Right Time, Right Place (or It's Always Darkest Before The Dawn)

The late 1970's and early 1980's were an exciting time in technology. Microcomputers were taking hold, led by visionaries like Steve Jobs, Clive Sinclair and Ed Roberts, who helped found Altair Computer, for those of you who remember.

I'd aspired to break into the business and wanted to work at the local computer store, The Byte Shop, where they sold mostly Apples. It seemed so glamorous. I'd even bought an Osborne portable computer for myself, I was so taken with the industry. I applied for the job of part-time sales rep, but never heard back from anyone. A few weeks later, the computer store's ad ran again the local newspaper and, again, I applied. This time, I got the interview. I dressed in my best, truly awful, suit and strode in. I answered all the questions, Dwayne, the tough, venerated sale manager could ask and...got the job!

It was a heady time of technology change and a group of fun-loving early-career people, most so different from myself, but all smart, and always ready to explain something to "the new guy". The ride was short, but saw us take on such important new lines as the Digital Rainbow, the Apple Lisa, the Altos Mini-Micro and the new IBM PC and PCjr. I learned much of what I now know from these first experiences. The business seemed to run smoothly and we moved to larger quarters, only to find months later we'd over-extended ourselves. A company meeting was called and we were told the bank had called in their loans to us and most of us would be losing our jobs. A small group of five of us of the nearly thirty original employees were kept on to sell off the remaining stock, supervised, of course, by bank representatives.

It was a depressing time, with former employees at the door, looking for their last paychecks, we felt like scabs. We'd been instructed to make giant window signs announcing a "Going out of business Sale". We sold the good stuff quickly and were left with a few computers, peripherals, cables and other junk to try to sell. We scrounged and withheld just enough gear to enable to play a few copied computer games. Our only joy.

One day, near the end, a new Oldsmobile Cutlas Cierra pulled up in the parking lot. I noticed it had out-of-state plates. Two guys in suits got out. I saw them and said to myself, "Reps, they've got to be manufacturer's reps". They came in, introduced themselves and asked for the manager. Sure enough, they were reps. I told them not to waste their time and explained our situation. We talked for a bit and the main guy asked me if I was looking for a job. "Heck, yes" or something like it was my response.

Next thing I knew, I'd received a ticket to fly to Kansas City to interview for a job that would eventually lead me to where I am today.

So, whether it was a case of Right Time, Right Place or It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn, I learned to always work hard, keep your eyes open and never, never give up.