Steve, the iCon, a tribute to the one who inspired so many, continually challenged others and was committed to “Taste” blended with “Innovation” and “Function”. With the passing of Steve, this was a very sad day as I have always looked to him for inspiration and motivational leadership. Steve was not only a mentor, but one who stood up for what he believed in, and was able to convince skeptics of his passion for giving people products they never knew they needed or wanted. Always tastefully done, with relentless attention to detail, Steve not only created the computer, but his creatively spread across everything we touch and use on a daily basis.
Although challenged with lifes ups and downs, Steve always stood up for what he believed in, and what was right for the brand. Apple was Steve, and Steve was Apple, synergistic from top to bottom, inseparable. In creating this machine, one which was able to somehow always surprise us with products created under the “veil” of secrecy. No matter how large the company was, Steve always remembered the foundation on which Apple was founded. Always create “Awesomely Great Products”, never stand for anything that is not “Tastefully” designed and never let people tell you what they want.
I , along with many other people across the planet, will miss you Steve.. Rest assured, there is a permanent “Hole in the Universe” as a result of your passing. Thanks for giving your relentless vision to always look beyond our talents to what “can be”…
Memos from the “Master of Innovation”:
“Lets Make a Dent in the Universe…”
“Your time is limited, do not waste it living someone elses life..”
“Innovation distinguishes between a follower and leader..”
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do,”
“If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.”
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
“Almost everything–all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure–these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart…”
We will miss you Steve, Rest in Peace knowing you have left the world a better place and we will always “Think Different”..
Enjoy your ride, remember life is short..
Bryan Smeltzer
www.bryansmeltzer.com
“Product Innovation and Marketing Success Blog..”
The author
I have a passion for living balanced life and a strong faith...each equally important for thriving and excelling…I love crushing mountain bike trails, exploring and finding ways to grow beyond the “status quo”. I am a dedicated, innovation driven team leader with a passion for establishing a disruptive vision and executing a market dominating strategy… Our industry has always been about creating innovative, market driving solutions that enhance performance or provide for a better life beyond sport. It has also been about culture, fit and passion for the brand. When these foundational pillars are removed, the brand starts to crumble. Being part of an industry that bridges talent between product creation, marketing, sales, finance and operations is formula for success, because every function is about building a foundational performance brand. It’s galvanizing when elite athletes wear and endorse our creations, but the real strength is leading the teams that combine their creative forces and technical expertise to make the engine roar. I am always passionate for defining and leading the next industry revolution… Extensive executive level experience across globally recognized brands, each number one in their respective markets, along with having founded and successfully sold my own branded apparel company. Whether establishing new product lines, building global marketing strategies, leading design/development teams, I have a passion for building and growing brands. Some examples; • Built Zamst from start up to achieving nationwide North American distribution, and 845% revenue growth over a 3 1/2 year period. • With Gathering Storm, grew TaylorMade/adidas Golf Accessories from $11M to $48M over 3 years. • K-Swiss, global executive management of $38M in international licensee’s and domestic apparel/accessories division. • OAKLEY, built and successfully developed “Athletic Division” NCAA licensed team eyewear/apparel product lines achieving $1.4M in initial season.