Meet Award-Winners Ben Yocum and CJ Witherspoon

New technology has been transforming the world around us, often outpacing our ability to keep pace with the change. The continuous evolution of iPhones and tablets, advances in software, and social networking platforms are reshaping everything from how we purchase books to how we find our virtual ‘friends.’ 

Two young ‘film guys’ with years of impressive experience at QVC independently moved on to start their own consulting businesses, tapping into their extensive technical talents.

Ben Yocum was teaching kids how to use technology in Montgomery County, a long commute from his home. A few months before the shutdown in 2020 due to COVID, Yocum had to put things on pause.

He reached out to his colleague, CJ Witherspoon, who was running a family-owned multimedia production company.

Yocum wanted to set up a business to teach kids how to work with technology and create quality content while partnering with local school districts and nonprofits to support this training. Witherspoon provided both expert knowledge and a solid partnership to create this enterprise.

It didn’t take long for them to realize they both shared a dream to see kids from neighborhoods across Chester County with diverse backgrounds working together in the same room. Yocum and Witherspoon understand that many of these young people do not have the chance to access the latest devices, online programs, or games, as well as have the necessary skills to work with them.

Witherspoon describes himself as one who “is passionate about giving back,” and Yocum’s idea struck a chord when it came to helping the youth in his hometown.

For Yocum, it was about an unmet need: “COVID opened our eyes about the gap in digital content training for students and young adults. We wanted to create a space to learn about new technology I wish I had as a kid growing up.”

Yocum and Witherspoon were motivated to start up this business concept in Coatesville, a small town in Chester County that is ‘close to their hearts’ and is currently in the early stages of a significant revitalization as a Pennsylvania Opportunity Zone.

They felt they could bring positive energy with their idea. The Creative Club was founded in 2021, with a ‘safe space’ located in the downtown Midway Arts Center where kids and adults receive hands-on technology training.

Today

The Creative Club is growing at a steady pace, and young people are getting the opportunity to excel with today’s technology. The training programs are well attended, and the feedback is very positive. Donors and nonprofit organizations have been aiding with funding from the very beginning.

The Club hosts training for adults 18+, including small business owners, during daytime business hours to gain skills and understanding in photography, lighting, podcasting, video production, and more.  Co-working space is available for young adult members at a reasonable annual price.

After-school programs and a summer camp are available for young students 6-12 years old. The 2022 Virtual Reality Summer Camp was sold out, with 90 percent of the fees covered by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) for ~40 children during the three-week session. In 2023, The Creative Club is actively seeking sponsorships to help fund this Camp for four weeks!

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