The worst thing about being the owner of a very successful company at the age of 13 is that adults keep criticizing you.

That's the word from Keith Peiris. He is president and CEO of Cyberteks Design. After opening his own Web design business in June 1999 at age 11, Peiris was bombarded with phone calls and e-mails from people telling him he should not be in the business.

A lot of them thought he was too young, or that he was taking work away from adults who needed the money. "I just ignored them," says Peiris. "If anything, it made me more determined to succeed."

Peiris has been using computers since the age of three. Now, he specializes in designing interactive, animated Web sites using a software program called Macromedia Flash. He taught himself to use the software by playing around with it.

Of course, there is more to designing Web sites than knowing the software. You also have to have an eye for design. You must know what looks good and what doesn't. Some people study art and design in school. Peiris didn't. "I think I was just born with a good eye for design," he says.

That must be true. The young man has won several awards for the quality of his work. In March 2000, three of Cyberteks' Web sites were selected as finalists at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas. A few months later, in June of that same year, Peiris' design team won the second place award for the best design at Macromedia Webworld 2000.

When designing Web sites, you must find clients who will buy your services. In the beginning, Peiris' father helped out with the marketing. At one time, the older Peiris had been the president of a software company, so he had lots of experience.

The marketing efforts were so successful that now the older Peiris works for his son's company. He looks after the day-to-day things while Peiris is in school. Sometimes he assists Peiris when necessary.

"My dad does the marketing, and he is slowly teaching me," says Peiris. "He also got my site a high ranking with the search engines." A high search engine ranking is important. That determines how many future clients will find your site.

Some teens might find it strange to be employing their fathers. Peiris thinks it is OK. "The truth is that when I say my dad works for me, it is mostly only a label," he says. "We discuss things and make mutual decisions."

Cyberteks Design has been extremely successful. The company currently has sales offices in many cities across North America. Peiris plans to open a business office in New York City, as well as an office in China.

The China offices came about when Peiris participated in the Team Canada trade mission to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in February 2001. Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien hosted the mission.

Peiris accompanied a group of politicians, civil servants and leading businesspeople on the Asian expedition. He was photographed with the prime minister, as well as with a number of dignitaries from China.

The trade mission was very successful, in Peiris' opinion. He expects that there will be many potential clients there. "We intend to work with the Chinese government. We will hire people to work in the office," he says.

What with attending Grade 7 full time and owning his own business, you would think that Peiris would have no time left over for anything else. But that's not true.

The young entrepreneur works at his business for about three hours a day on weekdays, and three to 10 hours on weekends. He has plenty of time left over for recreational activities. He even plays competitive hockey.

How does he find the time? "Easily," he says. "I have a great social life. More so than some kids who don't have their own ventures."

It's just a matter of managing your time properly, he says.

Peiris believes that the market is wide open for any young person who wants to set up a Web design business. "There is easily enough work for everyone," he says.

You don't need a lot of cash to get started. All you need is your computer and the software. Marketing is important, but it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. It takes time more than money, according to the entrepreneur.

There is a good opportunity to make very good money. Cyberteks' revenue is in the six figures. Of course, Cyberteks is a business with several employees. Peiris didn't mention the salary he pays the designers who work for him. However, government statistics give us an idea of what the range might be.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) quotes Robert Half International as saying that starting salaries for Web developers ranged from $47,000 to $64,500 in 1999. However, the term "Web developer" includes a number of occupations related to Web site work.

Peiris thinks Web design is a great opportunity for youth. "There's enough work to go around. And because it's Web design, your age doesn't matter, just the quality of your work."

Net Sites

Team Canada Trade Mission

Peiris participated in a mission to China

http://www.tcm-mec.gc.ca/

Cyberteks

This is Peiris' corporate Web site

http://www.cyberteks.net/

Web Salaries

Find out what some people in the field are making

http://www.bizshop.com/online/websalaries.htm

Be a Freelance Web Builder

From CNET

http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/
0-7251-8-5549883-1.html

Web Design From About.com

Tons of information for and about Web designers

http://webdesign.about.com/compute/
webdesign/mbody.htm