Gabe Spacebar

06/02/2026

Before I continue, I'd like to share some exciting news.

My vision has always been bigger than fixing computers.

For nearly 12 years, Spacebar has called Downtown Sylvania home. During that time, I've had the privilege of serving thousands of wonderful people. Looking back, I realize that Spacebar didn't grow because I was the smartest businessman or because I had some secret formula for success.

The truth is much simpler.

People helped me.

People gave me opportunities.

People invited me into their homes and businesses.

People recommended me to their friends and family.

Some clients hired me when they genuinely needed help. Others, I suspect, invited me simply because they wanted to support a small local business owner who was trying to make it.

Many of you gave me a chance when I was just getting started.

And for that, I will always be grateful.

When I started Spacebar almost 12 years ago, I believed that if I had enough passion, worked hard, and treated people fairly, everything would work out.

And to be fair, that mindset helped.

But there was one thing I didn't fully understand.

Rent never stops increasing.

Every year, expenses rise.

Every year, the cost of doing business becomes more difficult.

And over time, I began to realize that for many small businesses, renting indefinitely becomes a losing game.

No matter how hard you work, no matter how much you save, there is always uncertainty.

Will the building be sold?

Will the rent increase?

Will the next owner have different plans?

Will the business you've spent years building still have a home five years from now?

These are questions many small business owners quietly live with every day.

As I approached my twelfth year in business, I came to a realization:

If I wanted Spacebar to continue serving this community for the next decade and beyond, I needed to think differently.

I needed to create something sustainable.

Not for profit.

Not because I wanted to become a landlord.

Not because I wanted to maximize revenue.

But because I wanted to protect what we've built together.

So when the opportunity arose to purchase the building, I took it.

I'm incredibly grateful to my previous landlord, who gave me that opportunity and worked with me in a way that made ownership possible.

Because of her generosity, and because of the support this community has shown me over the past 12 years, I am proud to say that I am now the owner of the building that Spacebar calls home.

And with that comes a responsibility.

A responsibility to give back.

A responsibility to preserve a place for local talent.

A responsibility to create opportunities for others, just as so many people created opportunities for me.

That is why I am making a commitment today.

Spacebar and Spacesicle will be open as a talent hub for our community.

If you have a talent, a skill, a passion, a craft, or a dream you'd like to share, I want you to know that you have a safe space here.

Maybe you're a painter.

Maybe you're a photographer.

Maybe you're a musician with a small band.

Maybe you're a violinist.

Maybe you're a poet who wants to read their work.

Maybe you're a mixologist who has always wanted to host a tasting event.

Maybe you're a baker who wants people to experience your creations.

Maybe you're an entrepreneur with an idea.

Maybe you're something entirely different.

I don't necessarily care what category you fit into.

I care that you're passionate about what you do.

Because that's what this community did for me.

They gave me a chance.

Now I'd like to do the same for others.

If you've ever walked past Spacebar and looked through the windows and thought:

"I wish I could do that."

"I wish I had a place to showcase my work."

"I wish there was a venue where people could experience what I create."

Then this is your invitation.

Reach out.

Show me what you're working on.

Tell me your vision.

Let's talk about how we can celebrate your work and introduce it to the community.

Whether it's art, music, poetry, mixology, performance, education, food, or something completely unique, I'd love to hear about it.

Because at the end of the day, I don't believe communities become stronger because of buildings.

I believe communities become stronger because of people.

And if owning this building allows me to help more people share their talents, then I believe it is one of the best investments I've ever made.

My door is open.

Let's create something beautiful together.

— Gabe Ng
Owner, Spacebar & Spacesicle
Downtown Sylvania

05/07/2026

A quick repair note for anyone using a 2020 Apple MacBook Air M1 — Model A2337.

Over the past couple of years, I have seen multiple MacBook Airs from this specific model come in with a very similar issue:

The laptop suddenly will not power on. No screen. No charging response. No sign of life.

