Steve Jobs learned the art of negotiation from a young age, particularly when it came to purchasing electronic components like switches, resistors, and memory chips. His father had a similar knack for bargaining when buying auto parts, which inspired Jobs to develop an in-depth understanding of electronic parts. This knowledge allowed him to successfully haggle at places like the San Jose swap meet, where he could find valuable items to resell for profit, even selling to his manager at Haltek.

At just fifteen, with his father’s support, Jobs acquired his first car, a two-tone Nash. This experience not only marked the beginning of his independence but also reflected his early entrepreneurial spirit. As he navigated the world of electronics and sales, he continued to build the skills that would later become crucial in his career as a pioneer in technology.