How a success at Microsoft washed out a laundry
Article Abstract:
Microsoft programmer Robert Kjelgaard learned the hard way that skills developed for success as an employee do not easily translate into the skills necessary to run a successful business. Kjelgaard worked for Microsoft as a programmer for the company's Windows NT product. He spent long hours at work, frequently during the weekend, checking and correcting bugs in the application's code. He believed that his happiness would be insured if he became his own boss. Also, his work at Microsoft had made him rich; his stock options were worth about $100,000. Kjelgaard used the money to purchase a laundromat and dry cleaning business for $30,000 cash and a $50,000 note. The laundromat is located outside Seattle, in a busy, high-traffic area. Included in the deal were 75 washers and dryers. Unfortunately, the business quickly began to lose money, and Kjelgaard has been forced to beg Microsoft for his job back.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Autodesk is said to hire Carol Bartz of Sun Microsystems as chief executive
Article Abstract:
Carol Bartz is to be the new CEO of Autodesk Inc, maker of computer-aided design (CAD) software. Currently an executive at Sun Microsystems Inc, Bartz is credited with much of the rapid growth experienced at Sun in the last several years. Autodesk has spent months searching for a new CEO, following internal upheavals that resulted in the resignation of Alvar Green in Oct 1991. Green was forced out by John Walker, the founder and largest stockholder in the company. Autodesk has experienced much slower growth in 1991 and early 1992 that it has enjoyed in the past. The company is the leading publisher of CAD software and is still believed to have a strong technical team, but no firm management. Bartz is perceived as a manager with sensitivity to marketing and operations demands in companies undergoing rapid growth.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
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Ashton-Tate's Esber resigns two top posts; loss-plagued software firm may be for sale; official denies it's on the block
Article Abstract:
Ashton-Tate Corp's chairman and CEO Edward M. Esber, Jr., 37, resigned amid four quarterly losses, sinking sales and rumors that the software publisher may be up for sale. Ashton-Tate is considered a good buy for certain software publishers wishing to extend their product line, but the rumored price tag of $300 million appears to be too high for any offers. Ashton-Tate holds an estimated 42 percent of the microcomputer database market, which is down from almost 60 percent in 1987. The company denies that it is for sale but admits that PaineWebber Inc has been retained to investigate the possibility. Carmelo J. Santoro, 48, has assumed the position of chairman and William P. Lyons, 45, has assumed the position of CEO and president.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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