Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawrence Dennis.
Lawrence, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Lawrence Dennis began his career outside of technology, spending nearly a decade working in retail. While the experience gave him a strong foundation in customer service and problem-solving, he knew he wanted a career with greater opportunity for growth and long-term impact. That desire led him to Tech901.
Lawrence enrolled as a student and fully committed to the process, completing multiple training tracks and earning industry-recognized certifications. Through Tech901, he gained not only technical skills but also clarity and confidence in his career direction, which helped him successfully transition into professional roles in the tech industry.
Today, Lawrence has come full circle. He has served as a Lead Instructor at Tech901 for the past four years, where he now helps guide and mentor students who are pursuing the same career change he once made. His background as both a Tech901 graduate and an industry professional allows him to connect with students in a meaningful way and prepare them for real-world tech careers.
Lawrence’s journey reflects the power of accessible training, persistence, and community support — and his work continues to shape the next generation of tech talent in Memphis.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, Lawrence’s journey was not a smooth road — and that’s something he speaks about openly with his students today. Like many people transitioning into tech, he faced challenges along the way, particularly when it came to certification exams. Some of the very certifications he now teaches took him multiple attempts to pass.
Rather than seeing those moments as setbacks, Lawrence treated them as learning experiences. Each attempt helped him better understand not only the technical material, but also how to study effectively, manage test anxiety, and stay persistent when things didn’t come easily. That process shaped how he approaches teaching today.
Because he’s been in his students’ shoes, Lawrence brings empathy and realism into the classroom. He’s able to normalize struggle, remind learners that progress isn’t always linear, and show that persistence matters more than perfection. His experience proves that success in tech isn’t about never failing — it’s about continuing to show up, learn, and improve.
Those challenges ultimately made Lawrence a stronger technologist and a more impactful instructor, and they continue to influence how he supports and motivates the students he works with every day.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tech901. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tech901 is a nonprofit workforce training organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to creating accessible pathways into high-demand technology careers. Its mission is simple but powerful: equip learners with the skills, certifications, and support they need to succeed in today’s tech economy — particularly individuals who may not have had traditional access to tech education.
Tech901 specializes in career-focused, certification-aligned training across core areas of the technology landscape. Its offerings include foundational IT training, networking, cybersecurity, data fundamentals, and other industry-relevant tracks designed to meet employer needs and help students build tangible skills. The curriculum is practical and hands-on with a strong emphasis on earning vendor-recognized certifications that matter in the job market.
What sets Tech901 apart is its community-centered approach. Rather than relying on large advertising budgets, Tech901’s growth and reputation have come from local referrals, word of mouth, and strong partnerships throughout the Mid-South. The organization is deeply integrated into the local ecosystem — connecting learners with employers, mentors, and peer networks that support long-term career growth.
Tech901 is also distinct in how it balances rigor with accessibility. The organization meets students where they are, offering guidance, encouragement, and real support through challenges like certification exams and career transitions. Instructors — like Lawrence Dennis — bring real-world experience and relatability to the classroom, helping students not just learn but gain confidence and direction.
Brand-wise, Tech901 is most proud of its track record of transformation. It’s known for turning opportunity into outcomes: students who enter unsure of what’s next often leave with certifications, job placements, or a clearer career pathway in tech. Its impact is measured not only in credentials earned, but in lives changed — learners gaining confidence, economic mobility, and new futures.
What Tech901 wants people to know is this: tech careers are within reach, and you don’t have to navigate the path alone. Whether someone is new to technology, shifting careers, or seeking their first tech role, Tech901 provides the training, structure, and community that empower learners to move forward with purpose and success.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Lawrence’s advice for those just starting out is to **be patient with yourself and stay consistent**. He often reminds new learners that tech is not something most people master overnight — and that struggle is part of the process, not a sign that you don’t belong.
Looking back, Lawrence says he wishes he had known earlier that **failing an exam or needing more time doesn’t mean failure**. Some of the certifications he now teaches took multiple attempts to pass, and that experience taught him the value of persistence, proper study habits, and asking for help when needed.
He also encourages people to focus less on trying to know everything at once and more on **building a strong foundation**. Showing up, staying engaged, and trusting the process can make a bigger difference than trying to rush to the finish line.
Most importantly, Lawrence advises new students to lean into community. Whether it’s instructors, classmates, or mentors, having support makes the journey more manageable and more meaningful. His own path is proof that growth comes from commitment, resilience, and surrounding yourself with people who want to see you succeed.
Pricing:
- Tech Essentials $100
- IT Foundations $250
- IT Networking $250
- IT Security $250
- Database Fundamentals $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tech901.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech901/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tech901Memphis/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/tech901/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCArG0Tv8HxliFt_qZTvzjOA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tech901-memphis
