Deflorian created three Web-based design companies.
He is one of 70 teens who were selected from 1,200 applications nationwide for the scholarship, which recognizes teenagers who have started and are running their own businesses.
“I love creative and technical aspects of the job,” said Deflorian. “With Web design, I have more freedom to be creative through layouts, colors and verbiage.”
His first company, Arizona Design Studio, is a design firm and advertising agency specializing in Web site development.
His second company, Arizona Deco Studio, specializes in advertising and video editing.
His newest company, Tripst3r, will launch on June 12 and be what he calls “a Facebook for traveling.”
“He is very social, not just a computer nerd,” said his mother, Susan Deflorian, describing herself as amazed by him.
She and her husband are terrible with computers, which makes it all the more helpful to have a son who knows what he is doing and will work “for laundry, cookies and dinner. It works out nicely for both of us,” she said.
Right now Deflorian has about eight clients. He has developed Web sites for companies such as Oracle Capital Advisors LLC, Unique Benefit Group LLC, and DR’s Cleaning Services.
When he gets frustrated programming, he outsources to India.
Deflorian became interested in computers and Web design when he had an internship for the last two years with Scientific Technologies Corp. in marketing, graphic design, programming development, and information technology.
Christine McKelvey, president of the New York-based McKelvey Foundation, chose Deflorian as a finalist for the scholarship he went on to win.
“What impressed me most about him is that he is such a go-getter, and not afraid of risk,” McKelvey said. “He comes home from school, changes into business clothes and pounds the pavement to get more clients. He is unique even within our group of scholars,” she said.
Winners can apply their scholarship to any accredited four-year college in the United States. This fall, Deflorian is planning to attend the University of Denver, where he has a separate scholarship, to study marketing and advertising with a minor in computer science.
Though he declined to say how much money his sites bring in, he said he spends the money on computer software, photography equipment, sports memorabilia — especially Los Angeles Lakers items — and donations to charity.
“He is motivated and hardworking,” said Susan Deflorian. “I admire him.”
Jordan Handler is a University of Arizona student who is an apprentice at the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her at 434-4083 or at
starapprentice@azstarnet.com.
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