What can be said about Steve Jobs that hasn't already be said. He was my hero. Back in the early 80's against the advice of all my Stockbroker buddies who were buying IBM's I bought my first Apple product the Apple IIe. I bought it because it was different. It looked different, it felt different, it was just plain different. When Apple introduced the Macintosh in 1984, I was there to purchase this amazing computer with a mouse. While all my broker buddies were struggling with their pc's my whole computer experience was amazingly simple.I was there when Steve Jobs came back to the company in which he co-founded in 1997 and introduced the iMac in 1998. It was the first computer every to have a color enclosure. All other computers were the boring beige, boxy with no style. Soon after the introduction of the iMac, you started to see color in other computer products. It was amazing how Apple always led the way with design and elegance.
In 2001, Steve Jobs introduced the iPod and iTunes. A “1000 songs in your pocket.” It was revolutionary! The iPod and iTunes transformed the entire music industry. Apple was not the first to introduce an mp3 player. It was simply the best and easiest to use. Oh and by the way, Apple's iMacs, MacBook's and high end Mac's were breaking records as well.
In January 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. Again, not the first, simply the best, user experience. The iPhone took the industry by storm. No one expected it. The iPhone has become the number one selling smart phone on the planet. On Friday, October 14, Apple is launching iPhone 4s. Pre-orders for the iPhone 4s sold out in the first day of availability. AT&T called it, “The most successful iPhone launch ever, with more than 200,000 orders in the first 12 hours.” By the way, if you need to get a hold of me in Friday, I will be standing in line with all the other Apple fanatics to be a part of this amazing event.
In January 2010, Steve Jobs introduced the iPad. Again, though they were not the first tablet to hit the market, the iPad has become more successful than anyone ever thought, even Apple. The iPad is influencing everything around us. Last week I was in Dallas. I made a Keynote presentation with my iPad using my iPhone to control the presentation wirelessly. Amazing. It's light, fast and easy to use. I no longer have to carry my heavier MacBook Pro. My iPad has changed the way I consume information, work and create.
Over the years Steve Jobs has inspired me to see what was possible. He and every product at Apple has a profound impact on my life and my entire creative process. Steve taught me how to see things different and not to accept mediocrity. In the past 14 years, Steve brought together a team of creative people and built one of the most successful companies in American history. I do realize that no one person can do that alone. In my opinion it all starts at the top! Steve Jobs changed our world for a better place. The planet will never be the same without him. He was truly a genius. Thank you Steve.
Oh, and “One more thing”, All along the way, the nay-sayers have criticized Apple for just about everything. When Steve Jobs took over in 1997 Apple stock was trading at $10 per share. Apple stock just hit an all time high of $413. Go ahead and criticize all you want!