Meet the 19-year-old sophomore who is the CEO of his own company

I typically try to avoid using the phrase “do less” at all costs, having found that it often comes from places of jealously and insecurity. It would also be pretty hypocritical considering that I would actually like to do more if only I possessed an ounce — or gallon — more of time-management skills and less of a desire to get an extra hour or two.

However, I let those awful two words slip from my mouth the moment I fully digested the fact that Sophomore Canyon Dell’Omo (I know, even his name screams “I’ve got my shit together”), finds time to run a company in between Bio problem sets, making short films, working out, and maintaining a decent social life.

Canyon, a down-to-earth, yet obviously brilliant jokester with Steve Jobs’ intensity and Jim Carrey’s sense of humor, shrugged off my incessant ‘how’s as I tried to make sense of his life as a student and business owner.

Although Canyon may argue that he actually does just enough, I would beg to differ, considering that his company, Motus Operandi, intends to use technology that I can’t even begin to pronounce to ensure workers’ rights and well-being.

Specifically, Canyon and his team have designed a sensory band to be placed in construction workers’ helmets which will utilize data from temperature, humidity, and UV exposure, amongst other things, to track workers’ exhaustion.

Oh, and did I mention that he just formed a partnership with Balfour Beatty Dutco, the fifth largest construction company in Dubai? I, on the other hand, figured out how to balance my shampoo, conditioner, and face wash without dropping my towel on the way to the shower. So there’s that.

Despite his many accomplishments, Canyon didn’t once convey that smug attitude of an overdressed Junior who nailed his first case interview after having gone out the night before. In fact, he actually diverted the conversation several times to his funnier feats, like running a bogus DSG campaign that didn’t blow over too well with some of his more serious peers.

However, in his distinctive carefree style, Canyon brushed off their critique. Maybe we could all learn a thing or two from Mr. Dell’Omo — and his role model Kanye West.

What are you studying?

I started Duke as BME and was BME for the first three semesters and then transferred to Biology.

Did you realize that BME was a death sentence?

For someone like me who likes to learn stuff on his own, the definition of “well” is passing. It was a lot harder to pass those classes because I didn’t have a lot of motivation to learn them. I still like biology a lot. My current project is a little more technical. It takes the good stuff out of the BME major and makes it a little more accessible.

Why did you choose Duke in the first place?

I live 15 minutes away and obviously it’s a great school. I was looking for a private school and a school with a surplus of resources because I’m not a huge class person. Whether it’s 3D printing labs to scanning technology. I wanted access to all of these. And Stanford was just too far away.

So, would you say you’re a mama’s boy?

Yeah.

Would you choose Duke all over again knowing what you know now?

While the startup culture isn’t necessarily what is at the more startup-y colleges, I’ve met a lot of impressive folks whether they’re in it for academic interest or enterprising interest. I’ve met some really good people.

How in the world did you start a company at your age?

I officially started my company this past summer but I’ve been developing it for a year. I never directly knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I always had issues with authority. I get bored easily. I like coming up with ideas. I like making things.

Once I came to college and realized all of the resources I have a available to me, I started to go down that path. A lot of Duke students don’t take advantage of the resources here especially if you compare with West Coast schools where everyone has their own start-up. You just have to align with the right mentors whether they’re professors or other students. A lot of Duke students are trapped in the “academic culture” and maybe if they get out of that they could have a bit more fun.

Your product seems pretty unique. How did you find this niche?

Well, we linked up with a bunch of companies and we’re currently looking to expand contracts with Duke Occupational Health and Safety. [Work exhaustion] is actually not that subtle of an issue especially as development around the world only continues to increase. Just look around at the construction on our campus.

Do you look at your peers as potential business partners?

Absolutely. I mean look at the Duke community. I have been lucky to meet and connect with some of the most intelligent and capable people. You get very high quality peers and workers for free in a dorm next to you.

In what environment do you feel most creative?

