ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 11, 1996 TAG: 9604110075
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARY JO SHANNON SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
Cameron Johnson's goal is to become the next Bill Gates.
At age 11, with about three years' experience operating his own business, he is well on his way to becoming a computer wizard.
Cameron was only 8 and in the second grade at North Cross School when he started Cheers and Tears Printing Co., selling computer-generated cards and calendars. Today, with a new Hewlett Packard DeskJet 850C printer, purchased recently with profit from his business, his sample book includes color greeting cards, business and personal cards, stationery, invitations, fliers, signs and calendars. He also creates designs for T-shirts, which he sends off to be printed by another company.
His office is on "a little mezzanine" with three steps up and a white railing to separate it from hisbedroom. He said his time spent in business varies, according to when he receives orders. But it doesn't keep him from making honor grades at Crystal Spring Elementary School, where he is in the fifth grade.
His business is handled efficiently, using computer-generated price list/order forms, invoices, and monthly billing forms. When he receives a big order, he hires employees - neighborhood friends - to help count and fold.
"Our biggest order was for 400 fliers for Magic City Ford. We also did a big order recently for Fishburn Park PTA, and invitations for the employee party at Discovery Zone."
He estimates he has about 30 customers, and not all are local. Friends of his grandparents and parents in North Carolina, and in Washington, D.C., also are customers.
"Advertising is word of mouth," he said. "Satisfied customers tell others. But I also have a home page on the World Wide Web, so people can order direct from it. I guess the biggest problem I've had was when I bought the printer and didn't have much left to buy supplies."
Although he had help with start-up costs - the computer, a gift from his parents, William and Ann Johnson, and his first printer, a gift from his grandmother - Cameron is now completely on his own.
"He has his own checking account, and a Visa credit card," his mother said. "We had to go to the Division of Motor Vehicles for an ID so people would accept his credit card. He purchases his own supplies, but I do have to drive him to pick up supplies or deliver orders, since he cannot get a driver's license."
His parents also were surprised that their assistance was not needed to help him learn to use the computer.
"I work with computers at work, and I expected to show him a little day by day. But within two months, he had taught himself and was ready to begin a business," said his mother, who's employed at a travel agency.
"And two years later he had outgrown the computer, so we gave it to his [5-year-old] sister and bought him a new one. Now he's teaching her."
Rita Bishop, assistant superintendent for instruction and learning organizations in Roanoke schools, recognized Cameron's potential and arranged for assistance through the Office of Technology.
"Everyone who works with Cameron recognizes he is an exceptionally talented student," Bishop said. "He is very verbal and has wonderful manners. But he needs additional support in reaching his potential. Technically oriented students in our high schools, and one graduate who is now at Virginia Tech, work with him on a regular basis throughout the year."
Despite his entrepreneurship, Cameron has a typical 11-year-old's interests and an unusual concern for others.
He recently received the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting's highest honor, for work he did as a member of Pack 239. He loves soccer and plays on a Southwest Athletic Association League team.
During the holiday season, he contributed to the Good Neighbors Fund. He also pledges annually to St. John's Episcopal Church, and during the church's building fund campaign, he heeded the rector's advice and pledged the equivalent of six times his annual pledge to the building fund.
Cheers and Tears
Printing Co.
3217 Somerset St.
Roanoke 24015
344-6499
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: CINDY PINKSTON/Staff. 1. Cameron Johnson, 11, runsby CNBCheers and Tears Printing Co., a custom computer-printing business,
out of "a little mezzanine" near' his bedroom. 2. Cameron's company
offers custom printing on cards, invitations, stationery, T-shirts
and calendars. color.