When Michael Sawyer recently set up shop in Lutz, he brought together three businesses offering a broad array of computer services.
The storefront at 18125 N. US 41, Suite 101, is the new home for Aware Media, TechGuyToGo and Tampa Technology Training.
Aware Media Marketing focuses on design work, ranging from business cards to website design. Sawyer had that business before he opened his new storefront.
He added TechGuyToGo to bring consumers into the shop for computer repairs, as well as repairs to the screens on their hand-held devices and computers. Sawyer also offers business services and technical training.
He launched Tampa Technology Training to provide courses for those wanting to improve their computer skills. Sawyer wants to share his knowledge with students, whether they are seeking a job, want to handle new responsibilities, or are interested in engaging in creative pursuits.
A part-time teacher at Hillsborough Community College, Sawyer said he’s excited about launching his training center because he wants to create an educational environment he believes will help students thrive.
“This is a small class. I have eight seats,” said Sawyer, who also previously taught at Aparicio-Levy Technical Center in Hillsborough County. “I might go to 10 eventually, but at the end of the day, it’s going to be a small-class environment. I just think the dynamics of the whole class changes, when you have that small classroom size.”
Personal interaction is helpful in computer courses because students arriving at class often come with wide-ranging levels of experience, he said.
“You have people who think they know, and they don’t. And, you have people who have no clue,” Sawyer said.
When people lack experience, they tend to be tentative, Sawyer said.
“You have to break down some of that intimidation. You have to make sure there are some steps for people to follow,” he said.
Small classes encourage greater collaboration in the learning process, Sawyer said.
“I think it makes people feel more comfortable because they’re not afraid about asking a question because they’re not holding up 29 people,” Sawyer said.
He plans to offer a wide array of courses, including those for people who want to get a better job, but may not be so strong with their computer skills. Sawyer will also offer classes for those looking to get into Web design.
He also plans to provide corporate training classes, as well as classes focused on desktop publishing. Training will be geared toward preparing students to obtain certification.
Because it is his own business, Sawyer said he is able to offer classes when he wants, usually around his HCC teaching schedule. However, he is planning to survey students to find out when they would like classes to be offered.
Sawyer moved to Lutz about a year and a half ago because he was attracted by the community’s natural beauty and quiet nature, he said. He chose to locate his storefront on US 41 because the busy highway that bisects the community brings thousands of cars past his business each day.
The location is also about midway between computer repair shops to the north and south, Sawyer said.
To learn more about Mike Sawyer’s businesses, visit:
