This narrative is drawn from conversations with Bill Atienza, a 29-year-old startup founder in California, and his former client, Phil Hargrove, who is 80. Atienza established an AI-driven on-demand technology support platform that functioned until 2023. He has continued to engage with clients to enhance technology use and increase familiarity with AI. Hargrove recounted his experience working with Atienza, and these interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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<p>Previously, creating software took months or even years, but now I, or someone my age, can develop a <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vibe-coding-ai-tool-manage-cancer-treatment-caregiver-2026-4" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">vibe-coded app</a> in under an hour. For many older individuals, AI can accomplish tasks with just a single click or conversation.</p>
<p>After attending two years of college, I secured a job at the Apple Store. On the side, older clients began asking if I could visit their homes for $20 to fix tech issues. Eventually, I was earning more from these side jobs than from my role at Apple, prompting me to <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quit-corporate-job-start-pizza-business-20000-timber-pizza-2026-4" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">quit my job</a> there.</p>
<p>Motivated, I enlisted friends from my former workplace to launch Hailo, a technology support platform. I encountered numerous baby boomers facing challenges that seemed straightforward to my generation, Gen Z. A prevalent issue was older individuals struggling to reset their Facebook passwords, often leading them to call their children. However, many were <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/empty-nest-mom-worried-daughter-lonely-siblings-moved-out-2026-2" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">empty nesters</a>, making them more willing to hire someone like me.</p>
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<p>Initially, I would perform simple clean-ups on MacBooks, but soon I found myself assisting with various tasks around the clients’ homes. I developed AI diagnostic tools and worked with numerous clients. After my time at Hailo, I founded Athena, an AI platform designed for children in special education programs.</p>
<h2 id="67ac7d00-e78a-4944-b836-078e8a2eabc8" data-toc-id="67ac7d00-e78a-4944-b836-078e8a2eabc8"><strong>I've always connected well with older generations.</strong></h2>
<p>I have always considered myself more introverted, but I felt a greater sense of appreciation when teaching older individuals. Solving <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/big-tech-revamped-performance-reviews-are-bad-news-average-worker-2026-2" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">computer issues</a> was gratifying, and monetary compensation was secondary. Although I'm no longer with Hailo, I still assist many of the older clients I worked with, as they find comfort in my tech support. While I initially supported over 200 clients, I transitioned away while still maintaining over 50 who seek my help. Sadly, I attended two funerals recently for clients I assisted.</p>
<p>Most had little awareness of AI, but I began demonstrating simple <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solopreneurs-use-ai-to-boost-content-creation-efficiency-2026-2" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">content generation</a>. Initially, their reactions were lukewarm, but once I showcased OpenClaw, they were genuinely impressed.</p>
<h2 id="0d0f027a-1cf9-4117-b481-ecde4aecb13a" data-toc-id="0d0f027a-1cf9-4117-b481-ecde4aecb13a"><strong>The first phase of AI, in my view, was not particularly beneficial for them.</strong></h2>
<p>However, when I introduced them to how agent technologies work, their interest peaked. I introduced several clients to platforms like Perplexity and others that feature agentic AI.</p>
<p>The applications were typical—reminders for medication or processing paperwork. In some cases, I helped clients use OpenClaw to automate their mouse, which intrigued them. They expressed concerns about safety, but I assured them everything was secure. Some clients remain skeptical about trusting technology, often reaching out to me after my visit for further guidance. Others have resorted to watching YouTube tutorials to better understand these tools.</p>
<p>One of my clients, a landlord, had an interest in AI prior to our interaction. He asked me to help him utilize AI to draft legal documents for his rental properties. Together, we developed <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openclaw-ai-employee-startup-tech-automation-agents-personalized-work-home-2026-4" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">OpenClaw skills</a>, and he now has an AI assistant managing legal terms between him and his tenants.</p>
<h2 id="3444945f-2114-4d96-b3b6-b68d1b7ddbd7" data-toc-id="3444945f-2114-4d96-b3b6-b68d1b7ddbd7"><strong>Much of my work focuses specifically on assisting the aging population.</strong></h2>
<p>Most of my clients are widows or individuals living alone. Through <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aging-retirement-vibe-coding-ai-lovable-chatgpt-claude-security-cameras-2026-3" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">basic vibe coding</a>, I have succeeded in helping them feel more connected and less isolated. They quickly learn to navigate the technology, especially compared to other challenges I assist with that aren't AI-related. If they encounter something unknown, they'll <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-smartly-bring-conversational-ads-to-chatgpt-2026-4" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">turn to ChatGPT</a> for answers and suggestions.</p>
