Having been involved in 5 significant business ventures, I look back and realize that my story will not be exactly "a-typical". In either case, lessons learned should not go to waste if any way possible. As the Dutch invented the "franchise" concept with the VOC (East Indian Trading Company) and we observe it flourishing today, we should continue to discover better business methods and concepts we can pass on.

If you have a need for better business efficiency, or perhaps feel the need for a fresh (creative but conservative), outlook on your business, I would be excited to help. My rates are industry standard, however I really need to have vision for what you are doing. If I don't see an opportunity to help you grow your business, I rather turn you down. Nothing personal, just feel like you should use the money somewhere else.

I have set-up and managed high volume digital production units all over the world and have managed multiple high profile service locations. Some of my business units were start-ups, some were fall-aparts, in need of a major overhaul. No matter what, I can probably relate, so if you want to offer me a cup of coffee to discuss the possibilities, give me a call! (or send me an e-mail)

In the early seventies I was observing the use of notepads with carbon sheets to create duplicates for order takers in a restaurant. While I was deeply involved in etching my own circuit-boards to build amplifiers and equalizers at the time (high wattage solid state stereo amps were hard to find), my uncle had purchased one of the first "thermal printers" and a kit computer. It occurred to me that it should be possible somehow to create a computer type of device that would "print" orders to the kitchen instead of messing with these hand written notes. (always looking for a way to save time and eliminating mistakes). I talked to the owner of the restaurant to see if he would be interested in a solution like that and he laughed loudly to assure me that I was insane even considering the need for such a solution.

Little did I know that I would be working with McDonald's owner operators all over the United States someday who had the last laugh. In the mean time my focus had shifted from order taking to creative solutions. Providing decorative art from huge wall murals to small framed images on a customized but high volume level, proved to require just such a way of thinking as well.

Developing a database driven system providing the following services was the goal:
Customer and location tracking
Location and object data storage
Instant order and project status updates
Comprehensive asset management
Comprehensive project management
Automated creative design input
Instant web-serving of creative development
Automated web based approval tools
Production scheduling and organization tools
Shipping tools
Incremental billing tools
And many more to achieve fast turn-around, high volume customization.

While working for the Ritz-Carlton corporation I learned one very valuable lesson:
Having insight into your data (customer spending, volume etc.) gives one the power to act proactively.
Once the data is available instantly, tools need to be available to act quickly and efficiently.

If you are in need insight faster, or need better organizational tools: contact us! we are glad to help.

Flash, CSS, PHP...... The web tools and services I develop for some clients are not a huge part of my work, but in my mind essential to be able to fully comprehend the possibilities current web authoring tools offer. It is also a form of creative expression I really like to explore as much as possible.

At first (and for quite a long time) I was afraid that I would run out of creative ideas. But after years of experience with McDonald's, Coca-Cola and many other corporations, it occurred to me that every-time I connected with a new client I discovered new design ideas and style opportunities.

Of-course it helps to use great technology to create stuff that looks fantastic as well as works great. I love researching and learning about the latest ways to use technology. I have been blessed with the schizophrenic capability of excelling in both creative and technical skills. By now (after many years of feeling like a choice had to be made one way or another) the world seems to need more people like me who can creatively apply technology. Or is it use technology in a creative way... Whatever it may be, I hope you will get inspired by my work and let me help you achieve your goals.

Ultimately, the goal is to use my expertise in design and technology to help you look better, communicate better and function better.

With all the pressures of daily & weekly deliverables, IT departments and software teams often become quickly inefficient. Separating the developers from daily maintenance needs is often not realistic and outsourcing can easily result in a below-par product that is "slapped together" and over budget.

Good project management habits and collaborative tools are just a starting point, very quickly good leadership with a clear vision and high expectations is required.

I believe in people and finding ways to help them discover their fullest potential. Listening carefully, team work and clear directives are essential to create a super motivated group of all-out workers who will come up with the very best solutions.