Rebirth as an American Tycoon

In the summer of 1979, the tech industry was buzzing with excitement about what was happening.

Yesterday, the discussions with the Apple executives went very smoothly. Everyone came to a consensus. Although Steve Jobs didn't want to admit it, William White's argument was hard to refute.

The so-called personal computer was indeed a bit off the mark. At least, Apple's second-generation machine aimed primarily at small and medium-sized businesses. A personal computer should cater to both work and entertainment, with at least eighty percent of its focus on entertainment.

Clearly, the Apple second-generation machine fell short in this regard. Even developing puzzle games wouldn't help; the entertainment value was just too poor.

It was crucial to unite this thought process. Apple could then focus its limited resources on the right areas.

Their goal was simple: to rapidly expand their market. If they could achieve a monthly shipment of thirty thousand units, their valuation would at least double.

Investment banks didn't care much for potential; they needed solid data. With software included, it not only boosted sales but also improved profit margins.

After all, they had a thirty percent cut, which translated to real profits. The best part was that this didn't add much to their costs.

When selling computers, it simply required a bit more conversation. With this aspect, it made pitching to other companies much easier.

Before this, how would you start a sales pitch for the product?

"Do you need a computer?"

"Nope, what's the use of that? No thanks."

Now, it was a whole different ball game.

"Boss, do you need to increase productivity? You can calculate your personal taxes in a minute. You can save money on accounting staff. You won't need that many typists anymore. Our computer is way more efficient."

Selling computers with William White's strategy was working pretty well. Apple's salespeople had firsthand experience. Some clients didn't make immediate decisions but were clearly intrigued. They believed that it wouldn't be long before their sales numbers spiked again.

Finally convincing the stubborn Jobs made William White very happy. Their primary concern now was sales. If they maintained this momentum, along with skyrocketing profit margins, doubling their valuation wouldn't be a dream anymore.

If that really happened, all those founders would be billionaires. Jobs was no Bill Gates; this guy didn't come from wealth, having been adopted. If he became a billionaire, it would mean he achieved a goal.

This kind of inspiring underdog success story would definitely capture the media's attention. Right now, Steve Jobs was far from being a legend. He was eagerly awaiting social recognition.

He had a good impression of William White, seeing him as different from the other second-generation kids -- not distant or aloof.

He didn't realize that this was all part of William White's strategy. With someone like Jobs, being overly polite often backfired; being blunt was better. If you acted too courteous, he wouldn't like you.

Bottom line, this stemmed from Jobs' insecurity. He was eager to prove himself and wanted social standing.

Even though the dollar had lost considerable value over the past couple of years, billionaires were still rare. These days, you could buy a 747 for just a few million. Later on, who would want to use such things? A 737 for a private jet was already quite the image.

...

William White's friend Jason Garrison called him, "Boss, that software was really developed by you?"

"Of course! Who else would do it?"

"Boss, I admire you so much. When did your programming skills get so good?"

"Fool, I don't need to do it myself. It's all my team. I just provide the ideas."

"Boss, do you plan on dropping out? Those girls will be devastated."

"I'll choose to take a break from school for now; there's too much going on at home. You need to work hard and graduate early. I need my own people here."

"I'm not as smart as you. I can barely finish a year ahead."

"Ha, with this top student leaving, you'll be the best student now."

"Not cool. I'd rather compete with you. Winning like this is what makes it fun."

"Enough of that. Oh, by the way, I'll be heading to Los Angeles soon. I'll give you a call."

"Are you taking a leave of absence?"

"No, that's just a side note. I'm planning to make a movie, and I need you to help me out."

"Are there any pretty ladies there?"

"Doesn't seem like it, and even if there were, they wouldn't be good-looking."

"Alright, alright, you're the boss. Who else would I help if not you?"

"Ha, good buddy. We'll talk more when we meet up."

"Sure, see ya."

...

As time went on, mainstream media finally discovered this quirky company.

It wasn't that the company was spectacular; software was considered non-mainstream at that time. People preferred tangible things, and software seemed too abstract and impractical; it certainly didn't satisfy a craving.

What really caught the media's attention was the company's owner. Everyone now knew it wasn't just any coincidental name; it was the author running the company.

Now, Forrest Gump was incredibly popular. The media naturally wanted to interview the author. Unfortunately, this guy was being very uncooperative.

To sell his book better, no mainstream author would ever cross the media. Yet, this guy stood out as odd.

Interview requests, promotional events, and signings were all turned down. The media could only gather photos of him from his university. Such an uncooperative attitude from a bestselling author was simply unheard of.

According to reporters at the school, this guy didn't have social anxiety. In fact, he was quite talkative.

His murky past had already been aired once; pushing further would be pointless. After all, he was just a kid. The media needed to tread lightly, lest readers turn against them.

At eighteen or nineteen, some wild moments were normal. Most folks would just smile, as everyone was young once; there was really not much to say about it.

Interviewing on the farm?

Don't kid yourself; doing that without an invitation could lead to disaster. Texans were tough, and that wasn't just talk.

The New York media felt a twinge of jealousy. How could such an outstanding individual not be from New York? And worse, they found out he was from Texas, which they despised even more.

To New Yorkers, Texas and California were both among the most hated places in the world. Rude and unrefined were the tags they wore. They were left wondering how someone from that area could write such a book.

*****

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