Comments on: MSA memories — the basics http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/ History of software, by somebody who lived it Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:29:21 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: John Phillips http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-41844 John Phillips Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:55:27 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-41844 I had the pleasure of being with MSA from 1980 to 1988, and just as so many of you have already stated, it was by far the best company I have ever worked for. The slogan 'People are the key' had quite an impact on all of us. It certainly made me feel that I was a big part of the success of the company - when it was successful. I agree with Rick Page that when we went public, it was the downfall of a great company. It seemed that we lost the focus at that point. It wasn't our greed driving us, it was the stockholders greed. Spending about 2 years at the Southern Region with Jeff Fisher and Ferrall Summerell was the best. Mostly, I was out of my plush office onsite in client land assisting the clients with the installs. This was a great unforgettable experience. I could always count on an interesting trip. Every trip to the client was different and usually an entertaining excursion, nothing was usual. Texas to Virginia, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean was our region. GL, HR, AP, AR, FA, and the infamous Financial Forecasting and Modeling were the reasons we went on these trips. I remember one trip to Mexico City I will never forget. It was about 1982 and the financial transaction for the software had not been made, so I packed up the software and set it aside. Bill Graves was to call me when the software was paid for and off to the airport I would go. I arrived at Mexico city late in the evening, and checked in at the hotel. About 1:30am, my bed started to shake. I thought I hit some of the switches by the bed in my sleep, so I turned on the lights. The bed was still shaking and I peered into the closet where I had left the door open. My clothes were swinging back and forth! I opened the curtains on my 14th floor room, and I saw big pieces of the buildings across the street falling! People were screaming! It was an earthquake! 6.9 Richter. I survived by standing in the doorway, it all subsided completely in about an hour. There was not much damage to my hotel. When I met the client the next morning, of course everything was in disarray. We wondered if we could finish installing 4 products in the allotted time. I was ready to pull the plug for this week, but the client promised that there would be no more earthquakes. Why did I believe him? And the parties! I remember on the 2nd floor after 4 o'clock, the education center was having the cocktail hour, and everyone was invited to come by and say hi to the clients who were there for a class. And Interact! The party on steroids with entertainment provided by John Imlay and crew. Unbelievable! Oh, and I'll never forget the kickoff parties, at the Fox and other great venues. So John Imlay and crew would take this gig on a roadshow around the world! I would like to hear stories about that. But let's not forget those summer days at Big Canoe, sipping drinks standing in the pool after a hard days brainstorming. My days at Corporate were not that much different. Work hard, party hard. Late nights, early days, it was all fun (that sounds somewhat sick). Assigned to the Product Packaging Group gave me exposure to a great bunch of technical folks in all the product groups. My contacts in the regions expanded. The ISP utilities and development utilities became my reason for being there and it was great. I remember partying on the lawn and here comes a jeep with John Imlay dressed as a general AKA Patton style. The videos like the 'Packaging Zone' are still in my library! I could go on and on about how great it was, but this is getting too long already. I really just wanted to say hi to all my old friends and reminisce a bit. I had the pleasure of being with MSA from 1980 to 1988, and just as so many of you have already stated, it was by far the best company I have ever worked for. The slogan ‘People are the key’ had quite an impact on all of us. It certainly made me feel that I was a big part of the success of the company – when it was successful. I agree with Rick Page that when we went public, it was the downfall of a great company. It seemed that we lost the focus at that point. It wasn’t our greed driving us, it was the stockholders greed.
Spending about 2 years at the Southern Region with Jeff Fisher and Ferrall Summerell was the best. Mostly, I was out of my plush office onsite in client land assisting the clients with the installs. This was a great unforgettable experience. I could always count on an interesting trip. Every trip to the client was different and usually an entertaining excursion, nothing was usual. Texas to Virginia, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean was our region. GL, HR, AP, AR, FA, and the infamous Financial Forecasting and Modeling were the reasons we went on these trips.
I remember one trip to Mexico City I will never forget. It was about 1982 and the financial transaction for the software had not been made, so I packed up the software and set it aside. Bill Graves was to call me when the software was paid for and off to the airport I would go. I arrived at Mexico city late in the evening, and checked in at the hotel. About 1:30am, my bed started to shake. I thought I hit some of the switches by the bed in my sleep, so I turned on the lights. The bed was still shaking and I peered into the closet where I had left the door open. My clothes were swinging back and forth! I opened the curtains on my 14th floor room, and I saw big pieces of the buildings across the street falling! People were screaming! It was an earthquake! 6.9 Richter. I survived by standing in the doorway, it all subsided completely in about an hour. There was not much damage to my hotel. When I met the client the next morning, of course everything was in disarray. We wondered if we could finish installing 4 products in the allotted time. I was ready to pull the plug for this week, but the client promised that there would be no more earthquakes. Why did I believe him?
And the parties! I remember on the 2nd floor after 4 o’clock, the education center was having the cocktail hour, and everyone was invited to come by and say hi to the clients who were there for a class. And Interact! The party on steroids with entertainment provided by John Imlay and crew. Unbelievable! Oh, and I’ll never forget the kickoff parties, at the Fox and other great venues. So John Imlay and crew would take this gig on a roadshow around the world! I would like to hear stories about that. But let’s not forget those summer days at Big Canoe, sipping drinks standing in the pool after a hard days brainstorming.
My days at Corporate were not that much different. Work hard, party hard. Late nights, early days, it was all fun (that sounds somewhat sick). Assigned to the Product Packaging Group gave me exposure to a great bunch of technical folks in all the product groups. My contacts in the regions expanded. The ISP utilities and development utilities became my reason for being there and it was great. I remember partying on the lawn and here comes a jeep with John Imlay dressed as a general AKA Patton style. The videos like the ‘Packaging Zone’ are still in my library!
I could go on and on about how great it was, but this is getting too long already. I really just wanted to say hi to all my old friends and reminisce a bit.

