Why would that be a waste? The average professor at any college would probably be as smart as your friend. Professors (at least in the field I did my PhD in) are smart as hell.
This guy is in a league of his own. Pretty stunning.
I would be quite surprised if "any college professor" is at the same level.
That said, I am also very much a "maker and doer." I spent my career amongst folks sort of like him, but focused on producing stuff. He would have knocked most of them, into a cocked hat.
Not worth arguing about.
I apologize for being unclear.