What have I learned 20 years after co-founding this company with my father?

I've learned that honesty and integrity are non-negotiable.

I've learned that great managers hire people who are smarter than they are, and know when to get out of their way.

I've learned that a stellar reputation in the marketplace is a valuable competitive advantage, and that maintaining that reputation requires unwavering effort.

I've learned that if you simply give your customers what they need, they'll want to help you succeed.

I've learned that you can know more about a company by looking at its culture than its balance sheet, that transparency in business is empowering, that laughter should come as easy as breathing, and that the Golden Rule applies, always.

Most of all, after 20 years I've learned that I still have so much to learn.

You can reach me at our administrative number, 1-800-749-5086 or by e-mail at mhayes@hayessoft.com.

Being in the "business" of public school education since the '60s I've witnessed many changes that effect how schools operate. As a practitioner in New England until 1970, I helped introduce the computer to campus level administration for attendance accounting, report card processing, and student scheduling. Since then among my many roles in education-related business, that of consultant to administrators all over the United States has been more than satisfying. My work has focused on expanding the use of technology as a means of improving administrative performance in schools.

As Chairman of Hayes Software Systems, I have the unique opportunity to help define the kind of working relationship between business and school administration that I believe will be required in the Information Age. There seems to be at least two hallmarks that should characterize this relationship:
1. A commitment from vendors to provide sensitive, expert, and timely support to customers.
2. A determination to develop products and services that quickly and readily adapt to changes in customers' needs.

We seek to establish Hayes Software Systems as one of the leading providers of software and expert services for school administrators in keeping with the above hallmarks.

While I have no active day-to-day responsibilities to our business operations at HSS (thanks to our excellent leadership team and the commitment to our principles of all of our staff) I am still in the "education business". I lead some 120+ people who proclaim the readings at our parish's liturgies on weekends and holy days throughout the year. I teach a proclamation of the Gospels course to the men in the Archdiocese of Atlanta preparing to become Deacons in the Catholic Church. I advise the Archdiocese's Office of Divine Worship relative to the training of local parish-level directors of lectors. And I'm in the Information Age, too, as webmaster of www.lectorsproclaim.org ? a website devoted to promoting effective Scripture proclamation in any church. I'm pleased to report that LectorsProclaim.org, Inc. has "customers" all over the United States as well as in a half-dozen foreign countries.

My experience with Hayes Software Systems over the past 20 years has been very significant for me. I'm very grateful to all of our customers for their willingness to work with us to make our products and services the best available anywhere.

All work and no play can make anyone a dull person! I enjoy traveling and visiting our grandchildren in Alaska, Texas, and Washington (my wife, Dee, and I have recently moved to Georgia). Being a "live in grandparent" has changed the lives of both of us. It keeps us very busy with something new every day! Reading is always enjoyable, particularly if the book involves cultural history, philosophy, cosmology, or a great detective story.

Matt Winebright is a Director of Sales and Marketing for Hayes Software. He oversees the consultative sales process including the planning, customization, and development of solutions for clients. He and his team are responsible for collaborating and working closely with district and internal staff from all departments to coordinate enterprise wide projects. Overall Matt has more than 15 years of experience working with educators in the K-12 market and on projects with some of the largest school districts in the country.

mwinebright@hayessoft.com or 1-800-749-5086.

Hello, I?m Allison Salmon, National Accounts Manager. For the last 6 years I have worked with some of the most inspiring people in the world- our K-12 educators. My role at Hayes is to listen to, consult on, and provide products and services that improve the ability for administrators to spend less time on the daily minutiae and more time devoted to tasks that directly impact learning. I am fortunate to be at the center of a veritable vortex of expertise- my job is made easy by the brilliance and passion of our R&D and Support Team, and the icing on the cake is the endearment of our customers.

I am a true Austinite. not too many of us left. Take the test to see if you make the honorary list.

1. Danced the two-step at the Broken Spoke.
2. Climbed to the top of Mount Bonnell.
3. Viewed downtown from the top of the U.T. tower (Go Horns).
4. Swam laps at Barton Springs (lounging on the grass counts).
5. Ate too much at Salt Lick Bar-B-Q.
6. Remembered when Mopac was unfinished and the Austin airport was named after Robert Mueller.

If you can claim to have participated in five out of six of the above then you are an honorary Austinite.

Please feel free to contact me anytime at asalmon@hayessoft.com or 1-800-749-5086.

As a retired junior high school assistant principal, I love sharing with people the fact that if I had had the Hayes Software System to manage my textbook inventory, I would probably still be a junior high assistant principal. But, as they say, everything happens for a reason and in its own time.

