Growing up, Heck’s parents didn't allow him to play video games. Little did they know he would go on to launch a successful video game business.
How did you come to start AppFind? How old were you?
Growing up my parents actually didn’t allow me to play video games, they instead encouraged me to use my creativity and fostered my entrepreneurial spirit. Starting at 8 years old I could usually be found using my free time filming sketch videos with friends or running my summer time lemonade stand, of which I would attempt to upsell to a lemonade-cookie combo.
Although I had a great time learning valuable business skills running my lemonade stand, I longed to play the video games. At 11, I convinced my parents to get me an iPod Touch for my birthday. When I turned 12, I was excited to start playing games on the iPod. After my parents found out, they were justifiably upset, however, instead of ridding me of the device they offered me a challenge: “Find some way to make it creative.”
It hit me, I would create iPhone App Reviews on YouTube, combining my desire to play video games, my passion for business and my video production skills all in one.
I coined the name “AppFind” created my YouTube account and AppFind was born.
What is your most popular tutorial video and how many views did it receive?
My most popular tutorial video is “iPhone 5S—Complete Beginners Guide,” in which I spend almost 40 minutes teaching the viewer how to use their iPhone and all of its functionality. The video has received over 1,684,468 views as of May 2, 2015.
What is your business model?
Since I am a member of the YouTube Partner Program I monetize all of my videos with YouTube AdSense advertisements, which allows me to receive a small amount of money for each video view my videos receive. Additionally I seek out and strike deals with large companies for sponsorships on my videos.
Do you have any employees? How many hours a week do you work?
Over the school year I work 10-20 hours per week on average. Over the summer, I hope to further expand the business and I will be scheduling myself a 30-40 hour workweek.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about business and life from starting a business at such a young age?
The first two to three years of running my business I barely broke even, and all of the money I did get went back into the business. I learned that determination means seeing the end goal and striving to succeed in order to reach that goal, no matter how bumpy the road. I plan to carry over this same level of determination and commitment into my future endeavors since I saw firsthand how valuable determination can be in running my own business.
What are your plans post graduation?
I will be attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management for my BBA in marketing with a minor in communications. I plan to operate and expand my business throughout my time in college.
After college I plan to work in marketing and/or advertising for a large company, preferably in New York City. I eventually plan on receiving my MBA and then launching my own advertising/marketing firm in New York City focused on new age digital advertising.
