How I Built This with Guy Raz Expedia & Zillow: Rich Barton
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Jun 14, 2021 
Rich Barton, co-founder of Expedia and Zillow, revolutionized travel and real estate by empowering consumers with technology. He shares how his early days at Microsoft led to the creation of Expedia, transforming booking experiences amidst industry skepticism. Rich discusses the launch of Zillow, which faced a crash due to overwhelming traffic, and how it sparked a new era of transparency in real estate. Reflecting on the balance of passion and luck, he highlights Zillow's evolution through challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, showcasing the impact of digital innovation.
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Drawn to the West Coast
- Rich Barton felt drawn to the West Coast's egalitarian and future-leaning culture while at Stanford.
- Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge, he felt a sense of possibility and excitement for the future.
From Consulting to Microsoft
- Rich Barton transitioned from consulting to Microsoft, initially managing MS-DOS 5.
- This pre-Windows OS was so popular that it sparked midnight madness sales at Egghead Software.
Early Days at Microsoft
- Microsoft felt small and collaborative when Barton joined, despite its growing influence.
- He interacted with Bill Gates and other key figures regularly, fostering a sense of shared purpose.