I founded Network Business Systems and then Barefoot Software as a way for programmers to be able to take pride in ownership of their own company. At Barefoot, programmers and other tech people, the best of whom are almost universally eclectic, can relax and be themselves. There are no dress codes, no fixed hours, and everyone receives some sort of commission. In this atmosphere, programmers do their best work. The programmer benefits, and the customer benefits from the high quality output. Everyone wins.
I learned programming on my Commodore 64 when I was about 12, so I've been programming more than half my life. I started with BASIC, dabbled in assembler, then graduated to C and later C++. In addition to programming, I enjoy writing, and have done quite a bit of tech writing, as well as being published in VB Tech Journal.
My first professional computer job was in 1987, at a small mortgage software company in my home town of Suffolk, VA. I think working for small companies is the best, 'cause you get to do so many different things. At a large company, you do one thing over and over again. But at a small company, everyone has to do a little bit of everything. At my first job, I programmed, did tech support, wrote manuals, trained salesmen on our product and secretaries on word processors, handled shipping and packaging, even filled in for the receptionist on occasion. I got a well-rounded experience in the computer field.
During my final years of college, I got experience in running a business with two partners. By graduation, I was ready to go it alone. The first job for my fledgling company was maintenance on the software I had worked on at my first computer job.
I learned C++ by hanging out on the Borland CompuServe forum. Eventually I got so good at helping others on the forum learn that I was invited to join Borland's TeamB, their volunteer support organization. Through my association with TeamB, I eventually became Sysop of the Borland Connections forum (BORCONN).
At Barefoot, I've been involved in programming and project management for many different projects. We've had our ups and downs, but we've continued to grow, thanks to the great people we have on our team. Today, Barefoot is a highly profitable venture. But I still do it for the pleasure. The money is just a bonus. :-)
"Ask the Fine Customer", VB Tech Journal, November 1995