First impression of Jennifer Cairns is a woman who is a dynamo full of laughter, enthusiasm, and steady patience. She loves people and she receives tremendous enjoyment from teaching her clients in the use of technology to better their lives.
Her first steps towards the successful entrepreneur she is today started by learning the value of work hard at the age of 15 when she was discovered on the streets of Toronto by a modeling agency. Jennifer attributes the first stirrings of her entrepreneurial spirit to her modeling work.
"As a model, I worked for Canadian magazines such as Flare, Chatelaine and covers for Wedding Bells," says Cairns. "I was shipped off to Milan, Italy at 17 to model for a variety of European magazines and fashion houses."
In the years following, she pursued a variety of endeavours. She became interested in the hospitality industry and enrolled in Hotel Management. She married, bore and raised a child. She contributed her expertise and enthusiasm to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
"What finally led me to teaching," she laughs? "I was working closely with a web developer and I found myself conveying his technical jargon into laymen's terms for the client. This resonated with me and got me thinking that I would make an excellent teacher."
Her parents and their friends certainly agreed. Jennifer started to help them navigate and integrate technology into their lives in order to allow them to use it to their advantage. The realization of the impact she was making in senior's lives, combined with her entrepreneurial know how led her to start Computer Tutor For Seniors.
"And then I spent seven years working daily with people who have all types of learning styles. That allowed me to create teaching techniques that are successful with the senior demographic. Our work together daily reinforced my conviction that technology can help seniors maintain their independence and stay connected with families."
As technology changed, so did Jennifer's business model. As tablets, smartphones and eReaders began to change the way we communicate and do business, a greater number of young men and women started asking her for instruction and help. No longer was she providing computer instruction alone.
That led Jennifer to launch eGurus Technology Tutors.
"We now provide technology training on all devices to the consumer," says Cairns. "And, we're looking for quality people to join our team. We have an out of the box, technology tutoring business and management system ready to go for like-minded entrepreneurs to become an eGuru instructor themselves.
Other Accomplishments:
A mother of two that believes life needs to be filled with love, laughter, learning and FUN!!!
As someone that has spent over 25 years working with special needs students and technology, patience and a philosophy of “True learning doesn’t take place until you make a mistake”, offers those I work with a level of comfort, security and a relaxed atmosphere to learn. Teaching technology offers me the ability to pass on what I am passionate about and to help to make someone’s life easier and even more connected.
As a Microsoft Certified Professional and student from the UVIC Applied Management of Information Technology program (AMIT), I have worked with a variety of technology and different types of software in both the PC and Apple world. I love to truly “listen” to my students and clients, because many times what they have to offer is just as important if not more important than what I have to teach. It is not just about teaching, but more importantly it is about life! With a background in Musical Theatre and a joy of hitting the open road with my children, it is not uncommon to hear laughter being incorporated into many of my sessions.
If you want someone that is patient, fun, knowledgeable and passionate then I am the eGuru for you!
Terry loves introducing people to new technology — especially if they are new to it! He considers his biggest strength as a teacher to be his ability to explain and simplify technology in order to make it easy to understand. His hobbies include coin collecting, music, and creative writing. The coolest technological innovation that Terry has recently come across is the self-driving car, and he’s excited to see where the concept goes.
Alex considers his biggest strength as a teacher to be his patience. He enjoys genuinely interacting with his clients, and is excited when he’s able to help clients overcome their tech frustrations. Alex is an animal lover and a tech-enthusiast, who loves to keep up to date on all of the latest gadgets. He has always been fascinated by technology, and is constantly amazed by the advancements that are constantly being made. He can’t wait to see what comes next!
Shahiroz loves meeting new people and is passionate about helping her clients use technology to better their lives. She has had a keen interest in technology since she was sixteen, and has been working the tech field for many years. In fact, she was awarded ‘Manager of the Year’ during her time managing a tech department at a major retailer. Shahiroz likes to sing, and enjoys yoga and spending time in nature. She’s also an avid reader — her most used app is iBooks!
Chris loves making technology and learning enjoyable rather than tedious. He likes to problem solve, meet new people, and build trusting, long-lasting relationships with his clients. Chris’ vices include dark chocolate and espresso, and he enjoys spending time outside hiking or in the garden. He brings patience and experience to the job and loves doing it!
Les’ favourite thing about his job with eGurus is meeting his neighbours as he’s helping them out with their technology. He loves seeing his clients become confident and comfortable with technology. In his spare time, Les enjoys reading, hiking, and biking, and has a soft spot for cats. He is excited by the fact that technology is constantly changing and evolving, and is always up for the challenge!
Steve is passionate about making his passion - technology - accessible and enjoyable for everyone. His hobbies include music, and in particular collecting vinyl records. Steve’s grandmother first introduced him to technology, helping him to use her computer at age 5. He hopes that in time, he can make technology your passion, too!