Most of us start life in a safe and supportive family, surrounded by love and care from the very beginning. For many, it’s a predictable path – from infancy to adulthood, nurtured by those who see us as their own, but for Freddie Figgers, now 32, life’s story unfolded in a drastically different way, one that’s both heartbreaking and extraordinary.
Freddie Figgers entered the world under difficult circumstances. Just a newborn, he was abandoned by his biological mother, left on the side of the street. This early act of rejection would have left many scarred, but for Freddie, it set the stage for a life defined by resilience, innovation, and a determination to forge his own path. “My mother threw me away like everyday trash,” Freddie recalls. “I’m not even supposed to be here.”
Despite his tough start, Freddie’s story took a positive turn when Nathan and Betty Figgers came into his life. Looking to adopt, the couple welcomed Freddie into their home, offering him a new beginning. They became the loving parents Freddie needed, raising him with care and support. Nathan and Betty not only provided him a home but fostered an environment where Freddie felt valued and loved, though his early life experiences may have suggested otherwise.
Growing up in this loving environment, Freddie displayed a unique gift for understanding how things work, especially electronic devices. When he was only nine, his father gave him a broken-down computer from 1989, an old model that many would’ve found unusable. Instead of discarding it, Freddie began taking it apart and putting it back together. His innate interest and skill soon became evident. He spent hours figuring out how to fix the computer, eventually getting it up and running. This early experience with a simple machine would set him on a path toward innovation and success that few could have anticipated.
By the time he was twelve, Freddie’s talent had blossomed to the point where he landed a position as a computer technician. He wasn’t simply helping friends and family; he was gaining real, professional experience. Working hands-on with technology allowed Freddie to develop his skills even further, and by the age of fifteen, he’d already built his own cloud database system, operating out of his backyard. This venture marked his first step into entrepreneurship. Though he hadn’t yet completed high school, Freddie was beginning to lay the foundation for what would later become a successful career.
As he transitioned into adulthood, Freddie’s achievements only grew more impressive. Without any formal college education, he launched Figgers Communications, his own telecommunications company, which went on to become Figgers Wireless. Today, Figgers Wireless stands as a noteworthy example of success in the technology field. Valued at over $62.3 million, it remains one of the few Black-owned telecommunications firms, a rare accomplishment in a highly competitive industry. Despite his lack of traditional academic credentials, Freddie’s business has thrived through innovation, dedication, and the sheer drive that has marked his journey since childhood.
But Freddie’s story is about more than just business success. From a young age, he had a deep sense of loyalty and love for his adoptive parents, especially his father, who was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Determined to support his father and keep him safe, Freddie created a unique device to help. He integrated a two-way communicator and GPS tracker into a pair of shoes his father wore, allowing Freddie to monitor his father’s location and speak to him when necessary. This invention, created out of compassion, highlighted Freddie’s problem-solving abilities and his desire to use technology to make life better for others.
After his father’s passing, Freddie’s inventive spirit continued to guide his work. His focus expanded to addressing significant health challenges facing millions, specifically diabetes. With a high prevalence worldwide and in the U.S., diabetes affects a staggering number of individuals, and Freddie saw an opportunity to make a real difference. Rather than taking advantage of a market where medical companies often charge high prices, he wanted to develop a cost-effective solution that prioritized patients over profit.
Freddie’s dedication led him to create a device aimed at making diabetes management simpler, more affordable, and accessible to everyone. He introduced an all-in-one solution that continuously monitors patients’ conditions, offering 24/7 remote support to those who need it. His approach to this device is guided by his belief in affordability and accessibility, a stark contrast to many corporations that focus on profit. Freddie states, “We could have easily sold our invention to any medical supply company, but that would only be adding to the problem. Instead, we created a solution that puts people over profit.”
Freddie’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and vision. From a rocky beginning as an abandoned infant to a successful entrepreneur and inventor, he’s defied the odds in every conceivable way. His accomplishments aren’t just about building a profitable business or creating new technology; they reflect his commitment to improving people’s lives, whether it’s through supporting his father during a challenging time or developing resources for those with chronic health conditions.
Freddie Figgers remains an inspiring figure, someone whose life is both a story of survival and a lesson in kindness and ingenuity. He has transformed hardship into purpose, using his talents to create positive change in the lives of others. His story encourages us to see that, even when life begins under the most difficult circumstances, there’s always potential for growth, achievement, and making a difference.
Freddie’s journey continues to inspire those who hear about it, and his contributions to technology and healthcare are sure to leave a lasting impact. We wish him continued success and look forward to seeing the new paths he’ll create as he follows his passion for helping others. Freddie’s legacy proves that sometimes, those who start with the least end up giving the most.