Introduced Steve to Bill von Meister at Control Video in January 1983 — the single connection that launched Case's entire career. Also his childhood business partner (lime juice stand, Case Enterprises). Died of brain cancer in June 2002, during the height of the AOL Time Warner crisis.

Timeframe: 1958-2002 (lifelong)

Brought in to save Control Video from bankruptcy in 1983, later hired Case full-time, promoted him twice, and deliberately groomed him as his successor over eight years before handing him the CEO title in 1991. Also used his board influence to save Case's job on at least one occasion.

Timeframe: 1983-1997

Co-architected the $164 billion AOL-Time Warner merger with Case starting from a private dinner in October 1999. The partnership and the deal itself became widely regarded as the worst merger in corporate history, and both men's careers at the combined company ended within two years of the deal closing.

Timeframe: 1999-2003

Married Case in 1998. Co-founded the Case Foundation with him in 1997 and jointly committed to the Giving Pledge in 2010, becoming his primary partner in the philanthropic identity he built after leaving AOL Time Warner.

Timeframe: 1998-present

Hired Case as a marketing consultant in January 1983 on the recommendation of Case's brother Dan, giving Case his first entry into the online services industry.

Timeframe: 1983-1985