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 then 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 will 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 technological 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 the most 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 identify and define the kind of working relationship between business and school administration that will be required in the Information Age. While not completely clear, yet, there does seem to be at least two hallmarks that will 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.

All work and no play can make anyone a dull person! I enjoy traveling and visiting our grandchildren in Alaska, Texas, and Washington (we've recently moved to Georgia). Being a "live in grandparent" has changed the lives of my wife and I (guess we were getting too complacent in Austin). It keeps us very busy with something new everyday! I maintain an active contact with our staff in Austin, too. Reading is always enjoyable, particularly if the book involves cultural history, philosophy, cosmology, or a great detective story. Most recently, as I ease into joining the "senior population," I find that greater involvement in work within my church organization is very rewarding and opens a dimension on management and administration I was not at all familiar with.

Howdy, my name is Laura G. Sager. As Research & Development Manager, my duties include enhancing the capabilities of our Textbook Inventory Program (TIP) and Park It. (I am the one in the dark room with an endless supply of diet coke.) In addition, Debbie, Shawn, Dan, and Donna sometimes allow me to talk to you in customer support situations. They also, sometimes, send me to exotic training opportunities like North Dakota in the dead of winter (Think they are trying to tell me something?). I am also responsible for implemting TIPWeb in your district. As the only Aggie on board, I have to say, "Gig 'em Aggies! Whoop!" (We finally beat TU (2006)!)

Now, is the time in my bio that I am supposed to tell you about all my wonderful hobbies and interests. For me, this portion will be short. My husband and I have two incredible daughters. Enough said, right? Our oldest is all of 5 years old. Her name is Joanna and is definitely large and in charge at our house. Second in line to the Sager throne is Emily. She is all of two and is currently enjoying the trials and tribulations of potty training. Her face (which I am told looks just like her Daddy's) lights up every time her big sister enters the room. Let's see how long that will last. In addition to our two children, our family consists of a an awesome dog named, Moose (Unlike many family pets, Moose considers the children a bonus--he has never eaten so well!)

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I hope to meet or chat with you in the future. Remember, I am the one who adds your feature requests so be nice to me. Gifts are allowed.

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, my name is Marlon.

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

Hi, my name is Jamey.

You can contact me at jjohnston@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.

My team is a network of dedicated people who are focused on building a client centric experience.

Our team has an entrepreneurial spirit that is infused in our daily operations which creates an environment dedicated to forming lasting relationships, supporting uncompromised customer service, and providing unsurpassed system's reliability.

At the core of our solid foundation is a management team with a strong background in K-12 technology solutions.

I joined the management team because the foundation of Hayes’ success is based upon longevity and loyalty.

This synergy continues to generate a sense of trust and long-term commitment among our employees.

Sixteen years of enterprise/technical Sales & Consulting leadership experience, demonstrating proficiency in several high profile companies, in diverse industry sectors: Aerospace & Defense, Consumer Products, Education, Global Financial Services, High-Tech/Electronics, Private Sectors, Retail, State/Local Government, Telecommunications, Warehousing and Utilities.

I believe in an open door policy with regards to communication, so please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or comments that you would like to share.

mhuang@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 Educational Consultant with Hayes for the past three years. Actually, working with school personnel and being able to offer solutions is just about the most rewarding career for me. I am really confidant in the folks at Hayes who 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, and two M.A. degrees from Texas Woman's University. Throughout my 31 year career in education, I 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 caring for my 90 year old mother and my 9 year old cat, Socks. I love working out, herb gardening and traveling (especially to the mountains). My plan 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 Diamond Head in Hawaii.

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

Hi I'm Starla Langson!

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

I'm Anna Maxin, the Marketing Manager at Hayes Software Systems. I've been with Hayes Software for 8 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.

My name is Dan Stewart. I am a training specialist 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.

You can email me dstewart@hayessoft.com if you have questions.

My name is Donna Long. I am a training specialist for Hayes Software Systems.

You can email me dlong@hayessoft.com if you have questions.

Hi, I'm Janet Smith. I guess you could say that I have the job that all of my friends want. Part time, very flexible hours and the greatest people to work with. I get to do a little bit of everything around here, but mainly I am the Inventory and Fulfillment specialist. I have been at Hayes for more than 10 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. So, if I can't answer your question myself, I'll know who can.

On a personal side, I enjoy golfing and spending time with my 2 ½ year old grandson, Luke. He is the "sunshine of my life". To my golf game, well, let's just say I am giving myself a goal in 2006 to break 100 (I'll be sure to let you know the day that happens J)

If you have any questions or concerns, give me a call at 1-800-749-5086, or fax us at 1-512-219-7728.

Hello, I'm Debbie Disler and I truly enjoy being a part of the Hayes Software Systems team. I bring with me 15 years experience in the education field, 12 of which were as a district textbook coordinator and PEIMS coordinator for a fast growing school district in Texas. My role at Hayes is to help customers use our software products to simplify their jobs. It is my goal to provide assistance in answering your questions when you call us and to provide comprehensive, worthwhile training sessions.

When not working, I spend time with my husband and two daughters. They keep us busy running from volleyball and basketball games. I enjoy spending time outdoors and am thankful that Texas winters are mild and short. I spend time revitalizing myself by taking walks, bicycling and horseback riding.

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

Hi, I'm Donna Kohn and I will probably be the voice on the phone when you call for technical support. I am here to help you with problems that you experience with any of our products and won't give up until we find a solution for your situation. Before joining the Hayes team, I was the "financial" bookkeeper at a high school here in central Texas and introduced myself to the TIP program in an effort to cut down on our textbook losses. After using the program the way it was designed, our losses dropped dramatically in the second year! I know first hand how many hats you all wear in your positions so I like that I am still able to support you in some way and make your jobs a little easier when you and I can work through your issues with TIP.

This job has also introduced me to the world of computers and I am loving it. As a result, I am taking some courses in both programming and technical writing and plan to pursue both further. I hope that I never lose this desire that I have to learn new things.

Outside of work I love spending time with my husband and kiddos. My oldest daughter is married and teaches in Fort Worth ISD, I have two daughters attending Texas State both working toward degrees in education, and last, but certainly not least, a son who is a sophomore in high school. Rounding out the family are three dogs and a bird!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I look forward to talking to you. Please don't hesitate to call us when you are having a problem! You can email me at dkohn@hayessoft.com.

Hello, I'm Kathie Guthrie and I am very excited to be a part of the Lone Star Customer Support Team here at Hayes Software Systems. I once heard that for every unsatisfied customer 11 potential customers will follow. My number one goal being in the customer support arena is to do all that I can to prove this statement is false.

To be a successful business and provide exceptional support there is a formula you should live and work by. This formula when used properly, I feel is the key:

Exception Support Formula: Integrity + Honesty + Respect = A Satisfied Customer

I am originally from Northern California, moving to Texas in 2003. I have 15 years previous experience in a technical/customer support role working in the financial software industry. I am married to the love of my life, have four beautiful children, a wonderful daughter-in-law and have been blessed with my first grand-daughter this past February. We enjoy four wheeling, fishing, and having family and friends over on a Saturday evening to play cards and throw a couple horseshoes.

I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of such a fun, team oriented company and look forward to assisting you. I do enjoy a challenge, so please feel free to put me to the test. J You can reach me at 1-800-749-5086 or email me at kguthrie@hayessoft.com.