Now, I couldn't be happier than being an Education Consultant with Hayes for the past seven years. Actually, working with school personnel and being able to offer solutions is just about the most rewarding career for me. It is exciting to see how the folks at Hayes proudly work to make educators' lives easier by freeing up their time and work load.

Being a native Texan I have a B.S. degree from East Texas State University (aka Texas A&M at Commerce), and two M.A. degrees from Texas Woman's University.

Throughout my 31 year career in education, I have taught every grade from K to 12 with the most number of years in the middle level. Coaching volleyball, cross country and track were my greatest thrills, and I was blessed to have had a few state champions along the way in track and cross country.

Now days, when I'm not talking about Hayes Software, I spend my time with my 13 year old cat, Socks (who thinks he is human). I love working out, wogging, herb gardening and traveling (especially to the mountains and oceans).

My "bucket list" is to see all fifty states before I die. My most recent accomplishments have been climbing to the top of Notre Dame in France and to the top of Diamond Head in Hawaii as well as recently running wogging the Kona 5K in Hawaii.

Please feel free to contact me anytime at mburch@hayessoft.com.

As a retired school administrator I am excited to be a part of the dynamic team at Hayes Software Systems. I spent 30 years in public education in the North Texas area.

I began my career as a school custodian during my undergraduate years. I then became a teacher/coach and then a school administrator.

I was introduced to the TIP program in 1997 when I received textbook duty half way through my career. Having automation, technology and accountability at my finger tips I did not understand why my co-hearts complained about having textbook duty throughout the years.

I was blessed to become a part-time Education Consultant in 1999 with Hayes Software System. Now the fun starts--to be part of a collaborative team that honestly wants to make inventory management easier for school personnel. It is possible with the correct tools and expert support.

I, too, am a Native Texan, born in Abilene, received a B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington and an M.Ed. from Texas Woman's University in Denton.

In my spare time the magic word is TRAVEL.

Please feel free to contact me anytime at slangston@hayessoft.com or c: 817-475-4748

Hello! I’m Jessica Sutterfield. After 10 years in education, I decided to take on a new career as an external sales rep and trainer with Hayes Software Systems for Texas Region 16 districts and schools.

Being a Panhandle girl, I understand how the needs and issues of rural districts can vary greatly from our urban counterparts in the “Big City.” By taking on a role in both sales and training I get to walk you through your new software from beginning to end. And I’ll be in the area to answer any questions that might arise.

My career in education included teaching 3rd grade, diagnositician, coordinator for G/T, 504, dyslexia, textbooks and most recently as the Special Education director for Dumas ISD. I have a passion for children with special needs and am so excited to see that Hayes software can enable SpEd Directors to inventory and track ALL assistive technology devices and supplemental aides. What a relief in the times of ARRA audits!

I live in Amarillo and am married to a football coach. We have two children that participate in as many sports as time allows. When not following them to their activities, my husband and I enjoying running and working out together. I’m a member of Lonestar Runner’s Club in Amarillo and you’ll see me on Saturdays at local 5Ks. I enjoy marathons and am getting the itch to begin triathlon training. I love God, my family, and think that Cheesecake Factory is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth!

You can contact me at jsutterfield@hayessoft.com or (806) 231-0084. Can’t wait to work with you!

Hello, I'm Barry Trickey.

Please feel free to contact me anytime at btrickey@hayessoft.com or 1-800-749-5086.

I'm Anna Maxin, the Product Marketing Manager at Hayes Software Systems. I've been with Hayes Software for 9 years and love the drive and heart my co-workers have for the work we do. I handle promotions, advertising, the creation of sales tools and a laundry list of other fun stuff that keeps me energized. I'm always interested in keeping current with the innovations in instruction and content delivery K12 educators are implementing so they let me out of the office every once in a while to attend conferences - I always walk away encouraged and inspired.

I'm a native Texan and have made Austin my home for nine years now and I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Feel free to contact me at 1-800-749-5086 or via email at amaxin@hayessoft.com.

Hi. My name is Laura G. Sager. As Director of Research and Devleopment, I work with the R&D team to produce a quality TipWeb product. In addition, I assist Customer Support with your TipWeb project implementations.

I am a member of the Austin Agile Community. I am the internal caretaker or our Agile process. I also have a role as an acting stakeholder in the TipWeb projects. As such, I work towards getting your enhancements into TipWeb-IM and TipWeb-IT.

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I hope to meet or chat with you in the future.

