Dyslexic Teenage CEO Builds $10,000,000 Online Business -- Credits Education, Family...and Video Games: CEO Evan Paul's Advice? "Follow Yo
Paul credits his family and the Landmark School as the critically important supports that have helped him manage his learning disorder and develop his strengths - as a person, a student and now a player in the global economy.
Despite the challenges of dyslexia, the ambitious young CEO has achieved uncommon success -- through a disciplined routine juggling academics, global business deals...and video games.
"Some parents have a misconception that video games are inherently harmful to adolescent development, and that's completely contrary to my own experience," said Paul. "For me, computer games have helped me follow my strengths. By paying attention to my interests and skills, I developed an expertise that built my confidence and launched the idea of turning my hobby into a business. I began pursuing a big dream before I could even drive a car," he added.
Following that dream has not been without sacrifices. Paul rises early and works late, often seven days a week. His scheduling is further complicated by the almost 11-hour time difference between his home and Nepal, where he has an outsourcing arrangement with computer programmers in Katmandu. "Author Tom Friedman tells us 'The World Is Flat,' and that's my reality: I'm 'flat-out' busy almost all the time. Between Boston and Nepal, the sun never sets on eGamePlace -- and it won't be long before we're in China, India, Europe and elsewhere," Paul said.
eGamePlace is an online trading marketplace that allows videogame enthusiasts to trade computer game software at a fraction of the cost for new games. With 18,000 current members, this promising business has grown rapidly since Paul founded it at age 15. Although interested buyers have made offers "in excess of ten million dollars," Paul says he would only sell to a bidder who understands the tremendous value of his technology, which can be used for trading a wide variety of products - not just video games.
Paul's long-range goals include a commitment to helping dyslexics, and he currently is researching ways to encourage innovations in dyslexia education.
"I love the stories of dyslexic people who have made great contributions in their chosen fields. Since I'm a business person, the success of Cisco CEO John Chambers, the Virgin Group's Sir Richard Branson, investor Charles Schwab and many others all are fascinating and inspiring," Paul said.
As graduation nears, Paul faces what is literally "a world" of choices as he expands into the global marketplace and prepares for his next educational challenge. This summer he plans to spend time in Katmandu, and next fall he will resume his dual life--by then as a college freshman and a veteran CEO.