15-Year-Old Valrico Entrepreneur Helps Residents Get Connected

For the past two years, he's run a successful computer consulting business in which he teaches novices the basics of operating a computer, using email and navigating the Internet.

Yet, the owner of Tech Bytes isn't even old enough to drive a car.

Corey Cannon of Valrico is a 15-year-old sophomore at .

He started his business at the age of 13 while attending Nativity Catholic School and currently has so many clients, he's had to create a waiting list.

"I started the business after I saw my grandparents struggling on the computer," said Cannon, an admitted computer geek. "They didn't know where to start, so I sat down with them and began showing them what to do. Now they're using iPhones and Hotmail as if they've been doing it all their lives."

His experience with his grandparents sparked the idea of teaching other senior citizens the ins and outs of computers.

"I thought if there was a need for my grandparents, there might be a need in society," he said. "My idea was to provide them with the resources that would help them use computers."

As expected, Cannon found there was a demand for the service he offered.

"There are a lot of seniors who would love to email messages and photos to family members and surf the Internet but they don't know where to begin," said Cannon. "I began going into retirement centers, like Hawthorne Village and The Bridges, and teaching them."

Cannon discovered that many seniors are intimidated by new technology. At the same time, computers, he said, have the ability to make their lives easier by connecting them with family, enabling them to shop without leaving home and manage their finances online.

"But even the Desktop can be overwhelming to someone who isn't familiar with computers," said Cannon. "I teach them all aspects of the desktop such as how to use the task bar, side bar and recycle bin — and to retrieve something from the recycle bin that you accidentally threw away."

He's written his own easy-to-use instruction manual that includes screen shots of the computer to make it easy to follow.

"I go over all the basics, from the screen saver to adjusting the date and time to creating new folders," said Cannon. "I teach them how to use a mouse or track pad, something many seniors struggle with navigating. And I show them the different operating systems."

In addition, he reviews computer safety tips including how to detect viruses and how to protect yourself from personal identify theft.

"It's neat to see the transformation from being not confident with the computer to gaining a certain amount of knowledge," he said.

While he started out teaching group classes, he discovered that his clients preferred one-on-one instruction, so Cannon began offering his services to the public at large.

An honor student, Cannon reserves Sundays for Tech Byte, often riding his bicycle to clients' homes.

"I found there's not a lot of people that offer this service around here so I'm in demand," said Cannon, who has his certification in Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver and also assists small businesses in setting up websites.

In addition, for $60, he will help clients purchase a computer, set it up and program it.

"I always recommend a laptop so the client can be mobile and travel with it," said Cannon.

Whenever a potential client contacts him, Cannon is quick to disclose his age. 

"I provide a level of professionalism so most people don't realize how old I am until I tell them," he said. "But some people may not want a 15-year-old teaching them."

However, Cannon does offer clients a money-back guarantee. "And, so far, no one's asked for a refund," he said. "My age has never been an issue. My clients are generally happy with the service and learn something new."

He charges $20 for an hour or $35 for two hours.

To contact Cannon, call 813-480-0545 or email techbytes@gmail.com.

To learn more about Tech Bytes, visit the business' website.