Denis Beaird is a BSM class of 2013 graduate with a story to tell and a vision to share. In 1998, when Denis’ brother Michael, a sophomore at BSM, passed away in a traffic accident, his parents were absolutely devastated. In order to honor Michael’s memory, they decided to adopt three boys, including Denis, who all attended BSM.

Denis has always sought to give back to the community, however he can. Now, he is making a career out of it. He founded I Know Nothing Tech, a company devoted to helping senior citizens with their technology. “We help seniors with technology whether that is teaching them how to use an iPhone, teaching them how to text, how to use a computer, TV, and also I am going to be offering classes in order to become the go-to tech support for senior citizens,” Beaird said.

He feels that there is a specific need for technology help among seniors. “I was a delivery driver for Amazon when I graduated from college and I would drive to senior living centers and homes and I could tell that they were unhappy, and in their own world, especially regarding technology. They didn’t have the tools they needed to feel the appreciation for technology and communicate with their loved ones,” Beaird said.

Beaird thinks that the COVID pandemic has exacerbated the lack of technological competence many seniors have. “If you look at COVID, seniors really suffered. They always struggled with technology, and COVID made it much worse because no one could come help them,” Beaird said.

Beaird has always always valued helping senior citizens. “I started at a very young age, my dad was a geriatric doctor, and I saw him work with seniors and I knew I wanted to do something with seniors as a little kid,” Beaird said.

In the future, Beaird has lofty aspirations for his business. “I recently applied for Shark Tank. My goal is to get this business to every state in America. Seniors need the help and one day my ultimate goal is to have I Know Nothing Tech help seniors around the entire world, and be the go-to place for technology help among seniors,” Beaird said.

Senior citizens are a growing demographic, which will only continue to increase the demand for such a service. “By 2030, every Baby Boomer will be age 65 or older, which means that 1 out of every 5 US citizens will be of retirement age. When we become seniors, technology will be so advanced that even we will be confused,” Beaird said.

Beaird’s charitable efforts do not end with his technology company. He has also started a nonprofit called the Michael Beaird Foundation, dedicated to giving back to BSM and helping kids in need. “I wanted to do something where I could honor Michael and honor my parents, so I created the Michael Beaird Foundation. I wanted to give back to Benilde, a place that I called home for 6 years,” Beaird said.

The Michael Beaird Foundation will be donating two dollars from every technology session or apparel purchase from I Know Nothing Tech to Benilde-St. Margaret’s in order to help students from diverse backgrounds with various costs of attending BSM.

Not only does he have high hopes for I Know Nothing Tech, but also the Michael Beaird Foundation. “Eventually, the Michael Beaird foundation will do more than just help Benilde, it will also help parents who have lost children. My parents lost their son Michael, my brother Joe lost his son at 5 years old last summer, and I want to create a two-part nonprofit, helping tuition for Benilde and also [helping] parents who have lost children, either helping pay for therapy or [to] honor their child,” Beaird said.

Beaird envisions a world of possibilities with his tech company and nonprofit. “I want my company to be a place where people can come together,” Beaird said.