Meet Abbie Richie | Tech Reporter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abbie Richie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abbie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a 4th generation entrepreneur, I’m hard-wired to take risks. I started my company, Senior Savvy, before I was ready – really. I didn’t have a website, a business card, or a logo. I had an idea and wanted to see if it was needed. Before I put all the thought into the website and the name, I made five calls in my area to senior living communities offering a workshop called Cellphone Secrets for Seniors. I made that up on the spot. I didn’t have it written. I didn’t even know what I would talk about! I just thought it sounded good. But I know I could deliver it. I’ve seen a lot of entrepreneurial friends get derailed on the “getting ready” phase before they know if there’s a need. Or they spend a long time picking and choosing a logo when they could be serving their ideal client. I’m not dismissing well-designed graphics, but as an entrepreneur, you must be prudent with your time. Another risk I’ve taken is pitching the news on consumer tech tips. Before 2021, I had never been on TV, but I knew I had a message that would benefit millions of viewers. That is a risk I’m willing to take. Since then, I’ve been on TV countless times, and I absolutely love knowing I’m impacting millions of people. I’m so passionate about it that my new goal is being a tech correspondent for one of the local news stations.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Senior Savvy was created in 2018 out of a passion and desire to help older adults with their technology. What sets us aside from others is that we are very personal and understand our clients need a little more explanation than the average consumer. We offer handouts, in-home sessions, group workshops, and tech cafes in senior living communities. Being a small business owner is a challenge, especially hiring qualified tech support specialists to serve clients. One practice I’ve had is to bring new people on “small.” That means starting them with only a few hours and then building on that to ensure they’re the right fit. Thankfully, I’ve been able to tap into a group of recent retirees who are skilled tech support specialists and well-managed individuals.
Also, one of my students is my mentor. He does volunteer small business mentoring, and his help is invaluable.
I’m proud that I’ve had my assistant with me for 2 years. I’m proud that I can help my tech support specialists use their skills with a flexible schedule. I’m proud that my business helps many older people connect with family and friends. I’m proud that my company went INTERNATIONAL in 2022. I’m proud I did my first TEDx last year! I’m proud that I did my first LIVE TV reporting at CES this year. None of this is easy! None – but it’s worth it when you have passion behind it and find the right people to help propel the vision.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons. One of my favorite restaurants is True Food actually all of Fox Restaurants are my favorite so maybe I’d do a progressive walking tour of Fox favorites.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, The List TV, the producer Todd Covelli Todd Covelli is a producer at The List TV show (a national show shot locally here in Phoenix). Todd has often helped me report on tech topics he knows his viewers would benefit from knowing. He likes covering tech topics and I am so thankful he calls on me every now and then.

Also Marc Thompson at ABC 15 has had me on the show several times.

Website: www.seniorsavvy.net/press

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbie_richie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbie-richie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbie.h.richie/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AbbieRichieTechGuru