My name is Aaron Young and my business card says that I’m a Senior Programmer Analyst; but I think it should say “I get paid to write code… AND I LOVE IT!”

I'm from Bristol, England and I moved to the U.S. in 1998 after meeting my then soon-to-be wife, Debra, online.

I've had a passion for programming since I was 8 years old when my parents bought me a Commodore 16 for Christmas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_16); Little did any of us know, they were putting me on a path that would shape the rest of my life...

I quickly got bored with the games that came with the C16 (on cassette tapes - remember those?) and I decided I wanted to write my own stuff. I bought every magazine I could find looking for examples of code that I could spend hours typing into my trusty 16KB behemoth to make wondrous things happen.

I remember my first ever complete program; I was 9 years old and it was the lyrics to "Jingle Bells" scrolling across the 13” TV screen (no monitors!) with custom-made candy canes and stocking characters to the festive 8-bit sound of Christmas music - I was hooked.

I went through a variety of hardware growing up; a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128 + 2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZX_Spectrum#ZX_Spectrum_128) and a Commodore 64 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_64).

While in high-school I got an Amiga 500 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiga_500 ), my first power-house (it had a 3.5” Floppy Disk Drive!) and I learnt AMOS, a basic-like procedural programming language. I wrote many programs; fruit machines, a scrabble game (with A.I.), arcade-style shooters, you name it and I had created a version of it!

When High-school was ending I had to make a decision about college and my future; would I pursue Computer Science or my other passion; Art & Graphic Design?

Up to that point, programming had been a hobby; there didn't appear to be a huge future in it. I hadn’t seen a PC as we know them today and they certainly weren’t common place.

So, I decided to pursue Art...

My first day of college, I attended my introduction art class and... I hated it.

It was a disaster, I didn't like the professor (and she didn’t like me), I was unprepared and I felt out of place; at the end of the day, in a snap gut decision; I decided to change from Art & Design to Computer Science and the rest, as they say, is history!

Red Wing Software Product Manager / Support Services Manager

Jon Isackson is Red Wing Software’s Product Manager and uses his more than 31 years of experience to help shape the products that are produced for our customers. Then, in his role as Support Services Manager he leads a team of dedicated professionals in making sure that our customers understand how to effectively use those products. Many of you may have spoken with Jon during our very busy season, as he was on the phone helping with the large volume of customer calls, and spent most Saturday mornings doing research on any payroll problems that needed to be solved in order to get our customers up and running.

Jon started with Red Wing Software as a programmer in 1981, then splitting his time between development of the software and support of the customers who used the software. As Red Wing Software grew, he advanced from being the sole developer to heading up the entire development team. After the merger with Red Wing Software, Champion Business Systems and FMS Harvest in 2000, Jon moved from development to become Product Manager and Support Manager.

Having been here since Red Wing Software’s early years, Jon helped form the company Red Wing Software is today, from the special care we give to our customers, to the use of customer comments in shaping the development of our products.

Jon stays young by spending time with his granddaughter Kathryn, and enjoys the Minnesota summer by spending time on the local golf courses.

by Stephanie Elsen

You may have seen my name before on Red Wing Software’s company blog, Facebook page, or elsewhere. I handle the Web marketing at Red Wing Software; I also answer the phones on occasion. I have been at Red Wing Software for about 8 years. It is a wonderful place to work, and frankly I love it here. By day, you will find me writing articles, Web copy, blog posts, and talking to customers now and then too. But in my spare time, I have a passion for the wonderful sport of hockey. And my 13 year old son, Luke, is my favorite player.

I know it’s a little overdone to be a Minnesotan and love hockey. But every single hockey game is so full of action and excitement. I try not to miss any of my son’s games or tournaments, and they fill nearly every weekend (and some week nights) from October to March.

Since my son was little, I’ve tried my best to play hockey along with him, shooting on each other in the basement or driveway. One time I even planned a ‘parents vs. kids’ tournament. And I fell and broke my ankle before the game even started. (I never said I was a good player!) But I still love the game and even make it to as many Minnesota Wild games as I can each season.

Stephanie and Luke, Tubing in Hudson, Wisconsin

Matt Hilton is a software sales consultant here at Red Wing Software. If you purchased a product from us, you have probably spoken with him! He is extremely well-versed in Red Wing Software products, and has been working here for 12 years! But did you know that Matt is also a huge fan of all types of music? I checked in with Matt this month to learn more about his musical interest.

1. Music is your passion – how did your appreciation for music start?

   My music passion began at a very young age and was mostly influenced by my parents. My father was a musician and played in several bands when he was younger, and both of my parents always encouraged my sister and me to explore many different musical genres.

2. What kind of music do you enjoy, and which instrument do you play?

   I listen to and enjoy about every genre of music that exists. My musical tastes range anywhere from country to classical. I do not limit my musical preference to any specific genre. I primarily listen to rockabilly and jazz at the moment, but it does vary quite a bit from day to day. I grew up playing trumpet but don’t play as much anymore, but still enjoy the instrument.

3. How have you been able to keep music in your life over the years?

   Although, I do not play much anymore, I do enjoy teaching. I have spent many summers over the last few years teaching drum and bugle corps, as well as private lessons. I very much enjoy watching young musicians develop into very talented adults. I believe that teaching helps me personally and professionally by giving me the opportunity to evaluate situations from different angles to come to a solid solution.

During working hours, Greg Lahaie can be found helping Red Wing Software customers get their payroll done on time. Greg has been working in support at Red Wing Software for 16 years, and is an expert in his field. Customers depend on his help daily to get their questions answered, complete processes, learn something new, and much more.

Outside of work, Greg is well known as an adventurous world traveler! His most recent travels took him to Alaska, for a vacation filled with fun and excitement. He and his wife even sent an e-mail while they were out, with a subject line of “We’re Not Dead Yet”. Well, all of us at Red Wing Software were extremely glad to hear that! (We were pretty sure our customers would feel the same way.) Have a look at Greg’s Alaska pictures, and you will understand the wild title. (Hint, there was zip-lining, white-water rafting and four-wheeling involved, just to name a few!)