1986-2013 Wrap-up

Ryan Companies

My last official day with Ryan Companies will be SEP 30.

There are many people across the company that contributed to growth and success in the IT space, and many others outside the IT Department with whom I’ve enjoyed wonderful, supportive and professional relationships.   I’d like to thank by name the employees and contract staff, past and present, of the IT Department who have been there, 24x7, providing reliable, cost-effective and innovative solutions and technology support for my 27-year career  and with whom it has been a pleasure to work.  Regardless of tenure they have all contributed uniquely and I’ve learned from each and every one of them.

Current:  Brian Engdahl, Brian Walsh, Chris Ostman, Dan MacKinnon, Graham Belmont, Greg Dosser, Jeff Bender, Michael Jones, Mike Kohorst, Nick Rodriguez, Penny Gall, Ryan McAnnany, Tim Wattenhofer

Past:   Adam White, Adam Whitten, Brad Richter, Bridget McDonald, Chris Hammer, Chris Mendoza, Dan Cook, Dave Hake, Eric Queetinin, Jacci Umphress, Jael Sande, Janet Smith, Jarod Werbick, Jeff Wiegand, Jessica Harrison, Jim Biesmeier, John Nahrgang, Jon Engle, Josh Fredrichs, Londa Allen, Marilyn Zumach, Matt Renz, Michelle McCarrell, Mike Doyle, Nate Brandt, Nick Speiker, Paul Purington, Shelley Kleberg, Stacey Smith, Steve Huseby, Terry Eggert, Valerie Eggert, Tom Myler

I’d also like to thank two former champions of change in the numbers world, Don Feiro and Jeff Hansen, who, at separate times, helped initiate watershed changes in our core business accounting systems.  Wayne Goldade also had a strong influence during his brief tenure as Controller, and had the best laugh of any bean counter I’ve ever known.   Cliff Waletzko and Steve Kingery did early work on estimating and cost accounting that moved us into the modern era of IT.  Troy Corrigan and Neil Johnson deserve mention for their testing, commentary, patience and UI (User Interface) work on our early One-Click Reporting solution, which set a national standard for technology and process innovation.  Scott Kinkade and Dan Levitt also provided valuable and critical thought at key forks in the technology road.  The regional office Presidents, Construction VPs and Office Managers (past and present) contributed greatly to the growth and sophistication of our infrastructure and application deliverables. 

It goes without saying that my wife, Linda Grohoski, put up with endless years of schedule interruptions and strategy discussions, providing an invaluable perspective on organizational structure and development, management, business outcomes and performance measurement.  Upgrades and conversions always seem to occur on weekends and in the wee hours of the night.  More than once while we were waiting for some never-ending process, we'd pass the time with TV trivia questions, and at three AM I'd call Linda, wake her up and ask "Who co-starred with Barbara Stanwyck on the 1960's 'The Big Valley?'"  I’m most appreciative that she did not discharge me long ago; there were certainly enough work-related reasons.

Finally, I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with the 2nd and 3rd generation owners, Russell, Fran, Pat, Tim and Jim, to sit at the same table, to work on a first name basis, to acknowledge and work through our differences, collaborate honestly and factually, develop strategy, forge agreements,  and to set a meaningful, respectful, supportive and profitable course.  It was a great partnership.