April 1st, 1976 Apple became a thing. The original partnership signed by Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne started what was to become the worlds largest company 40 years later with billions of devices sold. In the time since, its technical, cultural and business impact has been immeasurable.
The original Apple logo with the partnership document.
My History With Apple
My father took on the mantle of school division computer coördinator about 1984, and would bring home a computer each summer for me to play with. I immediately dove into the drawing program on the original 128k Macintosh and delighted at my pattern filled geometric shapes. I remember the feeling of excitement the beginning of one summer when I noticed colour on the screen. Then it happened, 1994, dad bought me my first computer. A Macintosh LC 520. That was about when I first started exploring more complex graphics, the original Adobe Photoshop, Aldus Pagemaker, programming and modding things like FirstClass Client, making game levels for Lode Runner and Wolfenstein (I called that package Krak des Chevaliers, and it was damned hard!)
It was about this time that I started poking and prodding inside my new computer, first replacing the logic board battery, than upgrading to a massive 1GB hard drive. This led me to helping out the computer room teacher swapping out old expansion cards, then installing computers and networks. I learned Mac OS 7 inside and out, modifying it like a teen would.. though I may have pushed it a bit when Dad went to start it up one day and it insulted him.
This exploration of the technology, hand in hand with a talent for creativity cultivated by access to modern creative tools made me the man I am today.
Various Apple machines I’ve owned over the years, the LC 520, then the Power Mac G3, an iMac, then the MacBook.
Out of high school I was hired as a tech at a computer store in Edmonton, I recently met up with the fellow responsible for my hiring there, and thanked him. I learned how Apple dealt with service and how to take apart a plethora of machines. I earned my chops there even though I was a snot nosed brat, moved to another computer shop in Calgary. After a stint in telco I switched gears doing web design with a family member. We both loved Apple products and I wanted to get back into their fold.
After a lot of hard work and jumping through hoops we were rewarded with our Apple Value Added Reseller designation. Au3 ended up supplying quite a few Xserves and ran a respectable rack of then for our own website clients. After, I moved on to a local dealer where I got my hands back into the guts of Apple equipment, and started the iPhone repair business there. Once the Apple corporate stores opened up and gutted the dealership industry I decided it was time to try a new approach. Using the experience and suppliers I had gained through my earlier ventures, I struck out on my own, wanting to repair and support Apples. The name was simple after that, and three years later, I’m happily running a local business here in Calgary.
My youth and career have been inexorably intertwined with Apple.
Why Apple?
I was exposed to Apple early on so there was a certain amount of brand recognition, but when I finally encountered PC’s running windows I saw why Apple was superior not only in their software but their hardware as well. PC was so unnecessary complex and shoddily put together. This has not changed, they continue to be one of the rare companies where true craftsmanship continues to be top priority. I’ve chosen to hitch my wagon to them because of those values. As Steve Jobs said, they exist at the intersection of technology and liberal arts.
I strive to provide my clients with the same level of quality and service in all the things i do.
I understand and value quality. When it comes to repairs and the parts we use here at The Stem, we are sure to use premium quality and are not afraid to simply ship things right back if they don’t meet our standards. We have not participated in the race to the cheapest in our industry, because we understand quality costs money. In our creative services we have stringent quality guidelines, best practices that we feel ensure our clients success. We don’t burden our clients with unnecessary expansions masquerading as requirements.
Also like Apple, we have a measure of rebelliousness. We do not necessarily follow the industry and are often the voice of dissent. We strive to do things differently and in a way that will set us apart.
Apple flew the original Macintosh pirate flag for the 40th Anniversary. What that about? Find out here.
Happy Birthday Apple!
I owe a lot to Apple as a company. The ignited me as a youth, inspired me as a man, and indirectly continue to provide my family with an income. I’m proud to see what Tim Cook as done with Apple since the death of Steve Jobs; the environmental, medical and social initiatives they have undertaken. In fact, my faith grows even stronger when I see this; they have always been, but are becoming even more of a positive influence on society.
So, with my most sincere well wishes and personal thanks,
Happy Birthday Apple.
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