∞ Goodbye Steve

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Steve Jobs meant a lot of things to different people. I thought I’d relay a simple story about the first time I met Steve.

It was about 10 years ago at the Palo Alto, Calif. Apple store that I first met him. I was attending an event at the store and thought I might get a chance to see him there.

Colin Crawford, then CEO of Macworld, told me to come with him. He said he was going to introduce me to Steve Jobs. I don’t mind saying I was scared. I remember that fear vividly, even today.

When Colin introduced me to Steve, he looked at me and said, “I know you, I read your stories all the time.”

I shook Steve’s hand, said “thank you,” and walked away.

I suppose I could have tried to stay and have a conversation with him, but I had everything that I could have ever hoped for. The only thing I could have done at that point was fumble over my words and ruin a great moment.

Steve strove for excellence with everything he did at Apple. He made me want to be a better at my craft as a writer. I still strive to be best I can.

Thanks Steve. Goodbye.


  • Marcus Respondek

    Thanks for sharing, Jim. This has been on my bucket list- sadly something I will never be able to fulfill.

  • Parker

    Wow, what a humle story. Thanks for sharing that Jim.

  • foresmac

    I’d say Jobs has always inspired me to just never stop trying to be the best I can be no matter what I’m doing

  • Ilene Hoffman

    Jim, that’s a sweet story. Thank you for sharing it.

  • http://sillybeast.com rickroberts

    Very nice, Jim. :)

  • http://www.yourmaclifeshow.com/ Shawn King

    “I suppose I could have tried to stay and have a conversation with him, but I had everything that I could have ever hoped for.”

    Bull…you were worried Katie Cotton was going to kick you in the junk…. :)

  • Anonymous

    Good article Jim.  Good seeing you at the event as well. Even if it was short :)

  • http://twitter.com/ccoc Colin Crawford

    You’ve always been a great journalist – you’ve covered  Apple with passion and  humor, while not shying away from dealing with controversial issues. You’ve called it as it is while also dealing with uninformed nonsense. It was my privilege to introduce you to Steve – and I did so because I knew he and the Apple team had a deep respect for you.  It was a great period and it’s not over – just different. Was good to work together. 

    • http://www.loopinsight.com Jim Dalrymple

      Thanks so much Colin.

  • http://mangochut.net/ mangochutney

    Great story Jim. A part of me envies you.
    Then again, I’m not surprised.

  • His Shadow

    I was reminded of this only recently.

    “Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and though
    We are not now that strength which in old days
    Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
    One equal temper of heroic hearts,
    Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
    To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

    Tennyson “Ulysses”