Businessman
Cameron Johnson was born in Roanoke, Virginia and started his career as early as seven-years-old, when he sold vegetables door-to-door to his hometown neighbors. As a fourth grader, he became the top seller of raffle tickets in his K-12 school and as a fifth grader, he was again top-seller of wrapping papers. When he was nine-years-old, his parents gave him a computer as a Christmas gift and right then and there, Johnson started his own business. He printed greeting cards, stationery and invitations and sold them to family and friends. He opened his own checking account before turning 10. Aside from letting him handle and manage his own money, his parents also instilled in him the principle of giving back. Johnson annually offers gifts to his local church.
During his freshman year in high school, Cameron Johnson was asked to be part of the Advisory Board Member of FutureKids, a Tokyo-based company responsible for the creation of the Sega Dreamcast Console. He became a self-made millionaire as early as 17-years-old. He attended Virginia Tech but eventually put his college plans on hold. As of press time, he has founded twelve lucrative internet companies, has written a book and has been consulted for Fortune 500 companies.
He currently spends his time traveling around the world and participating in speaking engagements. He goes to college campuses and works on empowering the youth. He encourages them to succeed in their own terms in life and motivates at-risk students to stay in school. During his free time, he enjoys listening to country and R&B music and watching The Departed. He indulges in eating at nice restaurants and has a penchant for sushi, cheesecake and energy bars.
Cameron Johnson is one of the 10 contestants on ABC's reality game show
Oprah's Big Give , where each contestant is given a large sum of money as they compete in finding “the most powerful, sensational, emotional and dramatic ways to give to others.” Cameron relates that he has been giving since he was 10 years old. “This is an opportunity to continue that on a much larger scale," he said.
(Photo courtesy of ABC)