For as long as he can remember, 24-year-old Fletcher Savage has been fascinated by computers. Growing up in Wagga Wagga, there was always some kind of technology in the house, but it wasn’t until his teenage years that his passion really took hold.
“When I was a teenager, I fixed up Mum’s old broken computer,” Fletcher recalled. “My interest went from there. I loved the challenge of getting things working again.”
What began as curiosity soon evolved into a genuine skill, and today, Fletcher has turned that passion into a growing small business, Sounds Good Tech, an IT support and solutions service helping local homes and businesses with everything from troubleshooting and system setup to network configuration and website assistance.
But the path to business ownership didn’t happen overnight. Before exploring self-employment, Fletcher worked in customer-facing roles, first as a kitchen hand and front-of-house staff at a local Indian restaurant, and later at Coles.
“Both gave me really valuable customer service skills,” he said. “That experience helps me every day in building relationships with my customers.”
The turning point came when a fellow IT professional suggested Fletcher start his own business, recognising his skills and passion for technology.
“That conversation stuck with me. It gave me the push I needed.”
Soon after, Fletcher launched Sounds Good Tech. Like many new small business owners, he quickly realised there was more to running a business than just doing the work.
“I didn’t have a business plan or even a goal in mind. I was just taking things as they came. I didn’t even have accounting software set up.”
That’s when VERTO’s Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program came into the picture.
“I first heard about the SEA program when Nathaniel from VERTO reached out after I’d done some IT work for one of his clients,” Fletcher explained. “He noticed I was a new small business and thought I could benefit from the program.”
Through the SEA program, Fletcher undertook Small Business Training and then moved into Small Business Coaching once his plan was developed.
“The training and coaching have been incredibly helpful,” Fletcher said. “The micro business course gave me a lot of insight into what’s needed for a business plan, budgeting, and more.”
Working closely with his Facilitator, Nathaniel Dalgleish, Fletcher received practical, ongoing support.
“Nathaniel’s been a great sounding board. He’s helped me refine my marketing material, design business cards, and set up my accounting software. It’s been really valuable having someone to bounce ideas off and get advice from,” he said.
Watching Fletcher’s growth has been incredibly rewarding for Nathaniel.
“When Fletcher first started, he was just getting his business off the ground. Now, he’s built a solid client base and is busier than ever. His commitment to helping people and his professionalism really stand out,” Nathaniel said.
For Fletcher, the most rewarding part of running Sounds Good Tech has been seeing the difference his work makes in the community.
“I love being able to help people with their IT issues and make a living doing something I enjoy,” he said.
Looking ahead, Fletcher’s goal is simple but meaningful.
“I’d like to get to a point where I can leave my day job and focus solely on the business,” he said.
His advice for others thinking about taking the leap into self-employment is equally down-to-earth.
“Just give it a go. You’d be surprised how many free tools and resources are out there. And programs like the SEA program are super handy. You get a business coach and someone to soundboard your ideas with, completely for free.”
Fletcher’s story is a reminder that small steps, the right support, and a bit of self-belief can turn a lifelong passion into a successful local business, one repaired computer at a time.
For more information about the Self-Employment Assistance program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit: www.verto.org.au/our-services/self-employment-assistance.
To learn more about Fletcher’s work or get IT support for your home or business, visit www.soundsgoodtech.com.
