Turning Passion into a Business: Ronald Garett’s Journey with Computer Reach

Turning Passion into a Business: Ronald Garett’s Journey with Computer Reach

Ronald Garett, known as “G,” is a Washington, PA resident who is turning his lifelong passion for painting into a business. Originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, G has been an artist for as long as he can remember, with a deep love for painting. Now, he’s channeling that creativity into a new venture: Eugene’s Palette LLC, a company that will offer residential and commercial painting services, along with home improvement solutions such as roofing, insulation, electrical work, and plumbing.

G’s journey from artist to entrepreneur has been significantly supported by Computer Reach, our local nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide. Through our resources and training programs, G has been able to build his computer skills and gain the knowledge needed to start and run his own business. “I didn’t know that the program existed until Ignite offered this class to me,” G explained. “Sarah and her teammates have extended my knowledge on the computer so much that I was able to get a lot done faster, more efficiently, and with less stress.”

G has used his time as an end-user to learn more about technology in pursuit of his goal of running his own business. With the help of Sarah Radcliffe, the Digital Navigator for Washington County, G is currently on his fourth of eight training sessions, where he has learned everything from Google Suites to ChatGPT. These skills will be invaluable for the administrative side of his business. He is currently working on getting his business officially registered as an LLC and trademarking his company name and logo.

G’s journey has also been enriched by Ignite, a partner of Computer Reach that supports entrepreneurs in the area by fostering new businesses and nonprofits. Over the summer, Sarah mentored Sonny Thomas (a Monessen local and a student at Washington & Jefferson College), who focused on guiding G through Ignite’s Ideas 2 Enterprise program.

While Ignite offers many useful programs, Ideas 2 Enterprise stands out as an asset for entrepreneurs in Washington. This five-week course is designed to teach entrepreneurs the ins and outs of running a business, while helping participants create a formal business plan. At the end of the five weeks, all individuals in the cohort pitch their business ideas for a chance to win grant money. Although G did not win money on pitch night, the knowledge and experience he gained have been invaluable. As he said on pitch night, “Everyone I’ve met in this program is a potential future customer.” The connections G made will be extremely helpful as he moves forward with his business.

G envisions Eugene’s Palette LLC as a family-oriented organization that not only helps people buy homes but also provides income-generating job opportunities. His commitment to helping others is evident in his desire to make a positive impact through his business. “I’m thankful for everyone here that is assisting me on this journey because this manner of conducting business has never been done before,” G said.

Reflecting on his appreciation for the program, G expresses its impact: “I will tell a lot of people about this program because I know that it’s very much needed, especially in these times. With technology and AI advancing, I know that it is going to advance even further beyond me. So it’s something that I would teach my children, and I know they’re going to be a lot more advanced than I am. They’re going to still be teaching me, and I’m thankful for that because it builds up their confidence. It greatly built up my confidence, even though I don’t know all the ins and outs. I know that I’ll be very well-rounded on the computer. I don’t know what the future will bring, but I know that the skills I have learned will benefit me in the best way.”

G’s story is a testament to the positive impact that programs like those offered by Computer Reach can have on individuals and communities. By providing access to digital literacy training and business development resources, organizations like Computer Reach and Ignite help people like G turn their dreams into reality. It is essential for organizations like these to exist in order to help individuals in underserved communities succeed in the modern world.

By Katie Hores