“As we look into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others,” the famous Bill Gates of Microsoft once said. Young 13-year-old, Demetric Gould is picturesque vision of what our future holds. Gould has set sail into unchartered waters that many young teenagers cannot fathom. In October 2011, he has successfully opened up his own business, Demetric’s Tech Support.

Completely self-taught, Gould is amazing; he mixes the best of both computer worlds, Mac and Windows. Since the opening of his business, he has had opportunities slowly pouring into his wake. All this month, he has been a dedicated volunteer to the community, teaching older adults basic computer skills at the Gallatin Shalom Zone.

Gould has been schooling students with the details of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Student Jo Stanley explains her experiences, “It has been helpful by expanding my knowledge. It’s basic computer skills and beyond. He does it with ease and comfort. He makes us feel good about learning.”

P.J. Davis, executive director of Gallatin Shalom Zone, shares in awe, “Demetric came to us in the true spirit of volunteers. He really wanted to give back. When I started volunteering, I was thirteen. A lot of places wouldn’t take me because I was so young. So, I stepped out as I was given a chance at 13. He is well thought out. He’s the Bill Gates of this generation. He’s amazing. One of the models of the Shalom Zone is to take a project and run with it. If you have an idea, we’ll see if we can make it work. He had a plan, and he went through the process of filling out the application, interview and orientation. All of his classes have been full.”

Vanita Lytle-Sherrill, student, elaborates on the class, “It is simply put out there. It’s very understandable. He makes it fun and comfortable. It’s amazing and a blessing. He’s doing a really great job. It’s an extra incentive seeing young people doing things like this.”

Attending Shafer Middle School, Gould has had a passion for technology since he was eight years old. Two of his mentors have been Bill Gates and the late Steve Jobs of Apple. The ingenious and allure to the design of software and creative products has kept Gould intrigued in expanding his knowledge in the technology field. Gould knew two years ago that he wanted to eventually open up a business. Finally, he knew instinctively it was time to open up his business last October.

“One of the challenges of opening up my business is that it took about two months to get started,” informs Gould. “I was used to people coming to me, but I realized I had to go to them. I started to pass out my business cards everywhere. You have to have people skills. The moment I received my first job was awesome. I was so happy.”

Gould’s business is an eclectic mix of services from technology set-ups such as computer and television equipment to computer repairs. Not limiting himself, Gould also teaches people in all software aspects suitable for Mac and Windows platforms. Currently, he is teaching himself the complexities of the internal workings of a computer. Within the next few years, he intends to master the intricacies as his goal is to build a computer from the ground up.

“I feel like I’m in the right field. I’ve been given favor in many areas. I had a $2,000 Mac given to me and paid only $75 for a $500 HP laptop. It has been a very rewarding experience,” Gould conveys his joy.

Gould firmly believes, “if you believe you can do something and have passion, do it right then and there. Don’t wait and do it. Get out there now.” Being a prime example of that, he is ahead of the game as dogged at the heels of Apple for an internship. Not relenting, Apple finally returned his letter, giving him the opportunity to have an internship after proper schooling. Gould is not shy of aiming high for future endeavors. He would like to see his business flourish to corporate level once he graduates college. Currently, he has his eyes set on Stanford University in California with the intent to major in computer science and minor in music.

For more information, contact Demetric Gould by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by cell at 779-6083.

By April Stilwell