Bill Carris

Bill Carris was a sly chap. He had no college degree, but he was smart, personable, and immensely hard working; he lived and breathed his job. He started at Atari in Customer Service and was quickly promoted to run the ever-expanding group. He was often included in executive meetings so that he could offer his opinions on problems as perceived by customers. Bill's common sense, willingness to speak his mind, and good humor quickly earned him a place at the ear of the CEO, Ray Kassar. Ray trusted Bill's advice and relied on him for a number of special tasks. Besides, Bill had a wicked sense of humor and a penchant for practical jokes.

LESSON 91

Business is indeed war in the sense that the casualties are real.

LESSON 92

Hyperbole invites hi-larity.

When Atari collapsed, Bill lost his job. Most Atari people landed on their feet, but Bill struck out everywhere he turned. He searched for a new job for months, but without a college degree, he had no credibility. This man, who had served for all intents and purposes as an executive at Atari, could not get a job even at the lowest levels of technical companies. One day, he put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger.