Article by Elaine Ingalls

Santa Cruz Works will host a webinar with local tech store owner Filip Iliescu to demonstrate how to run online events. 

Iliescu owns Santa Cruz Tech Exchange at 1715 Mission St. in Santa Cruz. The store sells new and used computers, DJ gear, music equipment and professional audio. It also provides repair services for these electronics, as well as rentals for DJ equipment and professional audio. 

Iliescu, a 44-year-old Santa Cruz resident, has lived in the area for more than 20 years. He opened Santa Cruz Tech Exchange in October and has two full-time staff and one part time. He is working with the Sacramento Tech Exchange stores. 

Iliescu’s experience in tech spans many years. He previously worked at Apple as a software engineer and evangelist, as an engineer and manager at Unity Technologies and as an engineer at spatial computing company Magic Leap. He also has experience in DJing for events, parties and productions. Combining both tech and DJ experience, the Tech Exchange is the first tech job Iliescu is not commuting to Silicon Valley for. 

“I created this business because I became a single dad,” Iliescu said. He has a 7-year-old named Jack. He wanted to work where they lived and not commute to Silicon Valley as he had for previous tech jobs. 

“I had to support my kid somehow and it really pushed me to start a business here...I just had to stay here because I had to make sure I gave my son a consistent life,” Iliescu said. 

In March, Iliescu started the Santa Cruz Tech Kids Computer Donation Program. His goal is to donate 100 computers to local elementary through high school students who do not have access to a computer during the coronavirus pandemic. For every $200 raised, the Tech Exchange will donate one computer to a child in need. So far, Iliescu has donated four computers. Community members can donate funds at gofundme.com and can also donate computer equipment or sign their children up for the program at santacruztechexchange.com. 

Iliescu has also started recording tutorials on coding, DJing, computer programming and more for consumers to use online. 

“My vision for this place really was to build a community, the Tech Exchange as an exchange of product but also an exchange of information,” Iliescu said. “Bringing emerging technology and music technology to the community in a cost-effective way and allowing folks to recycle their old tech for new tech.”

Iliescu will present at Santa Cruz Works’ Live Streaming Clinic from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 24. He will explain the equipment consumers need to operate high-quality virtual conferences, musical performances, class activities and other virtual events.  Register for the clinic at: Live Streaming Clinic

Iliescu previously hosted the Virtual Networking Hour during Santa Cruz Works’ fourth annual Get Hired & UCSC Idea Hub June 3. And don’t miss him on June 17 for Virtual Happy Hour.

Santa Cruz Tech Exchange is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Products are available for in-store pickup and customers can also shop in the store.  Information: visit santacruztechexchange.com or call 831-600-8915.