Hi, I'm Trent.

Why 24th State

I help people with the problems that are too specific for a web search and too small for a big company. 24th State Consulting is named for Missouri, the 24th state to join the Union, and it takes its spirit from the state's nickname: I'll show you, and I'll explain it as I go.

How I work

You talk to the person who actually does the work. I start with a free conversation of about 30 minutes to understand the problem, tell you honestly whether I can help, and put the scope and price in writing before anything starts. When the job is done, I explain what I changed and why, and I follow up to make sure it's still working.

Background

Technology and privacy. I've fixed everything from a phone that wouldn't cooperate to full home setups, including email and backup migrations. I care about privacy because it seems like everything in the world now collects data or watches what you do. I want people to be aware of that and to know there are ways to protect their privacy without sacrificing convenience. Moving away from providers like Gmail or Google search is a clean, easy step toward taking back control. I recently helped a small business move its files and communications from Google and Microsoft to Proton, a more privacy-centered provider that gives control back to organizations that handle confidential information. I also build my own PCs, run a home network with custom router security, and 3D print.

Teaching and tutoring. I've tutored middle school, high school, and college students through school-sanctioned tutoring, with writing as my strongest subject. More recently I've taught elementary-age kids in Sunday school and after-school programs, so I'm comfortable meeting students wherever they are. I'm registered with Missouri's Family Care Safety Registry and have completed multiple background clearances to work with children and vulnerable populations.

Education. I earned my associate degree at St. Charles Community College, took coursework at Truman State University, and completed my bachelor's degree in political science through Southern New Hampshire University in 2023.

Community. I've lived in St. Louis my whole life, and I'm involved in the community in more than one way: through my work, and through local government. That experience taught me to listen carefully, read the fine print, and explain complicated decisions in plain language.

Outside of client work. I'm a writer, mostly of fiction, and I'm working on a children's book series. I also run a small app studio, American Made Games, with more apps on the way. Writing and building are a big part of why I like turning confusing things into clear steps.

What I won't do

I don't claim to be an advanced cybersecurity or data-recovery firm. If your problem is bigger than what I can do well, I'll say so and point you to someone who can help.