Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People Steve Wozniak: Pirate, Co-founder of Apple, and Hardware Wizard
Feb 5, 2020
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and a pioneer in personal computing, shares his journey from building the Apple I and II to shaping the future of technology. He discusses his early days at the Homebrew Computer Club and the serendipitous partnership with Steve Jobs. Wozniak reflects on engineering challenges, the importance of creative problem-solving, and his ongoing loyalty to Apple—receiving a small paycheck even today. He also insights on leadership, praising Tim Cook's vision and emphasizing the harmony of integrated hardware and software.
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Origin At The Homebrew Club
- Steve Wozniak built his first computer at the Homebrew Computer Club and freely shared the design with others.
- Steve Jobs saw the excitement around Wozniak's board and proposed starting a company together.
The $50,000 Turning Point
- Jobs proposed selling a simple PC board for profit while Wozniak hesitated about starting a company.
- A $50,000 order from a store owner convinced them to risk assembling a hundred boards.
Gaming Fueled Home Computer Adoption
- The Apple II uniquely combined color graphics and software-driven arcade games for the home market.
- That mix made programming and gaming accessible and unlocked a new consumer segment.