Andy Hertzfeld Net Worth
Andy Hertzfeld, an esteemed computer scientist, software engineer, and entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of over $50 Million, earned much of his wealth through Apple Inc as well as royalties from several of his successful software programs. Born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and earning his BA degree from Brown University.
Hertzfeld purchased an Apple II computer in 1978 and began writing software for it immediately, eventually drawing the attention of Apple Computer company founder Steve Jobs and joining their team as a systems programmer in 1979. While with Apple he helped design and write much of its first software that powered Macintosh computers as well as developing firmware for Apple printers such as SilenType and Sup’R’Terminal terminals.
Hertzfeld co-developed the first program that enabled small Macintosh computers to communicate, as well as writing much of the system software for Apple Macintosh System 5. Additionally, Hertzfeld created many successful applications like the Finder and Scrapbook – staying with Apple until 1984.
After leaving Apple, Hertzfeld founded multiple computer hardware and software companies. In 1986 he co-founded Radius with Burrell Smith, Alain Rossmann and other members of the original Apple Mac team – producing various peripheral equipment and accessories for Apple Macintosh computers. Three years later with Bill Atkinson and Marc Porat as co-founders he established General Magic Corporation producing various innovative products such as personal intelligent communicator with touch screen interface. Later still in 1999 Hertzfeld established Eazel Company which developed open source software for Linux GNOME as well as being key designer of Google+ Circles user interface design in 2011.
Hertzfeld has maintained a low profile when it comes to his personal life despite his success, being married to Joyce McClure and living in Palo Alto California with no children but multiple pets. Furthermore, Hertzfeld is vegetarian as well as being an avid golfer.
Hertzfeld is known for his contributions in computer science as well as various philanthropic endeavors. He is a trustee at the Museum of Modern Art and sits on the board of CAASE (Center for the Advancement of Science Education). He is an active supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, the American Civil Liberties Union and Amnesty International and has been honored for his efforts with several awards and honors. Hertzfeld has been honored with membership in both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and National Inventors Hall of Fame, and as an honorary member of ACM Siggraph Founders Award and John von Neumann Medal respectively. He was also honored with the Computer Pioneer Award from the Computer History Museum and served as a consultant to the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additionally, he published multiple books and appeared in multiple television programs – his contributions are widely acclaimed as revolutionary as they have made modern software operating systems more accessible to everyone.