I really like rooftops whether it’s the Nicholas School of Environment. Probably because I’m pretty claustrophobic. It’s just relaxing and you can really focus. In terms of my other spots, I don’t want to give those away because I don’t like being bothered.

Who inspires you?

I’m going to say the obligatory tech entrepreneur answer and say Elon Musk. But I’m gunna push forward and say Spencer Bruno.* He inspires me because the dude just loves music and goes out and doesn’t let anyone get in his way. If you’re looking for an example of someone who follows his passions, he’s your guy. There’s things that you can do and be successful in life by following your passion.

*Spencer Bruno is professional DJ who can put touring with Avicii and headlining LDOC on his updated CV.

Are you a Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, or Bill Gates? Why?

Steve Jobs is an asshole. Bill Gates is a nerd. I don’t know much about Mark. I don’t really like to compare myself to people. If you throw Kanye in that list, I’d be willing to negotiate.

Why do you like Kanye so much?

I think he’s very interesting. His music is such a juxtaposition between very, very vulgar and unrefined to skillful art. His beats can be magical but then he goes to rap and he’s in your face and obnoxious. I really like that contrast. He kind of does whatever he wants whether or not it works out for him. He’s a very confident person.

Are you a competitive person?

I am extremely competitive. Just today I made it a point to win the first game we played in Italian 101. I’m pretty competitive in everything I do. I get that from my family because I was taught how to lose very, very early whether it’s a physical competition like when my dad would dunk on me when we played basketball. I treat everything as a competition, I don’t know whether or not that’s a good thing.

Have your parents always been supportive of your entrepreneurial goals?

Actually a lot more recently. They originally focused on me getting good grades but once they saw that I’m not just going out every night and fucking around, they’ve become a lot more supportive.

Does your schoolwork ever feel unimportant in comparison to your business?

Absolutely, but I clarify. When I’m doing schoolwork it feels very monotonous but there are a lot of things you can take away from classes. There are also a lot of assignments and extra bullshit that I don’t really like doing. I like learning things on my own because I can find what’s the most relevant and apply it to my life which helps me understand things a lot better. A lot of the professors I have realize that and understand where my priorities lie. In regards to those that don’t appreciate that, fuck them.

Which two would you pick out of the unattainable trifecta: sleep, school, or social life?

Definitely social and sleep. You know how I feel about grades. I sleep maybe 7-8 hours on average. Once I start getting behind on sleep, I suffer in productivity. The work hours that you sort of “miss” by sleeping, you end up making up for in being prepared for the day.

Are you in a Greek Organization or SLG?

I am in Wayne.

Why did you rush?

I’m not a huge fan of frats necessarily. They can be a bit too comformy for me. I don’t like people telling me what to do. Wayne can be an organization that suits busy people. We have a lot of engineers and athletes. But it’s a group that likes to have fun. We still go out and have parties, but we are very focused on real life things as well. If I don’t go to an event, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.

What do you do for fun?

I recreationally play guitar. I’m on Wayne’s IM soccer team. I like spike ball. I’m sorta into photography. I make little short films. In terms of photography, I made Type MHG’s latest mixtape cover. I just like doing little artsy shit like that. I look for little artistic outlets because I’m so focused for the majority of my day. I actually listen to a lot of Kanye. He’s my most played artist on Spotify.

Favorite place to eat on Duke’s campus?

I’d probably say Pitchforks. Blue Express is pretty good too, it’s kind of fresh. Certainly not Penn Pavilion. It has a very cafeteria vibe which I don’t really like.

Thoughts on Shooters?

Overrated. It’s too hot. And I like my sleep. Nights there tend to carry on too long.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Don’t worry about people saying ‘no.’ I was amazed at the number of people you can email when you come to Duke and who will say yes and give even more than you asked for. A lot of people are just afraid of things not working out. Entrepreneurship is a climate that is prone to failure. You need to have the will to power through.

Do you ever hear the words ‘do less?’

Only when celebrating goals in IM soccer. People are usually pretty supportive.