Laura

Hi, my name is Warren C. LaFrance, Jr. and I was born in Monroe, Louisiana. I have a degree in CINS (Computer Information Network Systems)

My focus in the computer industry has been in integrating business-to-business communications with legacy systems using new technologies like web-services and xml. My main focus with Hayes Software, Inc. will be to lend my programming skills in the further refinement of the TipWeb Application. I have been writing enterprise-level software for over 5 years now for companies like L-3 Communications (GSI), Northrop Grumman Industries and other companies who are leaders in their specific industries.

After relocating to Austin because of the difficulties faced in New Orleans post Katrina, I have fallen in love with this great city, the wonderful people and have decided to make it my home. I am currently enjoying exploring a new city, meeting new friends and discovering all of the hot social spots in the town. Hope to see you out.

You can contact me at wlafrance@hayessoft.com or call 800.749.5086

Hi, I?m Marlon Santos and I am glad I joined the Hayes Software Systems family. My focus here is to lend my software engineering skills to help maintain and improve our software products and to create new and exciting products that will address our customers? needs.

I graduated from Park University with a degree of B.S. in Computer Science, Summa Cum Laude. I have been working in the software development industry since 2000. I am not originally from Texas, but I saw a bumper sticker once that said ?I wasn?t born in Texas but I moved here as soon as I could? and it definitely describes my feelings about this great state. I have been living in Austin since 1991 and I think it is an awesome city.

My favorite hobby is spending time with my wife, Jackie, and my daughter, Kayla. Second to that I like to read a variety of technical books to keep me up-to-date on the technologies in my field. Some may not consider that a hobby but it?s what I like to do. I also like crunching numbers and love to work with budgets and such. Oh, almost forgot to mention I enjoy cooking, too, when I have time.

You can contact me at msantos@hayessoft.com or call 800.749.5086

I?m Jamey Johnston, Software Engineer for Hayes. I am a native Austinite raised in Round Rock and have been a fan of computers for as long as I can remember. I started programming in 1984 (I was 10), that was BASIC on a TI-99/4A, followed closely by a Commodore 64 where I also learned some assembly. It definitely stuck, but for years it was just a hobby to me. I started programming as a career in 1999 and don?t see myself doing anything else.

Now my hobbies include pen and paper role playing games, movies, and my car. I am the proud owner of a 1996 Mystic Mustang Cobra coupe (build number 1989 of 1999).

You can contact me at jjohnston@hayessoft.com or call 800.749.5086

I'm Patty Beardslee.

You can contact me at pbeardslee@hayessoft.com or call 800.749.5086

Hi, I'm Shawn Carlson. I read somewhere that "every person in this life has something to teach me - and as soon as I accept that, I open myself to truly listening." I have been employed with Hayes Software Systems since 1997 and have come to many understandings about product development and customer service in that time. The most prevalent is to listen and truly understand what the customer is saying and act if possible. That being said one of my favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin: "Well done is better than well said."

On a personal note, I am an alumnus from KU (Kansas University - Jayhawk) and a member of ASTD (American Society for Training and Development). Even better, I am a proud Uncle of two wonderful kids. They are my sister's, Rosalie. Trevor is just like his uncle was at that age - a tall and skinny monkey. Jessica is absolutely beautiful girl that chases after her brother just like my own sister did me.

You can contact me by calling our Technical Support line at 1-800-495-5993 or via email at scarlson@hayessoft.com.

Well done is better than well said.

I joined the staff in April 2004 as an Accounting Specialist and am responsible for everything dealing with money from billing to spending. If you have questions about your account, I?m the person to ask.

Now here?s the interesting part. My husband and I (still gear heads) will be considered ?empty nesters? in the next couple of years and I?m not really sure how I feel about that. To compensate and give our 4 year old female schnauzer, Miss Mikki, a playmate we added a new member to our family. Her name is Birdie and she is the complete opposite Mikki, who I consider ?the perfect pet?. Little Miss Birdie is a hoot though and lightening fast. I honestly think she spends more time upright on her hind legs than she does on all four. She?s really sweet, but a hand full and it?s like having a toddler in the house.

Our son, Travis, has slowly changed his focus from golf to cars. He loves every aspect of the automobile/truck, from auto body to paint, from audio systems to engines and last but not least drag racing; hopefully on the strip and not the street. Word is getting out about Travis? automotive skills, because his friends call ?him? instead of their parents when they have car trouble, or they just show up on our doorstep. Recently a good friend called in a panic when he discovered ?all? of the oil that was supposed to be inside the engine of his truck was on the outside of it instead. Travis went to his rescue and got him back on the road. He?s definitely a chip off his Dad?s block, engine block that is!