]]> By: Dominic Chiarini http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-41447 Dominic Chiarini Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:06:37 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-41447 Hei hei hei who remembers me? I worked at MSA from 1977 to 1984 in the Northeast region. Absolutely the best place to work. Peon from 1977 til 1982 when I became manager of the installation group in the Northeast. Those were the days! those were indeed the day when they wined and dined you down at Hilton Head (they even paid for my baby sitter!)if you made member of the King's court! Imlay, House, Vohs, John Arnold, Joe Kassar, Bob Abate, Jerry Motte, Tom Bukowski from Canada, ,,, too many to mention and all good guys and gals. Hei hei hei who remembers me?
I worked at MSA from 1977 to 1984 in the Northeast region.
Absolutely the best place to work.
Peon from 1977 til 1982 when I became manager of the installation group in the Northeast.
Those were the days!
those were indeed the day when they wined and dined you down at Hilton Head (they even paid for my baby sitter!)if you made member of the King’s court!
Imlay, House, Vohs, John Arnold, Joe Kassar, Bob Abate, Jerry Motte, Tom Bukowski from Canada, ,,, too many to mention and all good guys and gals.

]]> By: Pat Vaughan http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-39656 Pat Vaughan Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:07:00 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-39656 Greetings to the MSA/D&B people. I worked in the Dallas office from 1987 to 1994, when I left to start my own company. I worked at a Utility Company before and MSA was a huge shock. I remember the first day, I arrived before 8:00 and the front door was locked and the lights were off. I thought the company had gone out of business. Bob Ataras was the first one to arrive and let me in... he said "most people wander in around 8:30 to 9:00." That said, most people really did work hard. I really enjoyed working there, even though I had been told it would be about 50% travel which quickly turned into 100%. Not long after I started, they sent me to LCRA in Austin and I stayed for several years. I enjoyed the reward trips to Hilton Head and Key West... and of course the trips to Atlanta. It was a great time, and I still tell many stories! Greetings to the MSA/D&B people.
I worked in the Dallas office from 1987 to 1994, when I left to start my own company. I worked at a Utility Company before and MSA was a huge shock. I remember the first day, I arrived before 8:00 and the front door was locked and the lights were off. I thought the company had gone out of business. Bob Ataras was the first one to arrive and let me in… he said “most people wander in around 8:30 to 9:00.” That said, most people really did work hard. I really enjoyed working there, even though I had been told it would be about 50% travel which quickly turned into 100%. Not long after I started, they sent me to LCRA in Austin and I stayed for several years.
I enjoyed the reward trips to Hilton Head and Key West… and of course the trips to Atlanta.
It was a great time, and I still tell many stories!

