Steve Jobs was an American technology visionary and businessman. He was the chief executive officer (CEO), chairman, and co-founder of Apple Inc. Jobs created a multimillion-dollar brand, Apple, that has taken over the technology industry from iPhones, iPods, and MacBook computers. Job dropped out of college like many other successful entrepreneurs in America. Jobs and Steve Wozniak developed the first MacBook computer in 1976 (Sonnenfeld 64). A month later, the two formed Apple Computer Company with a third partner Ronald Wayne. The company later changed its name to Apple Inc.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs significantly affected the world of music, design, technology, and art, among other fields. Steve’s path to success was unique and unusual, unlike modern entrepreneurs. To a great extent, Steve Jobs came in at the right time and place. The world needed a digital revolution, and Steve served as the bridge. Jobs was adopted by Clara Jobs and Paul Jobs. His foster parents brought him up in Mountain View. Steve gained hands-on experience with numerous HP engineers who lived and worked in California. Job kept an open mind and was always ready to try out new ideas in unusual ways. Steve’s open mind played a role in his view of products. Before he dropped out of college, Steve learned about design, Eastern religion., and calligraphy, among other topics that significantly influenced his career in the technology industry (Kim 21). Even though Jobs dropped out of Reeds College, he never ceased seeking out mentors and teachers to grow his knowledge and skills. Jobs was one of the pioneers of new technology design in California.
Steve Jobs was a renowned visionary and innovator. Jobs is among the pioneers who transformed the accessibility and consumerism of information. His significant impact continues through his product development, innovation, and technology achievements. In 1986, Jobs invested $5 million into Pixar, a computer graphics company that he later sold to Disney for $7.4 billion in 2006 (Bell et al. 127). Pixar helped Disney create the animation industry in Hollywood. The development of new products has significantly impacted individuals and businesses over the years. Apple Inc. was close to bankruptcy in 1997, forcing Steve to take a different direction from what its competitors were producing. Apple’s competitors were producing business software and desktop towers. Steve described Apple as an intersection between liberal arts and technology. Apple’s products were easy to use, stylish, and intuitive. When the first iMac was launched, a lot of companies in the technology industry were producing beige desktop towers. The iMac featured numerous colors ranging from purple to blue and even floral prints. During this era, the public got to experience technology as an art and not a productivity tool (Sonnenfeld 64). The introduction of the first iPod was a game-changer in the music industry. iPod was one of the greatest innovations that changed technology from a mere sterile tool to become our identity. The innovation was huge not only for Apple but also for other companies in the technology industry. iTunes led to the development of an Apple Store.
Apple’s iPod
Apple’s floral iMac
As evidenced at Apple, Pixar, and NeXT, Steve Jobs greatly influenced the success of many companies and products. Only a few people knew Steve as a philanthropist. He rarely publicized his philanthropic efforts, but those close to him can attest to his charitable nature. Through his company, Steve donated over $50 to healthcare institutions (Kim 24). Also, Steve played a role in organizations meant to combat HIV/AIDS, especially in developing countries. Steve was a philanthropist whose primary object was not for recognition but to help those in dire need. During his time as Apple’s CEO, Steve promoted environmentally friendly products by using eco-conscious materials such as recycled plastics, paper, and aluminum to conserve global resources.
Summary
- Steve Jobs was an American technology visionary and businessman.
- He was the chief executive officer (CEO), chairman, and co-founder of Apple Inc. Jobs created a multimillion-dollar brand, Apple, that has taken over the technology industry from iPhones, iPods, and MacBook computers.
- He was the chief executive officer (CEO), chairman, and co-founder of Apple Inc. Jobs created a multimillion-dollar brand, Apple, that has taken over the technology industry from iPhones, iPods, and MacBook computers.
- Steve Jobs came in at the right time and the right place. The world was in need of a digital revolution, and Steve served as the bridge.
- Steve gained hands-on experience with numerous HP engineers who lived and worked in California. Job kept an open mind and was always ready to try out new ideas in unusual ways.
- Jobs is among the pioneers who transformed the accessibility and consumerism of information.
- In 1986, Jobs invested $5 million into Pixar, a computer graphics company that he later sold to Disney for $7.4 billion in 2006.
- Steve described Apple as an intersection between liberal arts and technology. Apple’s products were easy to use, stylish, and intuitive.
- iPod was one of the greatest innovations that changed technology from a mere sterile tool to become our identity.
- Only a few people knew Steve as a philanthropist.
- Through his company, Steve donated over $50 to healthcare institutions.
- During his time as Apple’s CEO, Steve promoted environmentally friendly products by using eco-conscious materials such as recycled plastics, paper, and aluminum to conserve global resources.
Works Cited
Bell, Emma, and Scott Taylor. “Vernacular mourning and corporate memorialization in framing the death of Steve Jobs.” Organization 23.1 (2016): 114-132.
Kim, Hyeonjoo. “Comparison of Strategic Leadership: Steve Jobs and Tim Cook.” Business and Management Studies 6.3 (2020): 17–25.
Sonnenfeld, Jeffrey A. “Steve Jobs’ Immortal Quest and the Heroic Persona.” Journal of Business and Management 19.1 (2013): 59–68.