Mike Markkula: The Man Who Could Have Been Worth $1 Trillion

If he had kept his Apple shares, he would be worth $1 trillion today

When people think of Apple, they usually think of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. However, there’s another crucial figure in Apple’s early history whose contributions were equally significant: Mike Markkula. If he had held onto his Apple shares, he would be worth an astounding $1 trillion today. Markkula’s story is a fascinating tale of strategic decisions, immense contributions, and a notable missed opportunity.

Early Success and Retirement

Mike Markkula’s journey to becoming a key player in Apple’s formative years began with his successful career at Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel. As a marketing manager at these tech giants, he played a critical role in their success. His keen understanding of the market and business strategies allowed him to accumulate substantial wealth through stock options. By the age of 33, he had achieved financial independence and decided to retire. However, his early retirement didn’t last long, as a new and exciting opportunity soon came knocking.

The Apple Investment

In 1977, Markkula was introduced to two young and ambitious entrepreneurs: Steve Jobs and Steve…