]]> By: Ярослав Филатов http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-37942 Ярослав Филатов Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:03:29 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-37942 Решил Вам помочь и разослал пост в социальные букмарки. Надеюсь поднимется ваша популярность ;) Решил Вам помочь и разослал пост в социальные букмарки. Надеюсь поднимется ваша популярность ;)

]]> By: Keith Laws http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-37874 Keith Laws Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:11:44 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-37874 Greetings to all...so many familiar names here! My memories and feelings about the "good old days" of MSA are no different than most. There's just not enough good I can say about my experiences. I was there from 1981 until 2007, when Infor finally gobbled up the remains and showed me the door - 26 years in all. Most definitely, MSA in the 80's was a diamond among all employers. Having only a high school education, I was able to learn more there and advance my working experience as probably no college education could have provided. Starting in accounting, as a low-level payroll clerk, I was so very fortunate to have managers who believed in me, and were immensely responsible for so much of my longevity and success. By the end of my tenure - in our internal Human Resources dept. - I was able to attain tremendous respect and trust as our E-series payroll "expert", though I seriously question such accolades. And yes, the MOST long-lasting and appreciative aspects of my MSA days are the very many good friends made, friendships to always cherish and remember. Not the least of which was the personal interest John Imlay was able to convey to everyone - from board leaders to the letter shufflers in the mail room. Truly THE class act of humanity. In a time of personal crisis in my life back then, John was instrumental in raising several thousands of dollars in assistance to my family, through employee (and company matching) contributions. That alone would be enough to inspire loyalty to any company, not to mention the MANY personal touches that were afforded everyone who worked there. A once-in-a-lifetime working experience that, unfortunately, doesn't seem to exist anymore in the business world today. Many memories and so many thanks. Greetings to all…so many familiar names here! My memories and feelings about the “good old days” of MSA are no different than most. There’s just not enough good I can say about my experiences. I was there from 1981 until 2007, when Infor finally gobbled up the remains and showed me the door – 26 years in all. Most definitely, MSA in the 80’s was a diamond among all employers. Having only a high school education, I was able to learn more there and advance my working experience as probably no college education could have provided. Starting in accounting, as a low-level payroll clerk, I was so very fortunate to have managers who believed in me, and were immensely responsible for so much of my longevity and success. By the end of my tenure – in our internal Human Resources dept. – I was able to attain tremendous respect and trust as our E-series payroll “expert”, though I seriously question such accolades.

And yes, the MOST long-lasting and appreciative aspects of my MSA days are the very many good friends made, friendships to always cherish and remember. Not the least of which was the personal interest John Imlay was able to convey to everyone – from board leaders to the letter shufflers in the mail room. Truly THE class act of humanity. In a time of personal crisis in my life back then, John was instrumental in raising several thousands of dollars in assistance to my family, through employee (and company matching) contributions. That alone would be enough to inspire loyalty to any company, not to mention the MANY personal touches that were afforded everyone who worked there.

A once-in-a-lifetime working experience that, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to exist anymore in the business world today. Many memories and so many thanks.

]]> By: André Labelle http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-36882 André Labelle Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:07:06 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-36882 Greetings all former MSAers! I met so many nice people at MSA. I just wanted to say hello and merci for all the help I received thru the years. Greetings all former MSAers! I met so many nice people at MSA. I just wanted to say hello and merci for all the help I received thru the years.

]]> By: Curt Monash http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-36776 Curt Monash Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:29:34 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-36776 Rick, I only recall meeting you once in your MSA days, but you made an impression on me. Being chosen as the internal sales training lead for MSA was a heck of an honor. CAM Rick,

I only recall meeting you once in your MSA days, but you made an impression on me. Being chosen as the internal sales training lead for MSA was a heck of an honor.

