John W. Scherer's Vision

John W. Scherer was a contractor in Evergreen, CO when he noticed that computers, once room-sized monsters, were getting small enough to fit on people’s desks.

John was also savvy enough to realize there were a lot of desks out there without computers on them. He knew that computers helped people do things quicker. So the idea for a new business was born.

John originally came up with a computer designed for use by cable companies, also a relatively new business. That idea didn’t pan out, so John targeted the folks living along Main Street USA instead.

He ordered parts, rented a facility, and started manufacturing computers through a system of “Mom and Pop” dealers. Everything about personal computing was new back then, except for the manuals. The manuals for the smaller computers were about the same size as the room-sized machines they were replacing! And written it seemed, by engineers for other engineers.

Folks loved the computers. They didn’t understand the manuals. John wasn’t the only person selling computers back then, but he was the first to realize there had to be a better way to learn how to use them. John knew that if people couldn’t understand them, they weren’t going to buy them.

John solved the problem by coming up with a video that showed step by step how to operate the computer. And a new business was born, one that has made John W. Scherer one of the most recognizable people in the United States as The Video Professor.

John tried different ways to sell his lessons, first in smaller stores, then larger chains. But in 1991 he tried something new: An infomercial. Millions were introduced to a new and better way of computer learning. And they started buying the lessons.

That first lesson was on VHS tape; the lesson was about DOS. Over 21 years and millions of customers later, the lessons are on CD-ROMS, or directly to your computer. Topics range from Windows®, to Photoshop®, PowerPoint®, Excel®, in fact a comprehensive library about all things computing for either work or home. The company continues to add new and relevant lessons to its library and updating existing library content in its 3rd decade of business. Video Professor not only teaches you how to maximize your skills in all of today’s most important home and office productivity software, but provides learning to maximize the benefits of having a computer with lessons on planning online travel, investing online and how to protect you and your family from cyber criminals.

Vision:
There is nothing fancy about John’s vision for success. “We’re a real company, we make real money,” Scherer recently told the Rocky Mountain News. The company’s keys to success are showing up each day, and doing the best possible job to meet the customer’s needs. It’s worked for 21 years.

Video Professor markets itself to people just like you.

Computers are a part of our everyday lives. What sets Video Professor apart is knowing that people need a convenient and easy way to learn. John W. Scherer and the entire Video Professor team believe in constant innovation and approaching each new day with coming up with the best in computer learning and customer service.

Vision. Hard work. Commitment to Customer Service.

It’s what makes Video Professor the best value in computer learning.