Gateway's Slogans & Taglines

Gateway Inc. was an American computer hardware company founded on September 5, 1985, by Ted Waitt and Mike Hammond on a farm outside Sioux City, Iowa. Originally named Gateway 2000, it pioneered the direct-sales PC model, shipping custom-built computers straight to consumers' doors. The brand's iconic identity was forged in 1991 with the introduction of its unmistakable Holstein cow-spotted boxes and playful advertising, including the memorable campaign "Computers from Iowa?" that celebrated its humble Midwestern roots. The cow motif became a cultural symbol of the early PC revolution, making technology feel friendly and accessible to millions. In 1998, the company dropped "2000" from its name to modernize its image, though the spotted boxes remained. At its peak, Gateway was a Fortune 500 giant with over 25 million customers and a chain of rural-themed Gateway Country retail stores. After struggling through the dot-com bust and exiting retail, the company was acquired by Acer Inc. in 2007 for approximately $710 million. Gateway remains a symbol of American entrepreneurial charm, direct-to-consumer innovation, and the enduring magic of a brand that dared to be different.