Apple and I were neighbors. We grew up in the quiet suburb of Cupertino, the Land of 20 City Parks and Frozen Yogurt joints.

It was the very same city where wannabe “gang-fights” happened in front of the Library and Civic Center, where most peoples’ IQ was greater than their body weight

From sixth grade until graduating high school, I watched Apple transform, explode, and evolve. Watching CD players and “i-what’s” turn into iPhones and iPads was pretty cool too. 

Who was behind this amazing revolution? None other than Steve Jobs, the now ex-CEO of Apple, molding it from a computer company to the company.

Balancing stockholder demands and life-threatening thyroid complications, Jobs transcended his personal obstacles and turned doubters into believers. He is officially the marketing maven of the decade, if not century. Proof in the fact that Apple now has more Cash on their Balance Sheets than the United States Government. 

Now I kinda understand why people (especially graphic designers and creatives) buy Macs: people passionate about brands see Apple as the model brand. 

Much respect to you Mr. Steve Jobs, you did your job better than anybody could have ever dreamed. 10 years ago Macs were the laughing stock of Corporate America. And now? Apple stockholders are laughing at the rest of Corporate America.Put that on your resume, Mr. Jobs.

Oh wait, you’re already immortalized.

“Eli Whitney, Henry Ford, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, meet the newest member of the All-American CEO Dream Team, Steve Jobs.”

Rest well, Mr. Jobs. Hope to bump into you at Starbucks sometime soon. Until then, Tim Cook, you have some big shoes to fill up.