A founding member of INT Information Systems, I have worked in the information technology industry for the past 30 years as a trainer, course developer, database designer and end user support specialist and consultant.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from the Systems Analysis department at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After college, I went to work for Owens Corning Fiberglas in Toledo, Ohio. I progressed through the ranks of Programmer, Programmer Analyst, Systems Analyst and in 1981 had an opportunity to transfer to their research and development facility in Granville, Ohio. I have lived in Granville since.
Back then, Owens Corning asked me to look into an emerging technology called a "personal computer". They wanted to know if a non-technical, end-user could use a PC and off-the-shelf software to do useful and productive work. I found that the answer, of course, was "Yes". In the process, I became very excited about what PCs could do to help enhance people's productivity.
At the same time, I worked with James Franchello to enable a concept called an "Information Center" for Owens Corning. The goal of any Information Center is to "Help People To Help Themselves". While building and later working in the Information Center at the Owens Corning Tech Center, I discovered the passion I have for helping people use technology to be more efficient and effective in their jobs. In 1984, I founded INT Information Systems with James and my wife Kim, and have been applying this passion ever since.
My other hobbies include rebuilding, restoring and driving old British Triumph automobiles and sailing.
I look forward to helping you.
I received my Ph.D. in mathematics from Bowling Green State University in 1977, with a cognate in computer science. I had been developing a keen interest in computing during my college career and made important use of the computer in solving the main problem in my dissertation. Shortly after finishing my doctorate degree, I took a position with Owens Corning Fiberglas in their corporate MIS group, and Bruce Miles was one of my co-workers. My first assignment involved a statistical study to evaluate sampling techniques for verifying data entry. Later, I was assigned to a project with Bruce and we realized we shared a common work ethic and many similar interests.
Bruce and I were both given the opportunity to transfer to the Owens Corning Technical Research facility in Granville, Ohio. While there, we collaborated on another project: the development of an "Information Center". The core idea was to help employees learn how to use computers in their daily work routine. We researched new technology, evaluating its applicability to Owens Corning's corporate environment, and showed our co-workers how to make use of it. We also acted as internal consultants to define problem areas and analyze how those problems could be solved and overcome. "Help desk" style support was an important part of our work.
It was not long before we began to receive assistance requests from people outside the corporation. It became clear to us that the "Information Center" concept didn't have to be confined to the walls of a corporation - especially considering the number small businesses who were starting to get into computing and could not practically afford an internal department as Owens Corning could. Essentially, we wanted to create a sort of "at large" Information Center. In 1984, Bruce, Kim and I decided to create a company that fulfilled that vision.
As INT developed, Bruce essentially became the backbone of the training side, while I am usually in the lead where database design, development and programming are concerned.
My interests outside of work include sailing, flying, and cycling.
A native of Granville, I started working with INT Information Systems fresh out of high school in 1990 as an intern providing general office support. The position presented me with a wide variety of experiences.
In 1994, I graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. After becoming a full-time staff member, my office support role continued as well as taking on training responsibilities. In the 15 years I have been with INT, I have created and maintained courseware, taught computer classes, wrote system documentation and help files, converted paper forms into electronic forms and developed custom Microsoft Access databases.
Since February 2002, I have taught on a part-time basis to spend more time with my son, Alex.
As the office manager at INT Information Systems, Inc., I'm a bit of a 'Jack (or Jill) of all trades'.
In 1984 Bruce, James and I founded INT. Through the years we have worked to create a people-friendly business with great service and follow-through. It always comes down to satisfying the customer.
My formal education is from Toledo University. I have an Associate degree in Social Services Technology but much of my hands on experience comes from working on committees within the Granville community.
In my free time I enjoy sailing, cycling and quilting.