Unexpected Gratitudes in 2024

As the year winds down, our team has been reflecting on the moments in 2024 that brought us unexpected reasons to be thankful. From big life changes to small but meaningful moments, here’s what stood out to us: 

Family First 

Introducing Jack Bruns, the youngest Bruns.

Ben welcomed a new addition to his family this year: his second child, Jack Bruns, born in September. “We didn’t expect him at the start of the year, but we couldn’t ask for a better surprise,” he shared. 

Noel also expressed gratitude for his growing family and his daughter Caitlin’s return to the Midwest after years as a travel nurse. “It was a blessing I didn’t see coming,” he said. 

Carson highlighted a unique family moment: their first-ever family reunion in Branson, Missouri. “I met relatives I didn’t know before, and we had a great time together.” 

Noel and his wife, Sally celebrating the surprising return of Caitlin to the Midwest.

Carson’s family reunion in beautiful Branson Missouri.

Eric’s son Cam starting his first day of school.

Eric shared a milestone for his family. “Our son Camden started school this year, and we weren’t sure how he’d adjust as an only child. But he’s doing great—making friends, listening to his teachers, and having fun,” he said. 

Alan appreciates the support of his good friends who have become like family.

Alan offered a heartfelt reflection on how grateful he is to work for a caring, family-oriented company that supports him through the ups and downs of his personal journey of growing his family.

“Having understanding people around me makes a world of difference.” 

Lisa echoed a similar sentiment, sharing her gratitude for the flexibility to pick up her kids after school. “Working for a company that allows me to be present for those everyday car conversations and school activities is something I don’t take for granted,” she said. 

Michelle tied it all together with this thought: “Family is about the people who love, understand, and support you—whether it’s by blood or by choice. That’s something to be grateful for every year.” 

Lisa’s appreciates the extra time she gets to spend with her boys while theyre still young.

Michelle is grateful everyday for her granddaugthers and her growing family.

New Experiences 

Brian found himself on an unexpected adventure abroad. “At the start of 2024, I didn’t think I’d get the chance to travel to Europe. But I did, and it was an incredible experience,” he said. 

Andrew discovered a new passion: archery. “It’s something I never saw myself doing, but it’s been a lot of fun to pick up this year,” he shared. 

Looking Ahead 

2024 reminded us that the unexpected isn’t always a challenge—it can also bring joy, growth, and connection. As a team, we’re grateful for what this year has taught us and look forward to what 2025 might bring. 

Brian’s unexpected trip to Europe was an experience he’ll never forget.

Andrew’s newest passion - archery in the scenic Arizona desert.

The Haunting of Your Legacy System

Welcome to the Haunted House of Legacy Systems 

Imagine walking into a creaky old house, full of dark corners and eerie sounds—you know something’s wrong but can’t pinpoint what. This is how businesses often feel about their legacy systems: outdated, mysterious, and filled with hidden dangers. Trapped by the fear of change and cost, they avoid making updates, letting the problems grow—just like ghosts that refuse to rest. 

Ghosts of Past Issues – The Legacy of Technical Debt 

Like haunted houses plagued by unresolved mysteries, legacy systems accumulate technical debt—old quick fixes and outdated processes that linger and disrupt modern workflows. Every shortcut taken instead of solving the root problem haunts operations, reappearing unexpectedly to derail progress. 

Hidden Dangers Lurking – Bugs, Crashes, and Vulnerabilities 

Legacy systems hide dangers just like dark corners in a haunted house. Bugs, crashes, and security vulnerabilities lurk unseen, quietly eroding productivity and exposing businesses to risks. Even worse, “skeletons” from the past—like undocumented workarounds—haunt new employees, leaving them lost in convoluted processes only known by those who’ve moved on. 

The Cost of Ignoring the Creaks – Lost Data and Missed Opportunities 

Ignoring legacy system issues is like brushing off strange noises in a haunted house. What starts as a harmless creak can escalate into data loss and operational failures. Missed opportunities pile up as outdated systems struggle to keep up with business demands. One company clung to their old software, thinking, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” until a ransomware attack turned that belief into a nightmare. After recovering, they partnered with ASI to rebuild on a secure platform, freeing their operations from the ghosts of the past. 

The Renovation – Tailored Software Solutions 

Just like a haunted house can be restored into a welcoming space, legacy systems can be transformed with modern software. Tailored solutions eliminate bugs, inefficiencies, and outdated processes, turning cluttered systems into smooth, efficient workflows. 

Renovating everything at once isn’t necessary. Like any good home makeover, businesses should start with the most pressing issues. Tackling one area at a time lets businesses focus on the biggest impact first, steadily optimizing their systems and creating room for growth. 

