Services
(An Abridged List; Please Inquire for Other Services)
TECH SUPPORT, PRIVACY & SECURITY
I get technical, so you don’t have to.
Platform/brand-independent support — You buy it, Chris supports it. If something’s not working, or you want it to work better, consider Chris your go-to “IT person”.
Hardware support — support, diagnostics, maintenance and upgrades of all types of hardware, like computers, TVs, phones, smart home devices.
Software support — support, diagnostics, maintenance and upgrades of all types of software, like operating systems, apps, programs.
Service support — support, diagnostics, maintenance and upgrades of all types of services, like websites, email, office tools, smart home tools and automation.
Privacy audit — when we don’t pay for the services we use (like social media and Google), we are the product, and our data is being sold to advertisers so they know how to best convince us to give them our money.
Security audit — nefarious actors online have never been more sophisticated, and we must be sure that our identities, financial accounts and other sensitive information remains inaccessible to others. Systems hardening ensures a higher degree of safety online.
Disaster prep/data recovery — everybody needs a backup. Industry experts recommend 2 forms of backup for your precious data so your work is not wasted. If you’ve experienced a crash, we can try to recover your data.
ORGANIZATION EDUCATION, TRAINING
Empower yourself.
Password management — do you have a book of passwords? Perhaps a million stickies? learn modern/simple password management, so you’ll only have to remember a couple of passwords instead of one for each site and service.
Calendar management — how much time do you spend managing your calendar? Is it notifying you appropriately, according to your needs, on all of your devices?
Email management — inbox running wild with unread messages? Let’s tame it with innovative and simple techniques.
Multi-device synchronization — make each device mirror each other so there is increased cohesion and ease of use.
Workspace refresh — how comfortable, calm, productive, healthy and inspiring is your workspace? Modern spaces are more flexible and modular, allowing for changes with the times and demands of each era.
File management — learn modern methods of file storage so files can be accessed anywhere and never run the risk of being lost.
App/service education/training — learn new and effective ways to use your apps, devices and services so they best serve your needs.
Leaving your organization — Thinking of becoming a freelance worker or an independent contractor? Transitioning out of your organization should be strategic so all of your necessary data is portable and accessible on your next devices.
Switching to Apple — There’s a reason why Apple devices hold their value and last longer than other brands: the user experience is unparalleled and vastly more simple. Making the switch is a lot easier than you think.
Digitizing documents, photos, music — While some things are priceless in their physical form, other things are better turned into digital. Learn ways to keep things digitally so you don’t have to devote time, energy and space to maintaining and storing them the old fashioned way.
LIFE TRANSITIONS
Make them smooth.
SIMPLIFICATION
Lighten your load.
“The more we own, the more that owns us.” Each thing, device, service, app that we own or use requires a degree of maintenance and mindfulness; this requires mental energy and time, and it quickly adds up.
Platform migration — upgrade your software, computer, devices with expert guidance and recommendations.
Ethical device decommissioning — securely wipe and sustainably dispose of your old tech, including all of those cords of mysterious origin. Chris wipes and refreshes old devices so they can be donated to good causes, helping the community and planet.
Service decommissioning — old email account(s), old websites, services — simply abandoning them increases the chances of identity theft; strategically “sunset” them instead.
Digital clutter — how are we engaging with our social media and other online communities? Are they serving our goals and needs? We can explore overlap and reduce redundancy.
Subscription management — companies the world over are banking on the fact that we forget to unsubscribe to their services; from streaming, grocery delivery, fundraisers, to unwitting social media links to bank accounts, they quickly add up and can cost us hundreds of dollars each month.
Cord-cutting — ditch that costly and clunky cable TV service for streaming content instead to streamline your media options for simplicity and bespoke options.
Reduce “technical debt” — technical debt results from hasty implementations of tech solutions; they work for now but in the long run cost us money, time, energy, frustration because they are not long-term solutions. Example: you got a new computer, and your files from your old computer are on the new one in a single folder, unorganized into the new computer’s filing system. This creates 2 filing systems that you have to navigate, taking up valuable headspace that is best left for other things.
PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTRACTION REDUCTION
Take back your focus.
Notification audit — every single app and service are competing for your precious time and money. Ensure your tech asks for your attention rather than demands it. Make the device chime, buzz, flash, light up only for important things.
Device usage analysis — use freely available mindful technology tools to track and ensure that we use the more potentially-exploitative technology safely and wisely.
Meditation and fitness — there is a whole world of great apps available to learn how to quiet the mind and to get and stay in shape; Chris has experience with many of them.
Habit tracking — track your virtues and vices and use the data to learn more about yourself to help you work towards your goals.
CARTE BLANCHE
White glove service.
Personal shopping — Chris has no brand affiliations, sponsorships, nor corporate endorsements, so you will always get honest and appropriate tech recommendations specific to your needs when we go together to the store or shop online. No need to worry about pushy salespeople with quotas and ulterior motives.
Hand-holding support — got better things to do with your time than tedious digital organizational projects, troubleshooting, installation and configuration of your tech? Now you know a guy.
Artistry in technology — care about the aesthetic of your world and want to keep it looking nicely? Making a space functional doesn’t have to mean it’s riddled with cords, electrical components and clunky pieces of tech. Let’s explore balancing form with function to create a zen-feeling space that serves your needs when you call upon the tech, and blends into the periphery when not needed.
TRANSPORT TECH
Pump pedals, reduce stress, save money.
As Chicago leads the nation in traffic congestion and more bad-air-days are likely for Chicago due to climate change, it’s never a better time to consider healthier forms of transportation, like using public transit and using smaller personal vehicles. While no form of transportation is perfect, there are a multitude of benefits to using the car less often.
Bike shopping — with nearly 20 years of experience cycling in Chicago, Chris has ridden, built, and customized a multitude of bikes for himself and he has helped dozens of people find the bike of their dreams.
Bike tailoring — every single component on a bike can be customized to better suit your style of riding and to help you to be more comfortable both on and off the saddle. This translates into a more confident cycling experience and helps you burn more calories rather than hydrocarbons, creating a healthier you and planet!
Informed route planning — discover apps that help us map our routes for a low-stress trip, whether it’s on the bike, scooter or using public transit.
Improve that older vehicle — a lot of tech exists that help to add modern features to older vehicles, like wireless music, lane keeping assist, wireless charging, camera monitoring, vehicle-tailored phone mounting.
GROUP EVENTS
Let’s share ideas together.
Seminars and public speaking — Chris has spoken at multiple technology seminars about utilizing technology for success in business, for school and in personal life.
Picture us working together…
It’s going to be great!