CAM

]]> By: Alan Wilson http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-36744 Alan Wilson Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:20:42 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-36744 I started with MSA in the mail room of the Southern Region working for Jeff Fisher. I think that was 1979. I met a lot of great people during my time at MSA, Rick Page, Ferrall Summerell, Mike Anthony, Herbie Eason, Al Bennett, Tom McClure, & Ralph Roberts to name a few. I will never forget when I was going to transfer to the print shop so I could make more $ and work overtime, and Ferrall took me aside and convinced me to take a lesser paying job, but had a future, working in the data center. That decision was probably the most important career decision I ever made. Had it not be for Ferrall's influence and Al Bennett taking a chance by hiring me, I have no idea what I would be doing today. Thanks to them, I have had a successful career in IT. I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary with IBM. Boy things have changed. No company I have ever worked for was quite like MSA. Work hard play hard. Remember the Kick Off Dinners at the Fox and softball games behind Phipps! John Imaly was quite the leader. I started with MSA in the mail room of the Southern Region working for Jeff Fisher. I think that was 1979. I met a lot of great people during my time at MSA, Rick Page, Ferrall Summerell, Mike Anthony, Herbie Eason, Al Bennett, Tom McClure, & Ralph Roberts to name a few.
I will never forget when I was going to transfer to the print shop so I could make more $ and work overtime, and Ferrall took me aside and convinced me to take a lesser paying job, but had a future, working in the data center. That decision was probably the most important career decision I ever made. Had it not be for Ferrall’s influence and Al Bennett taking a chance by hiring me, I have no idea what I would be doing today. Thanks to them, I have had a successful career in IT. I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary with IBM.
Boy things have changed. No company I have ever worked for was quite like MSA. Work hard play hard. Remember the Kick Off Dinners at the Fox and softball games behind Phipps! John Imaly was quite the leader.

]]> By: Suzanne Butts Borchert http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-36739 Suzanne Butts Borchert Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:20:38 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-36739 Yes - MSA was by far the best! I worked there from 1983 to 1997 - my first real job. The end truely was the GEAC switch! I had no idea other companies were not like this and now appreciate my "up bringing" and attribute much of my current success to working for a company that expected and enabled you to excel and drive and do! Of course the lawn beer parties, Winner Cicles trips, user conferences, etc were way fun! The day I started with the company I was handed my silver pin and a peice of paper titled "Meet the Tiger" dated 1973 (yes, 10 years before I stared with the company!) and was told "this is what we are about". I have this paper still...framed in my office! I read it often and share it with others. Anyone else still have this? Yes – MSA was by far the best! I worked there from 1983 to 1997 – my first real job. The end truely was the GEAC switch! I had no idea other companies were not like this and now appreciate my “up bringing” and attribute much of my current success to working for a company that expected and enabled you to excel and drive and do! Of course the lawn beer parties, Winner Cicles trips, user conferences, etc were way fun!

The day I started with the company I was handed my silver pin and a peice of paper titled “Meet the Tiger” dated 1973 (yes, 10 years before I stared with the company!) and was told “this is what we are about”. I have this paper still…framed in my office! I read it often and share it with others. Anyone else still have this?

]]> By: Larry Reynolds http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-36738 Larry Reynolds Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:11:52 +0000 http://www.softwarememories.com/2006/02/13/msa-memories-the-basics/#comment-36738 Some of my comments have already been stated by various MSAers, but it's absolutely true that MSA was the best place to work in the world during the early days. I was there from 1977-1989, and I've been searching for another experience like that ever since. We used to jokingly call it "Camelot", not realizing how close to the truth that was. The culture was inspiring, the atmosphere dynamic, and the people are still the most talented I have ever seen in one company. Among the thousands of memories that I have I think the thing that stands out the most is the incredible drive and creativity that people had to win - whatever it takes. There was a swagger, an arogance that all of the best teams exhibit, and MSA had it in spades. Competitors resented it, insulted it, didn't understand it, but envied it. I'm just glad the memories are still so vivid. Some of my comments have already been stated by various MSAers, but it’s absolutely true that MSA was the best place to work in the world during the early days. I was there from 1977-1989, and I’ve been searching for another experience like that ever since. We used to jokingly call it “Camelot”, not realizing how close to the truth that was. The culture was inspiring, the atmosphere dynamic, and the people are still the most talented I have ever seen in one company.

Among the thousands of memories that I have I think the thing that stands out the most is the incredible drive and creativity that people had to win – whatever it takes. There was a swagger, an arogance that all of the best teams exhibit, and MSA had it in spades. Competitors resented it, insulted it, didn’t understand it, but envied it. I’m just glad the memories are still so vivid.

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