In a standout episode from the Toronto PET Users Group (TPUG), viewers are treated to a rare Michael Tomczyk interview. Tomczyk, affectionately known as the “VIC Czar,” shares his insider stories from the golden age of Commodore computing. Joining the company in 1980, he played a crucial role in launching the VIC-20 and later the Commodore 64—two systems that forever changed home computing.
Tomczyk’s passion for democratizing technology shines through in the interview. He reveals how bold marketing strategies, grassroots user engagement, and relentless innovation helped Commodore become a household name. His leadership turned the VIC-20 into the first computer to sell over a million units, breaking barriers in affordability and usability. It’s clear from the Michael Tomczyk interview that his contributions were as strategic as they were revolutionary.
From Vision to Revolution
Tomczyk wasn’t just a marketing mastermind; he was a futurist. In this Michael Tomczyk interview, he discusses his work with Jack Tramiel and how their shared vision—to bring computing to the masses—fueled every decision. His 1984 book, The Home Computer Wars, further details this turbulent yet triumphant chapter in tech history.
Whether you’re a retro computing enthusiast or just curious about tech’s roots, this talk offers a front-row seat to a pivotal era. It’s not just a history lesson—it’s a blueprint for innovation.
