Micaiah Bartlett is building his legacy one computer at a time
The 18-year-old CEO of Bartlett Tech built his first computer at 13 and launched his business at 16
Whether it’s competing at the highest levels of domestic cricket in Barbados, building his first computer at age 13 or launching his tech business at 16, Micaiah Bartlett gives it his all.
The 18-year-old founder and CEO of computer assembly and retail company Bartlett Tech played cricket seven days a week during his adolescent years.
In 2019, he was included in a special campaign, #OneDay4Children, spearheaded by UNICEF and the International Cricket Council to use sports for positive development. Through the programme, he was able to meet former West Indies captain Jason Holder and other outstanding international players.
However, in 2020, during the monotony of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Micaiah found a new sense of purpose. He started exploring his interest in building computers and tech devices. Within two months, he had sold his first high-end computer system.
In December 2021, he launched a line of branded LED lights with one of Barbados’ leading hardware stores. The 300 products sold out in less than 30 days.
“When I realized the lights were actually being used as Christmas gifts…that’s when I started to think I may be onto something,” Micaiah admits.
Managing business with his studies was no easy feat, but Micaiah credited his early cricketing career with his ability to find some semblance of balance.
“Cricket is a whole day sport and I practiced from Monday to Friday and had games on Saturdays and Sundays, but I also had homework for Monday. So, I kind of had to figure out how to get it to work…I guess those skills from sports transferred over to the company,” he said.
Since the pandemic, Micaiah has given up his childhood dream of pursuing cricket, opting to throw all his energy behind the business. He is determined to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Micaiah’s parents, Ingrid and Cornelius Bartlett, have been credited with playing a key role in his success by making sacrifices and going above and beyond to “tilt the odds” in his favour.
His advice to other young people is simple - hard work pays off.
“People keep asking me if they should start a business and if it’s hard. Yes, it’s hard because anything worthwhile in life is…” he said. “My advice is go for it.”
