Steve’s speech was an enjoyable recap of the birth and growth of Apple Computers. He offered several stories about himself, Steve Jobs and the overall Apple experience. However, having read the biography of Steve Jobs, I found Wozniak’s comments reinforcing my established impression of Jobs. Yet, I knew little about the Woz. It was enlightening to hear him speak of his childhood and the early recognition of being a prodigy. But the story that stayed with me was his desire to complete his education after crashing his plane. Needing to have some level of anonymity he got his degree under the name “Rocky Raccoon Clark”. A combination of the name of his dog (Rocky Raccoon) and his then wife’s maiden name “Clark”. It was an amusing choice, but also indicative of a man that throughout his life found ways to be inventive, creative and humorous.

After the speech, I and others were invited to a private lunch with Steve and his wife Janet Hill. Since I was in a bit of a rush to get to the airport I had to leave prior to the completion of the luncheon. But, I was able to get a photo of him with my director of digital marketing, a rather unique business card and a handshake. I wanted to meet Mr. Wozniak because of the many celebrities and technologists I have met over the years, this was a man that truly made a contribution that changed the world. Whether, we look at how Apple changed the way personal computers were developed, sold and used or the post-Wozniak period when the iPhone was released, the company created by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak changed the world.

ANPI had a very good show with speaking engagements, exhibit and sponsorship at IT Expo. For us IT Expo is a marketing event with awareness and OEM partnerships as the primary goals or event ROI. Next week ANPI will be at Cloud Partners in Chicago where we will introduce additional improvements and changes in our channel program, ANPI Premier Program. We also have an education session on Thursday, at 2:00 September 12th calledFive Essentials to Selling Hosted Communications. It is a not to be missed discussion for VARs and agents wanting to achieve success with hosted solutions. Join us to learn and participate in the conversation.