I was the founder of Basic Software Systems when it started in January of 1979. Since then, many changes have been made.

The most drastic way that running our business has changed is in the technology that has taken place. We started out programming our system on floppy disks and mailing them to our customers every time a change was made to a program. Today, a program is changed on a central server somewhere and everyone’s system is changed at the same time since we are a web-based system. 

Another way doing business has changed is in the hiring of employees. In the past, a person was grateful for the opportunity to be employed and understood that the job usually involved relocating. Today, prospective employees have a different attitude toward being employed. There doesn’t seem to be the same level of commitment to working for a company as a career as opposed to constantly seeing what else is available. Many want to work from home but in our industry that isn’t as feasible.

There really wasn’t any particular “defining moment” that changed our business. It really changed because of the evolution of technology. The first 20 years or so was a more gradual process whereas today the technology changes much quicker and you must be willing to change with it. In the past, we relied on computer technology that was housed onsite in the dealership. Today, the more progressive software companies are making the software available through web-based servers. Basic Software Systems has been a pioneer in completely rewriting their software from the ground up where the internet makes the software available on any device where an internet connection is available.

Congrats on the Farm Equipment milestones. Before the days of digital advertising, the printed media was all that was available, and we relied on Farm Equipment Magazine to spread the word about our company.