CEO: Building a $400 Million Company from the Ground Up

An aggressive, persistent entrepreneur and a pioneer in Silicon Valley's software industry, Kurtzig heads ASK Computer Systems, the largest public company founded by a woman. In an instructive, entertaining narrative written with freelancer Parker that includes keen insights into the politics of the computer industry and stock market, she recounts how, in 1971 at age 25, she quite her job selling computer time and, with an investment of $2000, started her own business writing software program systems for manufacturers and computer firms. Being at the right place at the right time, as Kurtzig readily admits, counted heavily; thanks to an ability to adapt her software programs to keep pace with the demands of the industry, ASK thrived. Professional success was achieved in tandem with motherhood--but at the expense of marriage. (May)