In several cases, the problem appears to begin around the USB-C charging port / USB-C I/O board. This is the small internal board where the USB-C charger connects before power is passed into the main logic board.

What I am seeing on some of these units:

* Dark brown or black discoloration inside the USB-C port
* Warped or heat-stressed plastic inside the port
* Shiny/scorched-looking marks around the metal shell
* Green or white corrosion
* Debris or contamination inside the charging port
* No response even with a verified working Apple charger and USB-C cable

Why does this matter?

On the MacBook Air M1 A2337, the USB-C port is not just for accessories. It is the main power entrance into the computer. If that area becomes damaged, corroded, contaminated, or overheated, the issue may start at the charging port — but in more severe cases, the damage can travel deeper into the logic board’s power input circuit.

That is when a simple charging issue can become a much more serious logic board failure.

A few ways to help prevent this:

* Keep liquids away from the USB-C ports, even small splashes or condensation.
* Do not force the USB-C cable in if it feels tight or uneven.
* Check for lint or debris before plugging in the charger.
* Avoid cheap or questionable USB-C chargers and cables.
* If the charger gets unusually hot, stop using it.
* If the port feels loose, flickers, or only charges at certain angles, have it checked before it gets worse.
* Do not keep using a charger or cable that looks burnt, bent, melted, or discolored.

To be clear, I am not saying every 2020 MacBook Air M1 has this problem. The A2337 is still a very capable machine. But from what I have personally seen in diagnosis, this specific model has shown a repeating pattern of USB-C charging and no-power failures.

If you own a 2020 Apple MacBook Air M1, Model A2337, it may be worth taking a quick look at your USB-C ports and charger. A little prevention here can make the difference between a small repair and a very expensive one.

04/23/2026

Spring Cleaning at Home… and apparently I’ve been hoarding a small IT museum.

Some people collect memories.
I collect hard drives full of them.

After going through everything, I’ve realized I have:

• A slightly concerning number of SATA drives
• Enough RAM to question my own memory
• Random tools I don’t even remember buying
• And a box that is essentially… “mystery tech from 2012–2022”

So… it’s time.

I’m doing a garage sale at my place to clear this out.

⸻

💾 Hard drives are going up in price everywhere right now — and I’ve got a stack ready to go for way less than market.

If you’ve got:
• Old photos sitting on a dying computer
• Files you’ve been meaning to back up since 2015
• Or you just want a solid spare drive on hand

This is a great opportunity to grab one and actually secure your data properly.

⸻

🧠 For my fellow IT techs, builders, and enthusiasts:
There’s RAM, parts, cables, tools, and random gems in here that might actually make your day.

Or at least make you say:
“Wait… why do I want this? …I’ll take it.”

⸻

📩 DM me for the address if you want to swing by and take a look.

First come, first served.
No reservations. No holds. Just good old-fashioned treasure hunting.

⸻

Spring cleaning… but make it IT.

04/18/2026

We’re proud to support the people who’ve served our communities.

As a thank you, retirees, teachers, and public employees receive 15% off.

Retirees: use code RETIREE
Police, fire, postal, and public employees: use code PUBLIC
Teachers: enjoy 15% off too

Thank you for all you do. 🥰

03/21/2026

This August marks 12 years of my business in downtown Sylvania.

Over the years, I’ve tried to show up for this community in the only way I know how—by being present. Donating computers, giving away fully functional systems instead of selling them, helping people during COVID, offering free support when someone couldn’t afford it, and taking the time to sit down one-on-one just to help someone understand their technology.

I’ve also opened up my space to local artists, because I believe people deserve to be seen.

I’ve always believed that if you take care of people, that matters. That’s what community means to me.

So when someone recently asked why my business wasn’t mentioned in a local “best of,” especially when someone outside Sylvania was featured on the front page, I didn’t really know what to say.

I never built this on advertising.
I believed that if I did right by people, they would find me.

