It is well known that Apple Computer was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Not as well known is that there was a third co-founder – Ronald Wayne. With Jobs and Wozniak wet behind the ears at the time, Ron was the adult in the room. He conceived the original Apple logo, crafted the partnership agreement, and took a 10% stake in the company. But only 12 days later he relinquished all his shares for $800. Had he kept them, they would have been worth $35 billion by August 2011.
I met Ron in April this year at his home in the desert town of Pahrump, about an hours’ drive west of Las Vegas. He has not the slightest regret, not a trace of bitterness at what might have been. I found in him a warm, soft-spoken man at peace with himself.
