Two years after graduating from high school and college in the same week, at the age of 12, this North Carolina teen is now an entrepreneur running two tech companies.
Mike Wimmer, 14, lives in Salisbury, North Carolina. He graduated from Concord Academy High School in Concord in May of 2021 as valedictorian, with a record 5.45 GPA. That same week, he also graduated from Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury with an Associate of Arts degree and a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Two years on, Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Carolina University with a 4.0 GPA Summa Cum Laude. He’s already an entrepreneur with a goal: to build technology that enables people to live better and safer lives.
“I am enjoying my career thus far,” Mike told The Epoch Times. “Overall, my ambition is to help as many people and the planet as possible with my skill and knowledge.”
‘A Normal, Everyday Kid’
Mike runs two companies: Reflect Social, a startup focused on combining smart technology devices with social media, and Next Era Innovations, a design-and-build platform for bespoke AI systems for both military and private use.“Many people initially think, before meeting Mike, that they are going to get a ‘Young Sheldon’ type of person,” Mike’s parents, Mark and Melissa Wimmer, told The Epoch Times. “To their surprise and amazement, they quickly realize Mike is just a normal, everyday kid who just happens to also possess incredible intelligence. ... He has a great sense of humor, but can switch to being serious in professional situations.”
‘Profoundly Gifted’
Mike’s gift was first spotted by an educator when he attended a summer day camp at the age of 3. When his mom arrived to pick him up, a camp teacher approached and asked whether she knew her son could write his full name on sidewalk chalk.“My mom replied, ‘Yes, is that not normal?’ This was one moment where my parents realized that I was different,” Mike said.
Mike’s abilities raised eyebrows yet again when he was required to take an IQ test before admission to preschool.
“The psychologist called my parents after taking the test,” Mike said. “She told them that I had maxed out all her questions, and stated that I was ‘profoundly gifted.’ My parents knew that they would need to foster my abilities to ensure I could reach my fullest potential.”
In 2012, at the age of 4, Mike became an American MENSA member. Before entering second grade, he developed a personal philosophy that also later became his motto: “Show what you know,” since learning that the people around him would not simply take his word for it and that he was working at a higher academic level.
“I realized I needed to show them what I could do, in a nice and positive manner, being humble and kind,” Mike said. “Then, once I felt I had adequately shown my respect and abilities, I would begin advocating for myself by asking for more work ... I have also had some awesome classmates along the way, who accepted me for me, and never had a problem with my age.”
Over the years, he’s had many academic accomplishments such as winning the 2017 NAO Robotic Congress Best Educational Application Development Award (which is one of only three presented in the world), MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute Autonomous Racecar Grand Prix Program, 2023 Carolina University Award of Excellence, and more.
However, despite all his academic achievements, Mike claims that his age has been his biggest setback so far since the U.S. education system is geared for students to move through different milestones at set ages.
Work/Kid Mode
Mike said he hasn’t felt any stress or difficulty with the workload of taking up a dual enrollment class. He observed that he did “not require much, if any” repetition to master a new concept or skill. He was also able to switch seamlessly between “work mode” and “kid mode,” which meant he never missed out on making friends.
Today, Mike has a diverse group of friends comprising teens of his age, friends from high school and college, and professional coworkers. He credits his parents for kick-starting his social skills early on, by encouraging him to introduce himself to new people in controlled situations and order his own food in a restaurant.
“These subtle but non-negotiable tasks helped me gain confidence at a very young age,” Mike said. “Thanks to them, I fearlessly gave my first speech at age 4 at my preschool graduation. I have since gone on to give presentations and keynote addresses at conventions and exhibitions all around the world.”
Mike wants to let people know that though he finished school faster than kids his age and is doing adult-level “work” things for fun it doesn’t mean he didn’t have a childhood.
“I would like everyone to know that I am having the time of my life,” he said. “I probably have more time to be a kid than most kids my age.”
‘A Kind and Humble Heart’
Besides learning, building, and testing new ideas, Mike’s favorite pastimes include traveling, swimming, playing basketball, building Legos, and sim-sports car racing. He proudly holds a Class A license in iRacing, the “highest possible” license without going professional. “It lets me clear my mind and forget everything else,” he said.After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, the 14-year-old is taking a short break from school to focus on his projects, including designing and building a new underwater remotely operated vehicle for Atlantic Lionshare for the culling of lionfish.
He plans to pursue a master’s degree and Ph.D. in the future and advises anyone of any age to always chase their dreams.
“Once you find your passion, do everything you can to foster its growth,” he said. “It is also important to focus on yourself and not compare yourself to others.”
He also has a message for parents: “Let your kids find their own passion.
“Support them and help open doors and expose them to what they show interest in, but allow them to see their own path through life.”
Mr. and Mrs. Wimmer are immensely proud of their son’s achievements, academically and professionally, but what makes them happiest is watching Mike “grow into a remarkable young man with a kind and humble heart.”
They believe that he has been devoted to helping others and the world become a better place to live.
“I have gotten a lot of attention and recognition for my intelligence over the past several years,” Mike said. “What I am most proud of is how I have applied my knowledge and social skills to tackle real-world problems, to help as many people as possible, and impact the world. It is one thing to be intelligent, but it is what you do with it that matters most.”