Maybe that builds trust—but not always visibility.

But even knowing that… I wouldn’t change it.

Because at the end of the day, this was never just about business for me.

I’m still here.
Still doing the work.
Still here for anyone who needs help.

And if what I’ve done has ever meant something to you—just know that means everything to me. :D

We think computers are a utility, no longer a luxury. Yet, life throws us unexpected challenges and losing connectivity is an extra downturn nobody needs. If you are in a tough financial situation and require your computer serviced, we extend the option of only paying an amount that doesn’t burden...

02/26/2026

🛠️ Calling All Tinkerers, Flippers, and DIY Tech Explorers

Over the years at Spacebar, I’ve accumulated a handful of machines that clients chose not to repair — and instead of letting them sit, I’d rather see them go to someone who can put them to good use.

Here’s what I currently have available:

• Multiple MacBook Airs (most with bad motherboards, but working displays and other usable parts)
• An iMac
• Various additional computer components and hardware

To be transparent:
Most of these units have motherboard failure. Some have other issues. A few were simply declined for repair because it wasn’t worth the cost for the owner.

That said — if you’re someone who:
✔️ Likes parting out machines
✔️ Sells components on eBay or Marketplace
✔️ Enjoys learning by taking things apart
✔️ Needs screens, housings, keyboards, fans, etc.

There is definitely value here.

As many of you know, Spacebar runs on a just-in-time model — we don’t stockpile parts. We order exactly what’s needed for each client. So when hardware stays behind, I’d rather pass it along than let it collect dust.

If you’re interested or want specifics, just text me at the shop and I’ll walk you through what’s available.

Let’s put these parts back into circulation instead of into a landfill. ♻️

02/01/2026

This is why I ask clients to text me photos the moment something goes wrong.

Not because I can save this 😂
But because I can tell you what not to do next…
like turning it back on, shaking it, or putting it in rice (please don’t).

A quick photo can stop a bad day from becoming an expensive one.
Time matters. Text first.

01/25/2026

🛎️ Friendly tech heads-up from your neighborhood computer guy

If you’ve been browsing computers lately or thinking about an upgrade, I wanted to share a quick heads-up so there are no surprises.

Right now, prices on things like RAM, SSDs, and hard drives are quietly rising. This isn’t a store-by-store issue — it’s happening across the entire tech industry.

Here’s the easy explanation:

💾 What’s going on
• AI and data centers are buying enormous amounts of memory and storage
• These parts take years (and billions of dollars) to manufacture
• Supply is tight, so prices are likely to stay elevated for a while

⏳ Timing-wise
Most indicators suggest this could last 12–24 months before things start feeling “normal” again.

💡 My honest advice if you’re shopping
If you’re planning on a new computer anyway, now can actually be a good time:
• Look for systems with larger storage already installed
• Future models may come with smaller drives or higher price tags
• Upgrading later may cost more than buying bigger up front

🧠 Why I’m sharing this
My job isn’t just fixing computers when they break — it’s helping people make smart choices before they spend money they don’t need to.

If you ever have questions about:
• Buying a computer
• Upgrading memory or storage
• Fixing something slow or broken
• Or just figuring out what’s actually worth it

📲 Text me anytime. I’m always happy to help.

👇 Quick questions for you
• Are you thinking about buying a new computer this year?
• Has your current one started feeling slow or cramped on storage?
• Are you unsure whether to upgrade or replace?

Drop a comment or send me a text — even if you’re just “thinking out loud.”
That’s what I’m here for. 👋💻

01/08/2026

Over the past few months, Spacebar has quietly hosted some of the most beautiful and engaging art shows we've had in years. Some evenings were filled with red dots and happy collectors; others brought waves of visitors who came just to admire the work — standing in front of bold, powerful pieces that sparked conversation and emotion.

