reuse. I am an outdoor enthusiast adventurer, traveler, weight lifter, mountain biker, hiker, gardener, baker, avid reader, and hockey mom of one.
Join The Board
We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Directors. As a board member, you will play a crucial role inguiding the strategic direction of Free Geek Twin Cities, ensuring the organization achieves its mission and goals. We are committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We believe that a variety of perspectives and lived experiences enriches our work and strengthens our mission. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.