Oregon Techie Trades Code for Compassion, Launches Senior Tech Support Service

In a career pivot driven by purpose, a former Portland software engineer has left the high-stakes tech industry to launch a personal service dedicated to helping Oregon seniors navigate the digital world. What started as informal help for neighbors has blossomed into a full-time mission to bridge the generational tech gap.

“I was writing code for apps that people might scroll past in 30 seconds, but I saw a real, tangible need right here in our community,” the founder explained, preferring to keep the focus on the service. “Helping someone recover a lifetime of photos from a locked device or securely access their bank account online—that has an immediate, profound impact on their independence and well-being.”

The service, which operates on a house-call basis throughout the Willamette Valley, tackles the everyday digital hurdles that can isolate older adults. Common requests include setting up telehealth appointments, managing smartphone contacts and photos, avoiding online scams, and using streaming services to stay connected with family.

This trend reflects a growing need across Oregon, where organizations like the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments have also highlighted digital literacy as a key to aging in place. Unlike large corporate help desks, this personalized approach offers patience and clear, jargon-free instruction tailored to individual comfort levels.

“It’s not about the technology itself, it’s about what the technology enables,” the founder noted. “Whether it’s seeing grandkids in Bend over video chat or ordering groceries online in Eugene, my goal is to make these tools accessible and less intimidating for Oregon’s senior population.”