Karen Fredricks

Hi.  My name is Karen Fredricks and I’m the owner of Tech Benders. 

Many people are surprised to learn that I began my life rather non-technically growing up in Kenya where my dad served as the Minister of Agriculture.  I attended high school in Beirut, Lebanon which helped me develop a sense of humor while dodging bombs and having some amazing adventures.  Having traveled all over the world I ended up at the University of Florida and have been an ardent Gator fan ever since.  I have degrees in both English and Accounting, as well as a Master’s degree in Psycholinguistics.  I began my career teaching high school English and Theatre.  I have been working with PC’s since their inception in the early 80’s right here in Boca Raton.  I have worked as a full-time computer consultant and trainer ever since. 

In 2002 Wiley Publishing contacted me to write ACT! 6 For Dummies; they were impressed with both my knowledge of ACT! and my humorous writing style.  Five years later, ACT! 6 For Dummies still sells nearly 100 copies a week, as do ACT! 2005, 2006 and ACT! 2007 For Dummies.  Prior to the launch of Office 2007 Wiley once asked me to write three more books:  Outlook 2007 All in One for Dummies (an 800 plus page book), Outlook 2007’s Business Contact Manager For Dummies and Microsoft Office Live For Dummies.  I love writing For Dummies books because they offer concise, easy to follow instructions – and they make learning fun!  In fact, I am such a fan of the For Dummies series that I helped to organize a conference for Dummies authors – and believe me, a For Dummies author is no dummy!

I’m not sure which is more difficult – naming a child or naming a business.  I chose the name “Tech Benders” because I like to think that we bend technology to best suit your needs and not the other way around.  I can’t think of another organization that offers as high of a level of expertise as Tech Benders.  Only very special people can work for Tech Benders and that’s why I chose Roy and Kim.  Each of us brings a unique skill set to the table – Roy is the Report Guru, Kim is the Fix-It Guru and I am the CRM Guru.