Many of you might know me as Bruce Bastian, the co-founder of WordPerfect. We revolutionized word processing software back in the late 70s, and for a while, WordPerfect was a household name. But technology moves fast, and after a successful run, I found myself wanting to make a different kind of impact on the world.

This blog isn’t just about software and business. It’s about the journey – the unexpected turns, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. It’s about taking a chance, building something meaningful, and then using the resources gained to give back to the community.

From Marching Bands to Mainframes: An Unexpected Spark

My story starts far from the world of computers. I grew up in Idaho, a place where wide-open spaces and a strong sense of community were the norm. I wasn’t your typical tech whiz kid. In fact, my early passion was music. I spent my high school days playing the tuba in the marching band. It may seem like an odd starting point for someone who would go on to code, but there’s a connection. Being part of a band requires discipline, teamwork, and a willingness to learn complex arrangements – all qualities that would translate well into the world of programming.

It was during my college years at Brigham Young University that I stumbled upon the world of computers. Back then, they were these giant mainframes, intimidating and expensive. But I was fascinated by their potential. I took a computer science class, and that’s where I met my future co-founder, Alan Ashton. We shared a passion for this new technology and a belief that it could be made more accessible and user-friendly.

WordPerfect: Building a Better Word Processor

Together, Alan and I started tinkering with ideas for a better word processing program. The existing software at the time was clunky and difficult to use. We envisioned something more intuitive, something that would empower people to write more efficiently. In 1979, with a shoestring budget and a lot of late nights, WordPerfect was born.

We started small, selling our software through mail order. Word quickly spread about this powerful yet user-friendly program. We offered features that the competition simply didn’t have, like split-screen editing and a powerful macro language. Our underdog status fueled our innovation, and soon WordPerfect became a major player in the word processing market.

The Thrill of the Climb and the Lessons Learned

The following years were a whirlwind. We built a fantastic team, expanded our product line, and watched WordPerfect become a dominant force in the industry. It was an exhilarating ride, filled with long days, intense competition, and the satisfaction of seeing our creation empower millions of users.

But success also comes with challenges. The tech world is unforgiving, and new innovations can quickly render existing products obsolete. We faced stiff competition from Microsoft Word, and eventually, after a series of mergers and acquisitions, WordPerfect faded from the spotlight.

Looking back, there are many lessons I take away from the WordPerfect experience. First and foremost, the importance of building a strong team. We had a group of talented and dedicated individuals who believed in our vision and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. Second, the need for constant innovation. The tech landscape is ever-changing, and companies that fail to adapt will get left behind. Finally, the importance of resilience. There will be setbacks and failures along the way, but it’s crucial to learn from them and keep pushing forward.

From Pixels to Progress: A New Chapter in Philanthropy

While WordPerfect may no longer be on everyone’s computer, the success we achieved allowed me to pursue a different kind of passion – philanthropy. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Through the Bruce Bastian Foundation, I’m committed to supporting causes that are close to my heart. Education is a major focus. I believe that a strong education is the foundation for a better future. The foundation provides scholarships and grants to deserving students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.

Another area of focus is LGBTQ+ equality. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I understand the importance of fighting for equal rights and opportunities for all. The foundation supports organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and work to create a more inclusive society.

The Legacy We Leave Behind

Technology has changed the world in dramatic ways. The tools we use to communicate, create, and access information are vastly different from what existed when I started my journey. But some things remain constant – the human spirit, the desire to connect, and the need to make a positive impact.