What makes these moments so meaningful isn’t just the art — it’s the collaboration. It’s the connection between artist and viewer, the energy that fills the space when local creativity is given room to breathe. I consider it a real privilege to walk into SpaceBar each day and be surrounded by that kind of talent.

For over eight years now, we’ve opened our walls to local artists at no cost and without taking any commission. Whether it’s during a busy Redbird Art Walk or throughout the rest of the month, each artist has the opportunity to make the space their own, host their own opening, and let their work be seen — all while benefiting from the foot traffic and support of our growing community.

As we look ahead to the new year, I’m once again reaching out to artists in Sylvania and the surrounding area. If you're interested in showing your work at SpaceBar, I’d love to hear from you. Please send me a direct message and include a few examples of your portfolio so we can chat and see if there’s a good fit. We’re already planning into 2026, so now’s a great time to get in touch.

Thanks to everyone who continues to support the arts and believes in what we’re building here — one wall, one artist, one story at a time.

– Gabe Ng
SpaceBar | Spacesicle

01/08/2026

Lesson Learned.

Recently, I’ve found myself struggling to explain a situation with a particular client—not because the work itself was complicated, but because the dynamic was.

When I first went to this client’s home, it was clear pretty quickly that his old computer had reached the end of the road. It was outdated, incompatible with newer software, and simply couldn’t keep up anymore. We talked it through together, went online side by side, chose a brand-new computer, had it shipped directly to his home, and scheduled a time for me to come back once it arrived.

When the new computer showed up, I went back and did what I always do: set everything up in his home, transferred his information, made sure his printer was working, and confirmed he was up and running. As part of my normal process, I gave him a 30-day window to hold onto the old computer—just in case he later realized there was something else he needed. After that, I would come back, extract the hard drive if he wanted it, and recycle the machine. Clean. Simple. One-time service tied to the new system purchase.

That’s where things started to feel… different.

This client, in particular, was a little more difficult and a little more unique. There was always something just slightly off in the conversations—“Oh, but you didn’t say this,” or “What about that?” I’m not someone who enjoys confrontation, so more often than not, I’d respond with, “It’s okay, don’t worry about it,” and I’d adjust things, sometimes even discounting my time, just to keep things moving smoothly.

But then, about 30 days later—right as I was preparing to come back only to extract the hard drive—the tone changed.

Suddenly, I was told that certain things “never worked” since the day I was there. That while I was coming over for the hard drive, I should also look at other issues and resolve them. The implication was subtle, but clear: the responsibility for everything that might be wrong now was being pushed back onto me.

I don’t mind doing work.
I don’t mind fixing problems.
What I do mind is being blamed for things that were never raised at the time—and that’s exactly why I document everything and send reports.

And that’s when it really clicked for me: no matter how hard I tried to please this particular client, it felt like there was always going to be something else—another angle, another way to stretch the situation for additional benefit.

Now, I know exactly what I’m “supposed” to do as a business owner. I could tighten my policies. Add more paperwork. Require signatures. Make clients read 10 or 15 pages of terms and conditions so situations like this never happen again.

But honestly? That takes the fun out of running a business.

I don’t want to wake up every day assuming people are trying to take advantage of me. I don’t want to operate from a place of fear or defensiveness. I’m not here to win arguments. I’m not here to trap people in fine print. I’m here because I genuinely enjoy going into someone’s home and helping them have a better experience with technology.

Some people might say, “Gabe, you’re being naïve. You should protect yourself more.”
Maybe. But I also think that’s the difference between owning your own business and working for a corporation.

I’m not here to take advantage of people.
I’m also not going to rebuild my entire company around the few bad actors out there—because there will always be bad actors.

Instead of changing who I am, I’d rather reflect, learn, and decide how I respond next time. That’s the real power of owning your own business. I can make adjustments without losing my humanity. I can set boundaries without becoming someone I don’t recognize.

And that, to me, is the real lesson:
Don’t let small situations harden you into someone you never wanted to be.