DE RE PODCAST

Boris Blijham

PODCAST

Episode 99

Summary

In this episode of the RE Podcast, we speak with Boris Blijham, founder of The Phone Lab. What started as a single repair shop has grown into a chain of 19 stores, expanded with refurbished sales, an accessories webshop, and international ambitions. We discuss repair as a scalable business model, building trust in refurbished electronics, and how circular entrepreneurship can compete in a market focused on constantly buying new products.
“The most sustainable phone is the one already in your pocket. Repair shouldn’t feel like an alternative, it should be the standard." - Boris Blijham, The Phone Lab @ReTheAgency

Summary

In this episode of the RE Podcast, we speak with Boris Blijham, founder of The Phone Lab. What started as a single repair shop has grown into a chain of 19 stores, expanded with refurbished sales, an accessories webshop, and international ambitions. We discuss repair as a scalable business model, building trust in refurbished electronics, and how circular entrepreneurship can compete in a market focused on constantly buying new products.

About

Boris Blijham is the founder of ThePhoneLab, a Dutch repair company focused on extending the lifespan of smartphones, tablets, and other electronics through repair, refurbishment, and circular services. What started as a small repair concept grew into one of the Netherlands’ leading independent repair chains, known for combining fast service, transparency, and sustainability.

Driven by the belief that devices should last longer instead of being replaced, Boris built ThePhoneLab into a growing network of stores with ambitions beyond the Netherlands. Alongside repairs, the company expanded into refurbished devices, accessories, and partnerships focused on reducing e-waste and making circular electronics more accessible to consumers.

About

Boris Blijham is the founder of ThePhoneLab, a Dutch repair company focused on extending the lifespan of smartphones, tablets, and other electronics through repair, refurbishment, and circular services. What started as a small repair concept grew into one of the Netherlands’ leading independent repair chains, known for combining fast service, transparency, and sustainability.

Driven by the belief that devices should last longer instead of being replaced, Boris built ThePhoneLab into a growing network of stores with ambitions beyond the Netherlands. Alongside repairs, the company expanded into refurbished devices, accessories, and partnerships focused on reducing e-waste and making circular electronics more accessible to consumers.

Summary

In this episode of the RE Podcast, we speak with Boris Blijham, founder of The Phone Lab. What started as a single repair shop has grown into a chain of 19 stores, expanded with refurbished sales, an accessories webshop, and international ambitions. We discuss repair as a scalable business model, building trust in refurbished electronics, and how circular entrepreneurship can compete in a market focused on constantly buying new products.