'We can do this': Three women become local business owners in male-dominated tech industry

OAK CREEK (CBS 58) -- Technology is everywhere, and it motivated three local women to start a new venture.

Meet Katie Ryan Pluer, Kristen Pfeifer and Shannon Lopez.

“Between us we have 11 kids. Our kids have multiple devices," said Pluer.

Pluer is a former full-time marketing director.

She and her sister Kristen had no background in tech repair.

But Shannon – who co-owns local salons – knew about small business.

Together, they decided to join the uBreakiFix franchise.

“And we just took the leap and went down to their headquarters in Orlando and we heard their pitch – and we’re like, we can do this," said Pluer, who is CEO of their four stores.

The women currently own locations in Greenfield, Oak Creek, Milwaukee and Kenosha.

Lopez is chief financial officer.

uBreakiFix has 17 women owners in the company, and 42 total women-owned franchises in the country.

“I just remember being really impressed with just the whole concept. I also felt that it would be a recession-proof industry," said Lopez.

As COO, Kristen manages all four stores and oversees their new remote repair team.

“That really, truly, launched for us this month and it is going really good," she said.

The women say passion, research, the right team and support have been key to their success.

“If you don’t know where to start, I think a great place to start is trying to find volunteer work on boards because you tend to meet other women who have experience in the business world," said Pluer.

The team plans to open up a fifth store in Racine later this year.