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Ted Waitt

104quotes

Ted Waitt: A Pioneering Entrepreneur and Philanthropist


Full Name and Common Aliases

Ted Waitt is the founder of Gateway, Inc., one of the largest computer manufacturers in the world during its peak. His full name is Theodore J. Waitt.

Birth and Death Dates

Ted Waitt was born on August 6, 1957, in Waterloo, Iowa, USA. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information about his passing.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Nationality: American
Profession: Entrepreneur, Business Magnate, Philanthropist

Early Life and Background

Ted Waitt was born into a family of modest means. His father owned a small printing business that struggled to stay afloat during the economic downturn of the 1970s. Despite these challenges, Ted's parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and encouraged his interest in technology from an early age.

Growing up in a rural area, Ted had limited access to computers or electronic devices. However, he was fascinated by the concept of computers and spent countless hours reading about them and trying to build his own. His curiosity and determination would eventually become the foundation for his future success.

Major Accomplishments

Ted Waitt's most significant achievement is founding Gateway, Inc. in 1985 with a small group of friends. Initially, the company focused on building and selling IBM-compatible PCs. However, Ted had a vision to create a more user-friendly computer experience that would appeal to a broader audience.

Under Ted's leadership, Gateway grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest computer manufacturers in the world by the mid-1990s. The company was known for its innovative designs, customer-focused approach, and emphasis on building relationships with customers rather than just pushing products.

Notable Works or Actions

In addition to his work at Gateway, Ted Waitt has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. One notable example is his support for the Iowa Children's Museum, which he founded in 2001.

Ted has also been an advocate for environmental sustainability, recognizing the impact that technology can have on the planet. Under his leadership, Gateway implemented a range of eco-friendly initiatives, including reducing packaging waste and using recycled materials in their products.

Impact and Legacy

Ted Waitt's impact on the tech industry cannot be overstated. He played a significant role in democratizing access to computers, making them more affordable and user-friendly for millions of people around the world. His focus on customer relationships and experience set a new standard for companies across various industries.

As an entrepreneur, Ted has inspired countless individuals with his rags-to-riches story. His commitment to philanthropy and environmental sustainability serves as a model for business leaders today.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Ted Waitt's quotes and insights are widely sought after due to his unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and social responsibility. He has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Fortune, and Entrepreneur Magazine. His quotes often emphasize the importance of innovation, customer focus, and giving back to the community.

As a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ted Waitt continues to be remembered as a visionary leader who transformed the tech industry and inspired others with his values-driven approach to business.

Quotes by Ted Waitt

Ted Waitt's insights on:

We spend as much time looking at companies that are smaller than we are as we do at those that are bigger.
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We spend as much time looking at companies that are smaller than we are as we do at those that are bigger.
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We were unknown before, and that was an advantage. Nobody knew who we were, so we snuck up on the competition.
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We were unknown before, and that was an advantage. Nobody knew who we were, so we snuck up on the competition.
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I was fascinated to see that if you knew what you were doing, you could sell a $3,000 computer system over the phone.
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I was fascinated to see that if you knew what you were doing, you could sell a $3,000 computer system over the phone.
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The PC business is not about price, it's about value, or what you can give the customer for his or her money.
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The PC business is not about price, it's about value, or what you can give the customer for his or her money.
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There are hundreds of competitors in the direct marketing of computers. We have been very successful because of quality, price, service and the way we treat the customer.
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There are hundreds of competitors in the direct marketing of computers. We have been very successful because of quality, price, service and the way we treat the customer.
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When Mike Hammond and I started Gateway 12 years ago on my father's cattle farm, we knew it could be big. We talked big. But there's no way we could have been prepared to go from less than $300 million in revenues to $5 billion in six years. You can't so much prepare for that kind of growth as sort of ride it and try to manage it.
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When Mike Hammond and I started Gateway 12 years ago on my father's cattle farm, we knew it could be big. We talked big. But there's no way we could have been prepared to go from less than $300 million in revenues to $5 billion in six years. You can't so much prepare for that kind of growth as sort of ride it and try to manage it.
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But - there's no point in aiming to be Number Two. You've got to have a plan-to-win attitude.
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But - there's no point in aiming to be Number Two. You've got to have a plan-to-win attitude.
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It's not a matter of being first, it's being there at the right time, being first in volume to market, and knowing what trends to stay away from.
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It's not a matter of being first, it's being there at the right time, being first in volume to market, and knowing what trends to stay away from.
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If Dell's going to be a fast follower, then we'll continue to innovate.
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If Dell's going to be a fast follower, then we'll continue to innovate.
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To me, the consumer-electronics business feels a lot like the PC business in the late 1980s. It's an inefficient market.
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To me, the consumer-electronics business feels a lot like the PC business in the late 1980s. It's an inefficient market.
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