<p>It serves as their personal tech support. They are rapidly catching up with AI skills. Had I stayed in tech support, I would have faced job loss due to the diminishing necessity for my role. Moreover, I encourage them that the more they engage with ChatGPT, the more personalized it becomes, understanding their preferences and behaviors.</p>
<p>One woman was astonished when I created a digital image of her with her late husband using <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-new-chatgpt-images-model-2025-12" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">Nano Banana Pro</a>. She has since been calling me regularly for advice on prompts. Together, we created an application where she uploaded her deceased husband's voice into Perplexity, allowing her to converse with him—one of the most extraordinary applications of technology I have encountered.</p>
<p>Another former client sought a solution to remind him to administer his dog's medication for seizures. I set up OpenClaw on his laptop, presenting it as his personal assistant. Now he effectively commands <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/claude" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">Claude</a>, the AI I selected for him, to manage everything from scheduling appointments to researching cancer treatments.</p>
<p>Vibe coding has further strengthened my relationship with my parents. My dad and I were not particularly close, but in my quest to understand our strained relationship, AI guided me on how to better communicate with him, helping restore some of the lost time we had due to unspoken issues. He now utilizes ChatGPT for self-reflection, too.</p>
<h2 id="4e84fcd8-81ef-4c6e-aec5-3a3b8b138404" data-toc-id="4e84fcd8-81ef-4c6e-aec5-3a3b8b138404">Former client, 80: <strong>'He's a very bright young man, and I was astounded by him.'</strong></h2>
<p id="3cb0dd02-6761-4b4a-a7ab-73807436e01c"><em>Phil Hargrove, 80, is one of Atienza's clients and continues to rely on him for tech support.</em></p>
<p>Bill began assisting me with technology when I was in my 70s, and now at 80, I still depend on him.</p>
<p>As I’ve aged, I’ve also developed limited vision. Bill has been tremendously helpful in utilizing accessible technologies that cater to my needs.</p>
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Atienza has assisted Phil Hargrove in setting up AI technology on his computer.
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<p>I first met Bill several years ago, around 2021. I was once a CIO in the tech field, pioneering the use of PCs for business in the 1980s, but the complexities of technology have become overwhelming. With my limited vision, I can no longer manage my PC independently, so I contacted Bill. He came over, helped me with my machine, and has been my reliable tech support ever since.</p>
<p>Bill has assisted me in setting up a Ring system and has guided me in using AirPods' hearing aid features. He has also shown me how to <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-use-ai-without-becoming-dumber-entrepreneur-skills-atrophy-2026-3" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">maximize AI</a>.</p>
<p>He introduced me to some AI capabilities early on, but I struggled to fully grasp them. Most recently, he's helped me get Copilot operational on my computer, which can read messages aloud for me. It's proving beneficial for tasks like managing spreadsheets. As I organized my tax information into a spreadsheet, I realized it would be valuable to have AI assist in sorting bank statements and identifying tax deductions.</p>
<p>I try to familiarize myself with commonly used tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, and I am steadily improving my usage skills. Recently, Bill showed me how <a target="_self" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-ai-chatbot-privacy-user-names-data-contractors-scale-alignerr-2025-8" data-track-click="{"element_name":"body_link","event":"tout_click","index":"bi_value_unassigned","product_field":"bi_value_unassigned"}" rel="">AI can read emails</a> out loud, which is extremely helpful.</p>
<p>I have a pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which can read restaurant menus and provide prices for each dish. They can also inform me of obstacles while walking, take pictures, and allow me to use my phone for calls and podcasts. I frequently listen to tech podcasts, particularly those focused on technology aimed at the visually impaired.</p>
<p>My wife is not adept with technology, so I do my best to assist her, but when I hit a wall, I reach out to Bill. Recently, he came over to help her access her email, as one of her accounts was malfunctioning. While I understand what needs to be done, my limited vision makes it challenging to see the screen.</p>Conclusion
The experiences of Bill Atienza and Phil Hargrove illustrate the evolving landscape of technology assistance, especially for older generations. With the power of AI, connections are forged, and individuals can navigate the complexities of technology more easily and independently. The bonds formed through support and shared learning highlight the transformative potential of tech in enhancing lives, fostering relationships, and bridging generational divides.
