Abandoned at a dumpster at birth, Freddie Figgers survived and was only two days old when he was adopted.
Today, he has grown to become an influential computer programmer and inventor who is behind Figgers Wireless, a telecom giant in the U.S. and the only black-owned telco in America worth $62.3 million.
The 29-year-old self-taught software engineer recently released the newest phone from his telecommunications company, the Figgers F3, which is said to be the first 5G smartphone designed in the U.S.
It comes with a 4K ultra-high-definition screen and a record-breaking storage capacity of 1TB, meaning users will never run out of storage, reports blackbusiness.com.
Specifically, “specs for the F3 include being 5G-ready with a 4K display and 18-megapixel dual cameras, as well as the ability for multiple user profiles to in a single phone. It’s also made with shatter-resistant glass and is water-resistant,” said Atlanta Business Chronicle.
The F3 also comes with magnetic resonance capability, allowing users to charge multiple Figgers Gear from the Figgers Super Base Charger. It is built to work on every mobile operator in the world, not only the U.S.
“The Figgers F3 is the most technically advanced device for the most affordable price”, Figgers said.
Born in Quincy Florida on September 26, 1989, Figgers was, already, at the age of nine, repairing computers. He had then received his first computer from his adoptive parents, but it was broken when it was given to him. He immediately had to come up with ways to bring it back to life.
“I made it my mission to get the computer into good working order. After I took the computer apart five times, on my sixth attempt, I finally got it to power on. That is when my technology journey began. Today, that same computer runs on Windows 7,” Figgers said.
By age 12, Figgers has had his first job as a computer technician, repairing computers for the city of Quincy and even being part of a team that “helped build NetQuincy Telecommunication infrastructure, where the city was providing Internet services to local residents and businesses within the city limits.”
By age 15, he had already started his own cloud computing services after realizing that it would be prudent to be an employer instead of an employee.
“I started to repair computers for consumers and local businesses in my hometown and surrounding counties. That same year, I founded Figgers Computers Inc. It’s surprising that at the age of 16, many companies trusted me enough to allow me to come into their facilities to repair their computers, install ‘Wireless Areas Networks’, and monitor their networks and computers, which would have had an effect on the day to day business. Companies were thrilled to have me, but due to my age, companies had to impose certain restrictions,” Figgers said.
The software engineer would, however, soon become the youngest person in history to hold an FCC license, allowing him to launch his own cell phone company which is now Figgers Wireless.
Founded in 2008, the Florida-based company offers smartphone calling and data plans, and includes 4G phones, the Figgers F1 and F2, as well as, wireless accessories.
The company’s newest device, the F3, also includes a Guest profile that would allow consumers to share their phone without worrying about their privacy being breached. This makes the product convenient for business and personal use, according to analysts.
Through health applications on the device, consumers can also track their health goals and progress on the smartphone. Further, the device has the capability to translate over 100 languages, facilitating communication among businesses and people.
This June, Atlanta rapper Jeezy announced a partnership with Figgers that aims to “democratize and bring quality technology to market with wireless products that rival current competitor standards, but at a much more attainable price point.”
The F3, and earpods, the F-Buds, were the first products to be released under the partnership.
“The Jeezy/Figgers Wireless partnership is a natural evolution of two men who experienced some of the same challenges during our upbringing but rose above those circumstances to make our mark,” Figgers said in a release.
The Figgers F3 is currently available for order.
The 29-year-old entrepreneur has also ventured into other businesses, including having his own credit and debit card line FiggCash that “issues a premium luxury metal titanium card for all credit types issued through Visa and MasterCard.”
With the Figgers Foundation, he also supports his Florida community via scholarships, sponsoring youth programmes, providing relief efforts for natural disasters, among others.
“I believe turning caring into action, and if you see a problem find a solution to deliver an impact to change someone’s life. I started my Foundation with my personal salary and believe in giving back,” said Figgers.
“I remember where I came from and simply what shall a man profit if he gains the whole world but lose his soul in the process. I’m going to impact this world and change today for a better tomorrow because money is nothing but a tool, but with that tool, we can impact and change everyday people lives with opportunities.”
