At AISIG RESTORE, we believe that access to a reliable computer is a fundamental necessity for education, employment, and staying connected in the modern world. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide in East Multnomah County and Gresham by transforming retired electronics into high-functioning tools for those who need them most.
AISIG RESTORE is led by Joseph Brokenbourgh, a disabled Air Force veteran and lifelong electronics enthusiast who built his first computer at the age of 13. With 40 years of applied experience across IT, hardware repair, soldering, and networking, Joe brings professional-grade technical proficiency to every project. After a career spent in various IT and hands-on tech support fields, AISIG RESTORE represents the culmination of that expertise—repurposed to serve the community.
Currently, AISIG RESTORE is a solo operation conducted in Joe’s spare time. Driven by a passion for "up-cycling" and a desire to help his neighbors, Joe personally handles the intake, data sanitization, repair, and distribution of every unit. We operate primarily on personal resources, donated hardware, and sweat equity. We provide functional laptops and desktops to individuals and students who cannot afford them, tailoring each gift to the specific needs of the recipient.
Our goal is to keep technology out of landfills. We prioritize obtaining donated or inexpensive tools and hardware to reduce waste, and we are committed to reusing every possible component. For materials we cannot personally refurbish, we aim to partner with specialized recyclers to ensure that batteries, plastics, and metals are handled responsibly. While we are still growing, our vision is to squeeze every bit of utility out of existing hardware to protect our environment while empowering our community.
AISIG RESTORE is an Oregon Public Benefit Nonprofit Corporation and are preparing to apply for 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status.
While AISIG RESTORE is a professional pursuit, it is deeply rooted in my personal life here in the Pacific Northwest.
As a 100% Disabled Air Force Veteran, my transition back to civilian life was guided by the two things that have always kept me grounded: my family and my workbench. I’ve been fascinated by how things work since I was a kid, and that curiosity turned into a 40-year journey through electronics repair, complex networking, and high-end computing. Today, when I’m not under the hood of my 2002 Silverado or managing my home lab, I’m usually at my soldering station, breathing new life into a laptop that someone else gave up on.
I don’t do this alone. My work is supported by my incredible wife and son, who share the vision of a more connected and sustainable community. Our home in the Gresham area is a lively one—we share our space with five rescue dogs who serve as my unofficial "shop supervisors." They keep the energy high and remind me every day of the importance of taking care of those who need a helping hand.
For me, "restoring" isn't just about hardware; it's about opportunity. I know firsthand the value of having the right tools for the job. By utilizing open-source software like Linux and my expertise in component-level repair, I can turn "e-waste" into a lifeline for a student or a neighbor.
This isn't a business—it’s a way to give back to the country and the community I love, one circuit board at a time.