Our daughter, Erin and son-in-law, Chris continue to grow their photography business, while holding down full time jobs, and do a tremendous amount of community outreach through their church to the St. Johns community area with their ongoing focus on students from Reagan High School. Chris recently returned from a 10 day trip to the slums of Kibera, Nigeria through an organization called Manna World Wide, as a sponsor to a group of Reagan High School students and to photo document the trip.

If you know anything about Hayes Software you know that we have an incredibly unique and wonderful combination of people employed here. I count my blessings for the opportunity to spend the majority of each working day with them.

I can be reached at 1-800-749-5086 or by email at rjackson@hayessoft.com.

I'm Tammy Cook.

You can contact me at tcook@hayessoft.com or call 800.749.5086

Hello, I'm Debbie Disler. After 15 years in the education realm, 12 of which were as a district textbook coordinator and PEIMS coordinator for a fast growing school district in Texas, I gave up hauling around 50 pound boxes of books and joined the Hayes Software Systems team. This has allowed me to broaden my horizons into many other areas of K-12 from discipline reporting, parking lot management, instructional materials tracking and instructional technology tracking.

I truly enjoy being part of this dynamic team and working with you to make your job a positive experience. It is my goal to always provide you with totally awesome customer support!

When not working, I spend time with my husband and two daughters. My oldest daughter graduated from Texas State University and will begin her teaching career at Leander Middle School in the Fall of 2010. Our youngest daughter is attending Sam Houston State University. I enjoy spending time outdoors and am thankful that Texas winters are mild and short. I spend time revitalizing myself by taking walks, reading and horseback riding.

You can reach me at our technical support number, 1-800-495-5993 or by e-mail at ddisler@hayessoft.com.

Hello, I'm Kathie Guthrie! I have been a part of the Lone Star Customer Support Team here at Hayes Software Systems for 2 years.

I am originally from Northern California, moving to Texas in 2003. I have 17 years previous experience in a technical/customer support role working in the financial software industry.

I am married to the love of my life, Josh. We have four beautiful children, a wonderful daughter-in-law and have been blessed with our grand-daughter Ashlee Payton.

Our hobbies include four wheeling, fishing, and having family and friends over on a Saturday evening to play cards and throw a couple horseshoes.

My goal from year to year is to touch each of our customers even if it?s just to give you a call to say hello. I look forward to speaking with you and I am here to listen and help.

I do enjoy a challenge, so please feel free to put me to the test. You can reach me at 1-800-495-5993 or email me at kguthrie@hayessoft.com.

Hello, I’m Alison Koen. Mine is one of the voices you might hear when you call us for technical support.

Before coming to work for Hayes, I spent two years as the textbook coordinator at McNeil High School in Round Rock, Texas. Prior to that I spent time at St. Edward’s University (SEU) in their Instructional Technology division where I designed educational websites for official SEU courses and faculty. I assisted in the training of staff and faculty who wished to learn how to use and design web based technology for their courses. In my spare time, I am currently working towards a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology.

I have been answering customer support calls since 2005 and training for Hayes Software Systems since 2007. I enjoy helping our customers with my practical experience, knowledge of textbook accountability, and my proficiency with Hayes Software System’s multiple applications.

My name is Dan Stewart. I am a training consultant for Hayes Software Systems. I was in the education business in Texas for 20 years, 9 years as a Textbook Coordinator and a TIP user since 1996-97. This experience gives me some insight with textbook operations that I can bring to you as well as to the TIP development effort. I've been a part of the Hayes Software Systems team for 8 years, and I'm excited about providing TIP (WIN or WEB) user training to the many school districts that we serve. I look forward to working with all of our customers.

I graduated from the University of Houston. I am now living in the Central Texas area.

After over 30 years of training experience in a wide variety of fields, Donna joined the Hayes Software Systems training team. Her experience with TIPWeb began while working with a large school district in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She supported the textbook coordinator in the set up of the district's warehouse as well as assisted numerous campuses in the implementation of the application.

Her move to East Texas in the later part of 2006 allowed her to begin contract work with Hayes as a tester of the TIPWeb application. Her organizational skills and knowledge of TIPWeb led her to a ten month consulting contract through Hayes working with the largest school district in Texas. For this district, her assistance proved invaluable to the successful implementation of TIPWeb.

Donna's commitment to meeting our customer's needs is unparalleled as evidenced in her enthusiasm and genuine desire to share her knowledge with each and every learner.