Rules of the Garage

Neal and Steve each worked for HP for 15+ years before founding AC. HP and the Rules of the Garage taught them how to develop leading edge products in a very employee friendly work environment.

HP Rules of the Garage
The original HP garage in Palo Alto, CA

Many of AC’s values and best practices are modeled from what Neal and Steve learned at HP:

Believe that everyone wants to do a good job, and it is important that they enjoy their work

Treat everyone right: Follow the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated

Manage by objective: Objectives are best achieved by people who understand and support them and who are allowed the flexibility in working toward common goals

Manage by walking around: Know your team members and genuinely understand the work they are doing

Open door policy: Be visible and accessible. Create an environment where everyone feels free to express their ideas, opinions, problems, and concerns

Make a contribution: Making significant contributions maximizes both job satisfaction and customer value

Recognize and reward achievements: Create an environment where people have the chance to be their best, to realize their potential, and be recognized for their achievements

Want more detail? We recommend the book The HP Way by David Packard.