We were lucky to catch up with TORRENCE MACK recently and have shared our conversation below.
TORRENCE, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Fortuitously, a transformative encounter occurred at a Best Buy store. A senior citizen was struggling with her smartphone, and I volunteered to assist her. Spending about 30 minutes helping her, left a lasting impact on both of us. She suggested that I should consider helping seniors with technology as a profession. This simple suggestion sparked an idea and set me on a new mission.
Driven by this newfound purpose, I embarked on extensive research into teaching technology to seniors. Surprisingly, there was limited availability of such services, given the sizable population of seniors in Florida. Some individuals offered one-on-one training, while non-profit organizations survived on grants. Sensing an opportunity, I decided to place an ad in the Palm Beach Post to gauge interest.
Although the response to my ad was modest, it was enough to start my journey. My first two students not only became valuable clients but also close friends. Recognizing the need to expand my reach and increase my impact, I hired one of my students part-time to assist with booking classes.
As I gained momentum, we organized our first class, which attracted an impressive turnout of 100 attendees. However, due to a lack of knowledge on how to charge for our services, the class was conducted for free. It was during this event that an employee from a Medicare advantage company approached me with an intriguing proposition: sponsorship opportunities for them to speak about their services before our classes.
With this endorsement and support, my business, TDM TECH, began its ascent. Starting in Florida, TDM TECH gradually expanded our operations, venturing into 35 counties across the state. The success of our approach led to the introduction of classes in Louisiana, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Moreover, our commitment to inclusivity is evident as I employ trainers fluent in English, Spanish, and French (Creole).
Looking forward, I have ambitious plans for growth. By the end of the year, TDM TECH aims to establish a presence in Georgia, Texas, and Virginia. The journey has not been without its challenges, and I continue to face difficulties along the way. However, my unwavering passion and relentless drive serve as the driving force behind my vision of making TDM TECH a resounding success.
As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but appreciate the transformative power of a single moment—a chance encounter at a Best Buy that forever changed the course of my life. Through my dedication to helping seniors embrace and navigate technology, I am not only empowering individuals but also leaving an indelible mark on their lives
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a young man with a natural affinity for technology, I had already developed a strong connection to the tech space. My experience started with tinkering with computers and providing tech support to friends, then graduated to assisting people with their technological needs, regardless of age or background. In 2017, I took a significant step by registering for a CCNA certification course in Maryland and working on a government contract in the IT department of NIH.
During my tenure, I experienced a mix of rewarding and monotonous moments. It was in this period that I had a realization: being a network administrator or working in a traditional IT department wasn’t the path I wanted to pursue. Unsure of what the future held, I returned to South Florida halfway through 2017.
TDM TECH is a technology education company that specializes in teaching seniors how to confidently use and navigate modern technology. Our primary product is a series of interactive classes and workshops designed to empower seniors with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace and enjoy the benefits of technology in their daily lives. The classes are typically sponsored by medicare advantage companies.
Our target market is seniors aged 60 and above, who may have limited or no prior experience with technology. Many of our customers may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the rapid advancements in digital devices and online platforms. Our service provides them with a safe and supportive learning environment, where they can gain practical skills and develop confidence in using smartphones, tablets, computers, and various software applications.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Fortuitously, a transformative encounter occurred at a Best Buy store. A senior citizen was struggling with her smartphone, and I volunteered to assist her. Spending about 30 minutes helping her, left a lasting impact on both of us. She suggested that I should consider helping seniors with technology as a profession. This simple suggestion sparked an idea and set me on a new mission.
Driven by this newfound purpose, I embarked on extensive research into teaching technology to seniors. Surprisingly, there was limited availability of such services, given the sizable population of seniors in Florida. Some individuals offered one-on-one training, while non-profit organizations survived on grants. Sensing an opportunity, I decided to place an ad in the Palm Beach Post to gauge interest.
Although the response to my ad was modest, it was enough to start my journey. My first two students not only became valuable clients but also close friends. Recognizing the need to expand my reach and increase my impact, I hired one of my students part-time to assist with booking classes.
As I gained momentum, we organized our first class, which attracted an impressive turnout of 100 attendees. However, due to a lack of knowledge on how to charge for our services, the class was conducted for free. It was during this event that an employee from a Medicare advantage company approached me with an intriguing proposition: sponsorship opportunities for them to speak about their services before our classes.
Expanding into other states signified a key milestone for TDM Tech.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Raising initial capital for my business involved mostly bootstrapping. Funding from banks was literally impossible due to the fact it was a new business with no track record.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tdmtechpc.com
- Instagram: @tdmtechpc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tdmtechpc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmacktdmtechpc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tdmtechpc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@torrencemack1379