Just as Apple's latest creation, the Lisa, was about to launch, the company brought in new recruit Dennis Gobets to the crew. Beginning his career in 1982, he started his 11 year tenure in the Creative Services Team as a print and graphic coordinator, working all the way up to Senior Production Manager. In a time before the internet, when almost everything was paper and assembled by hand, Gobets and his team had a tough job. But, he and his team were dedicated.
During this time he saw some of the company's most iconic ads brought to life: the successful '1984' Macintosh ad and even the company-defining 'Think Different' campaign.
One of his daughters recalled her fascination when visiting his gray office building off North De Anza Boulevard - calling it "the tech equivalent of Willy Wonka's Factory." How in the meetings she attended with her father, they were surrounded by people who mirrored his enthusiasm for innovation.
"I... remember my father's ear to ear grin as he flagged down some dude named 'Woz' and introduced me," said his daughter Ember. "The people of Creative Services were some of the most talented folk the not-yet-Silicon Valley had to offer."
While the world saw the results of their hard work, inside the office his colleagues got their own taste of his design exploits, especially during special occasions and events. He accumulated a personal collection filled with specially branded items like shirts, jackets, and brochures down to the niche: letter openers, paper weights, pins, and much more. He even had the honor of assisting in the creation of a sleek invitation for Steve Jobs's 30th birthday party. If it wasn't bolted down or stationary, he would find a way to bring it home.
In another story, he came home with a cut-out of a hot air balloon - a remnant he rescued from a rare Donner Lake Apple poster - found discarded behind his office.
RR Auction is proud to have the honor to share the collection of someone whose commitment contributed to the success of one of the world's biggest companies.
