At just 12 years old , Thomas Suarez wasn’t playing video games — he was making them. While most kids his age were downloading apps, Thomas was publishing them on the Apple App Store , earning him recognition as a tech prodigy.
From building his first app to speaking at TEDx events, Thomas showed that age is no barrier to innovation.
This is the inspiring story of how one boy turned curiosity into code, proving that anyone can become a creator in the digital world — even before high school.
Early Life & Interest in Tech
A Natural Born Coder
Born in Los Angeles, California , Thomas grew up surrounded by technology. His parents encouraged exploration, and from an early age, Thomas was taking apart gadgets and asking questions about how they worked.
By age 6, he was already experimenting with basic programming. By 12, he had built his own iOS apps using tools like Xcode and Objective-C — and published them online.
Unlike many teens who consume tech, Thomas wanted to build it.
He once said:
I love making things — especially things that help people.
That mindset would soon make him a standout in the tech world.
First Steps Into App Development
From Idea to App Store
Thomas’s first real success came when he created an app called “Bustin Jieber” , a simple whack-a-mole style game inspired by Justin Bieber. The app gained attention not just for its humor, but because of how young its creator was.
What made Thomas stand out:
- He taught himself to code using online resources
- Built apps without formal training or expensive tools
- Presented his work confidently at public events
His journey shows that you don’t need to be in college to start creating — all you need is passion, access, and the courage to try.
Speaking at TEDx – Sharing His Journey
Inspiring Other Young Coders
In 2012, at age 12, Thomas took the stage at TEDxManhattanBeach and delivered a talk titled “A 12-year-old app developer”.
The video went viral, showing how:
- He learned to code
- Built his own apps
- Created an app club at his school to teach others
His message?
Don’t wait to learn — start now. You’re never too young to build something great.
Thomas became a role model for young developers around the world, proving that technology isn’t just for adults.
Beyond Bustin Jieber – More Than Just One App
Building Tools That Matter
After his initial success, Thomas continued developing new apps:
- Earth Fortune – A fun way to learn geography
- Anti-iPhone Theft App – Designed to help protect phones from theft
- App Club Founder – Inspired other students to learn coding
He also explored more advanced areas like:
- Game development
- Programming languages
- 3D modeling
- Robotics
His journey wasn’t about fame — it was about exploring possibilities and helping others do the same.
What Makes Thomas Unique?
Coding Without a Safety Net
Unlike many child coders who receive direct mentorship from tech experts, Thomas taught himself using free online tools and forums.
Key factors behind his success:
- Access to a Mac computer and iPhone
- Willingness to experiment and fail
- Supportive parents who encouraged learning
- A desire to solve problems through software
He didn’t just want to use apps — he wanted to understand how they worked , and then build better ones.
Business & Tech Lessons from Thomas Suarez
- Start Learning Early
You don’t need to wait until college — the internet gives everyone a chance to learn. - Teach Others What You Learn
Thomas started an app club at his school to share knowledge — a powerful example of peer-to-peer learning. - Use What You Have
Thomas used only freely available tools and his own determination to get started. - Build Something Real
His apps weren’t just theoretical — they were live on the App Store and downloadable by anyone. - Speak Up and Share Your Story
By speaking at TEDx, Thomas amplified his impact far beyond his own apps — he inspired a generation.
Motivational Takeaways
Thomas Suarez’s journey offers powerful lessons for entrepreneurs, students, and dreamers alike:
| LESSON | EXPLANATION |
| Anyone Can Learn to Code | It’s not magic — it’s just logic and practice. |
| Don’t Wait for Permission | If you have a device and internet, you can start today. |
| Create, Don’t Just Consume | Use tech to build, not just scroll. |
| Share Your Knowledge | Teaching others multiplies your impact. |
| Age Doesn’t Limit Innovation | Some of the best ideas come from unexpected places. |
Why Kids Should Learn to Code
Thomas’s Influence on Education
Thomas’s story has helped shift perceptions about what children are capable of. His work supports the idea that:
- Coding should be part of school curriculum
- Students benefit from hands-on learning
- Tech skills open doors for future careers
His example proves that coding is not just for adults — it’s a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and empowerment.
Conclusion – From App Developer to Tech Role Model
Thomas Suarez may have started with a simple game, but his impact has been anything but small.
His story reminds us that innovation doesn’t always come from Silicon Valley startups — sometimes it starts in a kid’s bedroom with a laptop and big dreams .
So whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, remember Thomas’s philosophy:
If you want to build something, just start — there’s no time like the present.
Stay curious. Stay creative. And never stop building.