The WhizKid Files: Ben Casnocha
March 9, 2008 – 6:25 amIn researching my PCworld.com story on wunderkids, I tossed a few questions via email at Ben Casnocha, founder of Comcate, which makes software that allows local governments to track and respond to citizen complaints. It’s the third company he’s started since age 12. Casnocha has also written a book, My Start-Up Life: What a (Very) Young CEO Learned on His Journey Through Silicon Valley. He turns 20 in May and attends Claremont McKenna College in southern California. Here’s what Ben had to say.
TOT: What inspired you to start Comcate ?
I had a personal experience where I realized how poor some local governments were at dealing with customer service. Also, I had a teacher who made me memorize the Apple Computer “Think Different” TV ad - very inspiring. 
TOT: Are you doing what you saw yourself doing as a small child? Are you living your dream? Or has your career path been more serendipitous?
Totally serendipitous and random. I don’t believe in long term plans. Most good things that happen to me are unexpected. Certainly, you can cultivate “positive, bulk randomness” (a topic I discuss in my book), but some of it is just sheer luck and timing.
TOT: What’s a typical day like?
Now that I’m back in school, it’s a mix of classes, lots of email and blog posts, and other freelance writing projects I pursue. I also do a fair bit of speaking which means I’m on the road a bunch.
TOT: Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? Do you think you’ll be doing the same thing?
Unknown. I hope to continue to be traveling (especially internationally – I love visiting other countries). I’ll likely be starting more start-ups, and writing more.
TOT: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far? What challenges do you anticipate?
Lots of challenges, lots of failures, ups and downs. A big challenge has been acquiring the knowledge and experiences and maturity to compete in the adult world. Now that’s less a challenge, but originally it was. Also, sizing people up. Being able to get a good read on someone takes time and experience.
TOT: Do you feel like you’ve had to sacrifice what it typically means to be a kid to achieve what you’ve achieved? What has been the biggest sacrifice? What do you miss?
Sure, but there are sacrifices and trade-offs in everything we do. So yes I missed out on some childhood activities to pursue my business, but with those costs came meaningful benefits. Besides, it’s not like I was totally isolated. I played basketball all through school, edited the school newspaper, etc etc.
TOT: What advice do you have for other young people who may be looking to follow a similar path?
Go do stuff, experiment, test, tinker. Best way to learn and find out what works and what doesn’t, what interests you and what doesn’t, is to try it, not talk about it or write about it or think about it.
TOT: What else might you want to say to our readers?
I’m proud of my book called My Start-Up Life: What a (Very) Young CEO Learned on His Journey Through Silicon Valley - it’s designed to aid and inspire those who want to begin the entrepreneurial journey. Check it out! 
11 Responses to “The WhizKid Files: Ben Casnocha”
Casnocha is just a great person his work is fantastic & unbelievable.
I’m an undergraduate student studying
CIS (COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS)I HOPE THAT I COULD DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT OR AT LEAST TO BE EFFECTIVE PERSON IN THE COMPANY THAT I’LL WORK IN IT IN THE FUTURE SO PLEASE Casnocha give me a job in your company
Just kiding BUT Maybe in the soon Future
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR BUSINESS AND BEST WISHS FOR YOU
By Mohammad Yaseen on Mar 16, 2008
I think Ben has successfully applied the 80:20 rule; that is, 80% of your results comes from just 20% of your efforts, especially when quality is not an issue. While his book reads like a teenager’s diary, I think it is great that he saw it through to publication - most people lack that kind of confidence in what they have to say. He is obviously a “finisher” and that should serve him well in his future career.
By Dwight Watson on Mar 18, 2008
Keep up the good work big man. Your decision making has been excellent so far. Let us see how you do when the devil really throws it your way. God bless you and continue to think for yourself as you draw the negatives from the world. Power is easy if you choose good easily.
Profound
By JB on Mar 19, 2008
I MUST SAY THAT I AM MORE IMPRESSED BY YOUR MODESTY THAN YOUR ACHEIVEMENTS. YOU HAVE DONE REALLY WELL IN TRYING TO FILL UP A VACUUM WHERE YOU RECOGNISED THAT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND THIS SHOULD BE AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS.AT THE RIGHT TIMING, A GOOD PRODUCT WILL SELL ITSELF AND THAT IS REALLY ALL THERE IS TO A SUCESSFUL BUSINESS. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BEN.
By RAYMOND OKAFOR on Mar 19, 2008
Great material! I love to see anyone that has the straight and courage to get the job done. If we could get more entrepreneur involved in teaching our youth we will be much better off in the future.
By Dan on Mar 19, 2008
Ben is an optimistic fellow, through his experience and determinations, he’s able to make it big, Hope you will make it bigger.
Am an under graduate student of Computer system Engineering,I like reading journal related to Information system and Technology.
am going to take time reading your book.”my start-up life”
Bravo Ben,
Good luck in your business.
By Boboli Victor on Mar 19, 2008
Your achievements can humble anyone irrespective of the age class one belongs to.When i was reading through the interview,something flashed through my mind like a regret telling me why did i startlate.But,it is never too late for any man once he has started.You are a source of inspiration to all of us
By Aroloye Ayodeji on Mar 25, 2008
I don’t want to sound like a troublemaker, but i really get sick of hearing about these success stories that are posted so many times! You make it sound like these whiz kids did something to save the world or they found the cure to cancer. The only thing their achievements did was essentially benefit themselves and their pocketbooks. Why don’t we ever read a story of the 50 year old who finally after setback after setback got his degree in psychiatry or the 60 year old who went to medical school and learned a life saving surgical skill? Everyone seems so fascinated with whiz kids. I say big deal, there are whiz kids right now losing their lives in Iraq and if it wasn’t for those whiz kids we wouldn’t be sitting here worshipping some kid because he can make backgrounds for myspace.com
By Michael Hoffman on Mar 27, 2008
i m still wondering that how could a young fellow like him made million $$$$,amazing ,it is something which is beyond my boundary of thinking, CONGRATS
By Fawad on Mar 27, 2008
I THINK THIS KIDMAN IS AN INSPIRATION AND A MODEL. HAVING FIND HIS DREAM AT AN EARLY TIME IN LIFE AND IS ALREADY MAKING REALITIES OUT OF IT!
PLEASE GO ON AND MULTIPLY THIS INSPIRATION!!
By HOSHUA DAWOOD on Apr 4, 2008