I would be lying if I told you that I wan’t hit hard by the passing of Steve Jobs. Most folks who have followed his health challenges knew that things weren’t going well, but still, his passing is very sad and quite sobering.
I started using Apple products in high school (circa 1980) – four years before the introduction of the Macintosh. In 1984, my folks put down some cash for a 512k Macintosh and an ImageWriter. Later on, I purchased a MacBottom – a whopping 10mb (yes, megabytes) of storage that sat directly beneath the footprint of my Mac. Side Note: Those of you who are not in your 40’s probably don’t even know what an ImageWriter looks like (LOL). Anyway, I took my new Mac to college, and joyfully punched out papers without typing any commands.
Since that time, I have only used Macintosh computers in my personal life and in my business. I have purchased a total of 43 Macs along the way (businesses and personal combined), with #44 and #45 on the way. I have owned one ImageWriter printer, three ImageWriter II printers, multiple LaserWriters, and yes – a Newton PDA (the foundation for what would become the iPhone). I own multiple iPods, iPhones, and an iPad2. I’m an Apple investor and I love everything about that company.
When I was in undergrad, I was told that Apple was a flash in the pan. When I lived in NYC, I was told that PC’s “rule” and that Apple products were for those who were right-brain dominant – you know, the CREATIVE ones in the crowd. I always responded to that comment with, “thank you!”
When I started my first business in NYC, I was told that nothing worked on a Mac, so why even bother. Interestingly, the same idiots who were quick to dismiss Apple, are the same folks who – yesterday evening, sent emails about Steve’s death…via an iPhone, iPad, or a MacBook. Ironic.
Everything that I have done in my life in terms of professional accomplishments has been the result of ONE PERSON’S uncompromising vision. The books, manuals, and brochures I have written – products I have designed, forms, letters, websites, video projects, podcasts, audio programs, and even this blog – have a link to ONE PERSON and his company. Thank you Steve!
Steve Jobs didn’t just ignite a company. He created a new world. The Macintosh paved the way for companies with names like Aldus, Adobe, Quark and Maromedia. Programs like Photoshop were – at the beginning, designed solely for the Macintosh. Desktop publishing programs like Pagemaker (Aldus) and QuarkXpress revolutionized page layout, which in turn, revolutionized the entire publishing industry. Adobe then took things to the next level with a suite of programs that are second to none.
Have you read a book lately? Chances are that is was layer out using a Mac. Read a magazine lately? Macintosh. Downloaded music? ITunes. Made a call? iPhone.
Thousands of companies and the products that Apple created can be traced back to the innovation of ONE PERSON. He was the spark. Yes, others have made huge contributions, but those contributions had a history, and that history funnels dow to ONE PERSON.
Companies that manufacture accessories for Mac Computers, iPods, iPhones, and iPads are enjoy the spoils of their riches because of the dreams and achievements of ONE PERSON. Software companies, and folks who create apps for the iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone, do so because of ONE PERSON. Millions – no, BILLIONS of dollars in revenue have been created because of ONE PERSON.
Steve’s entire attitude – his entire being, is inspirational. He didn’t take crap, didn’t shift his direction, never veered from who he was or where he wanted to go – even when others were sure that he couldn’t get it done.
Steve didn’t just tell those with goals…a vision…a destination, that is was okay to think big – to Think Different. He also let those who spend their lives sitting on the sidelines that THEY were the ones whose thinking needed an adjustment.
In every area of my life, I have always done things DIFFERENTLY. I live my life…MY WAY. A good portion of that comes from who I am and how I have always looked at the world, but a part of that comes from the inspiration sparked by ONE PERSON – Steve Jobs.
There are very few people for whom I hold respect in this world. The list is extremely short. Right up there at the top of my list in the top two is Steve Jobs. The world has lost a great person to whom I owe so much…AND who turned a black shirt and blue jeans into the new standard in formal wear.
Thank you Steve…for EVERYTHING.
…Dr. Marc Swerdlick