CherWare … the beginning
As with so many things in my life, the entity
that became CherWare started almost by accident.
Although I have worked with computers since 1983,
I had viewed them primarily as a tool for word processing and data
entry, and had occasionally served as a beta tester for software
that was being developed for my employer. I certainly never visualized
myself doing anything that might be considered technical!
In 1994, I moved to Portland, Oregon from Miami,
Florida and eventually went to work for the City of Portland's Bureau
of Parks & Recreation. In 1996 the Bureau tentatively tested
the waters of the internet and recruited me to help develop and
design their web site. Much to my surprise, I discovered a knack
for it, and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of putting it all together
in a way that made sense!
Of course it wasn't long until I had to have
my own website. After all, how could I keep this talent buried?
Surely the world would beat a path to my door! Well, the world was
in no big hurry, let me assure you. However, my church was willing
to give me the opportunity to strut my stuff, and I lost no time
in diving head first into the murky waters of ISPs, web design software,
dial-up connections, FTP programs and email configuration. Fortunately,
it all still was fun.
Shortly thereafter, I was approached by my first
real client (someone who didn't know me, but liked my work), and
the business was born! As the single mom of an increasingly hungry
teenaged boy, I was fortunate to have a very good friend who was
willing to bear the cost of the start-up and who insisted that the
only possible name for my new venture was "CherWare."
Over the years, I've added a few clients, gained
some new skills, and had a lot of fun. I operate on the philosophy
that life is too short to spend working at things that aren't enjoyable!
In 1998 the opportunity arose to oversee the
reorganization of administrative functions within a large maintenance
program for the Parks Bureau - a challenge I thoroughly enjoyed
and completed with success. In 2000-2001, following my manager's
retirement, I conducted and reported on a major assessment and maintenance
review of more than 60 major facilities within the Parks Bureau.
Excerpts from this report can be found on my References
page.
A firm believer in lifelong learning, I took
seriously the opportunity to expand and improve on my writing and
organizational skills. I've always loved to write - I find it therapeutic
- and have been published in a couple of nationally recognized periodicals.
(It's always nice to earn money doing something fun!)
Recently, I left my position with Portland Parks
& Recreation to strike out on my own - the American Dream. To
my web design, I've added document editing and technical writing.
I believe that having acquired and utilized these
skills from "within the trenches" provides me with a perspective
that will benefit the organizations with which I work. I know first-hand
the financial constraints facing private and public entities, and
the necessity of continuing the day-to-day work of the organization
while in the midst of a major project.
I invite you to browse my site, visit my client
sites, and ask questions. If your organization is in the market
for web design or renovation, or if you're looking for someone with
excellent writing skills for a technical document or other editing,
contact me for a free consultation.
Together, we can make it happen!
