Al Charpentier
Hardware Designer
1976-1982
Commodore International was a pioneering force in personal computing, founded in the 1950s by Jack Tramiel. Originally a typewriter and calculator company, Commodore shifted to computing in the mid-1970s, acquiring MOS Technology and launching the PET series in 1977. With integrated keyboards, monitors, and data storage, the PET quickly became a classroom staple.
But it was the Commodore 64 that sealed its legacy — released in 1982, it became the best-selling single model computer of all time. Known for its accessible price, robust graphics and sound, and massive software library, the C64 became a cultural icon. Commodore also introduced the VIC-20, the powerful Amiga line, and even ventured into early multimedia and home video systems. Despite fierce innovation, mismanagement and a fragmented product line led to its decline, with Commodore filing for bankruptcy in 1994. Yet its legacy lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts and the DNA of modern computing.
Al Charpentier
Hardware Designer
1976-1982
Sam Dicker
Software Developer, Software Engineer
From 1984
Dave Haynie
Hardware Designer, Hardware Engineer
1983-1994
Bil Herd
Hardware Engineer
1982-1985
Glenn Keller
Hardware Designer, Hardware Engineer
1984-1985
Dale Luck
Software Developer, Software Engineer
From 1984
Jay Miner
Hardware Designer, Hardware Engineer
From 1984
Dave Needle
Hardware Designer, Hardware Engineer
1984-1986
Ron Nicholson
Hardware Engineer, Project Lead
1984-1985
Bob Pariseau
Operating System Developer, Project Lead
From 1984
Chuck Peddle
Hardware Engineer
1976-1980
Carl Sassenrath
Operating System Developer
1984-1985
Shiraz Shivji
Hardware Engineer
1970s-1984
Jack Tramiel
Founder
1955-1984
Leonard Tramiel
Software Engineer
1977-1984
Sam Tramiel
Marketing
1970s-1984
Bob Yannes
Hardware Designer, Sound Engineer
1970s-1982
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