#61: He Built Apple's First Computers for $3 an Hour. Steve Jobs Never Gave Him Stock

Overview

This episode features Daniel Kottke, one of Apple's earliest employees and a close friend of Steve Jobs, as he recounts his journey from meeting Jobs at Reed College to assembling the first Apple computers in the Jobs family garage. The conversation delves into their spiritual pilgrimage to India, the dynamics of Apple's early days, and the personal and professional complexities of working alongside Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Kottke also reflects on the lessons learned from being part of a historic tech revolution without reaping its financial rewards.

Notable Quotes

- Luck shows up in everyone's life somehow at some point, but you have to be prepared. Luck often shows up wearing overalls, looking like hard work. — Daniel Kottke, on the intersection of preparation and opportunity.

- If you want to be successful, follow your passion, because if you're not passionate about it, you won't work hard enough to be successful. — Steve Jobs, as remembered by Daniel Kottke.

- Steve was like a poker player who’s not going to show you his hand. — Daniel Kottke, on Jobs’ secretive nature.

🧘‍♂️ Spiritual Pilgrimage to India

- Kottke and Jobs were deeply influenced by the book Be Here Now, which introduced them to Eastern spirituality.

- Their 1974 trip to India was a quest for enlightenment, inspired by their shared curiosity about consciousness and spirituality.

- Jobs mysteriously disappeared for three days during the trip, later revealed to have visited Almora, a hub for mystics and writers.

- Kottke reflects on the profound impact of gurus like Neem Karoli Baba, emphasizing the healing power of being truly seen by another person.

🛠️ Inside the Apple Garage

- Kottke joined Jobs in the summer of 1976 to assemble Apple I computers in the Jobs family garage, earning $3 an hour.

- While Kottke worked on assembly, Jobs focused on vendor calls and logistics, and Wozniak contributed technical brilliance after hours.

- The garage setup was modest, with Jobs’ father providing tools and support, but the environment was charged with creativity and purpose.

- The Homebrew Computer Club played a pivotal role, connecting Apple to its first major buyer, Paul Terrell of the Byte Shop, who ordered 50 Apple I units.

💼 The Stock Option Controversy

- Despite being one of Apple’s earliest contributors, Kottke did not receive stock options due to Silicon Valley norms that excluded non-engineers.

- Jobs, as head of the compensation committee, refused to discuss the matter with Kottke, leading to a strained relationship.

- Years later, Steve Wozniak gifted Kottke stock, which enabled him to buy a house, though it was a fraction of what early engineers received.

📚 Lifelong Curiosity and Lessons Learned

- Kottke credits his lifelong curiosity as the foundation of his friendship with Jobs and his personal fulfillment.

- He emphasizes the importance of following one’s passion and being prepared for opportunities, echoing Jobs’ advice.

- Reflecting on his life, Kottke shares hard-earned lessons about group living, personal relationships, and the value of pursuing meaningful work over financial gain.