How I Built This with Guy Raz Dell Computers: Michael Dell (2018)
Jan 6, 2020
Michael Dell, Founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, shares his journey from selling computer upgrade kits in his UT Austin dorm room to establishing a multi-billion dollar company. He discusses his innovative strategies that disrupted the PC industry and the challenges faced while growing Dell. Notably, he emphasizes the importance of exceptional customer service and resilience in overcoming obstacles. Additionally, the podcast features the uplifting story of sisters Vanessa and Casey White, who transformed their grandfather's pierogi recipe into a thriving culinary business.
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Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Michael Dell displayed entrepreneurial traits early on, selling baseball cards and stamps.
- As a teenager, he made $18,000 selling newspaper subscriptions by targeting newlyweds and new homeowners.
Discovering the PC Opportunity
- Michael Dell's interest in computers began with an Apple II, which allowed him to understand and modify hardware.
- He recognized the potential of the IBM PC market after realizing the significant price markup on components.
Dorm Room Beginnings
- While a pre-med student at UT Austin, Dell started upgrading and reselling computers from his dorm room.
- He focused on adding hard drives and memory, capitalizing on the market's inefficiency and slow technology adoption.