Why Businesses Shouldn't Fear Change 

It’s natural to fear the cost, time, and disruption of change. But just like renovating a house, modernizing systems brings long-term rewards—new platforms are more secure, intuitive, and efficient. They eliminate the inefficiencies and risks that slow businesses down, paving the way for smoother operations. 

Conclusion: Don’t Live in Fear – Embrace a Fresh Start 

Stop living in fear of your legacy systems. Just as a haunted house can be restored, your business can escape the limitations of outdated software. Tailored solutions offer a practical way to move forward, freeing your operations from the ghosts of the past. Embrace change and take the first step toward smoother, more reliable systems—because the only thing scarier than change is staying stuck in the past. 

3 Lessons Small Businesses Can Learn from NFL Teams in their Rebuilding Phase

Each season, many NFL teams enter rebuilding phases, shedding old strategies, rethinking talent, and preparing for long-term success. In many ways, small businesses face similar moments of transformation. If your business is navigating challenges or looking to grow stronger, here are three lessons from rebuilding NFL teams that can set you up for lasting success.
  
1. Don’t Rely on a Single Key Player
NFL teams quickly learn that leaning too heavily on one star player—often the quarterback—makes them vulnerable. When that player gets injured or underperforms, the entire team suffers. The same principle applies to small businesses. If your success hinges on one top salesperson or a key technician, you're setting yourself up for risk. What happens if they leave or burnout?

Diversify your talent, and make sure everyone can hit the ground running. Just as rebuilding NFL teams invest in versatile players who can adapt to different positions, your business should empower everyone on your team to contribute. A tailored app can make onboarding new hires easier and help existing employees quickly take on new roles. Implementing a user-friendly system ensures your team is prepared for the unexpected, with appropriate backup systems in place. For instance, one of our customers faced a sudden resignation that impacted their shipping and receiving department.  Panic set in until Ablesoft stepped in to create an app that quickly met their operational needs, bringing the team back up to speed. 

2. Adapt Fast or Fall Behind
Rebuilding NFL teams can’t afford to wait for problems to resolve themselves. Injuries and underperformance force quick decisions and immediate shifts in strategy. They rely on real-time data to adapt and stay competitive.
For small businesses, success comes from similar agility. If you’re still using Excel or relying on siloed data, decision-making slows down and mistakes happen. A tailored app that centralizes your data makes it easier to spot opportunities and pivot when needed. Like top NFL teams, your business needs fast, reliable insights to stay competitive and move forward with confidence.

3. Invest in Long-Term Success
NFL teams that are truly rebuilding aren’t looking for quick wins—they’re laying the groundwork for long-term success. Through smart draft picks, coaching changes, and strategic planning, they ensure sustainable growth, building a team that can compete for years to come.

In business, quick fixes may offer temporary gains, but long-term success comes from continuous improvement. That’s where Ablesoft Solutions comes in. We provide in-depth process assessments to help you identify inefficiencies and implement the right solutions. By investing in your team’s development and adopting tailored technologies, you’re setting your business up for lasting growth. Just like rebuilding NFL teams, steady improvements today lead to big wins down the road.

Build for the Future
Rebuilding, whether in sports or business, takes time and careful planning. The best teams—and businesses—embrace these moments to set themselves up for lasting success. By assessing your processes and being open to long-term improvement, your business can build a stronger, more resilient foundation for the future.
Now is the time to take a page out of the NFL playbook. Set your business up for a winning season with an Ablesoft Solutions assessment.

3 Benefits of Hybrid Office Gatherings

A field trip to the local train depot for some great team bonding time.

Summer Sunshine and Team Spirit: 3 Benefits of Hybrid Office Gatherings 

As summer winds down, we take a moment to reflect on the experiences we've shared as a team. Much like opening a window to welcome fresh air, our in-person gatherings have brought a renewed sense of warmth and connection. These moments break the routine of virtual meetings, revitalizing our hybrid work environment and reminding us of the dynamic, vibrant team we truly are. 

The Benefits of Hybrid Office Gatherings 

1. Strengthening Relationships: 
   In-person interactions, from casual conversations to spontaneous connections, strengthen our bonds in ways that virtual meetings can't. These moments remind us that we’re more than just colleagues—we’re a team. 

1. Boosting Morale and Creativity: 
   Being together in the same space boosts morale and sparks creativity. The energy and enthusiasm of face-to-face interactions fuel new ideas and drive innovation. 

1. Building a Stronger Team Culture: 
   Hybrid gatherings are key to maintaining a strong team culture. They reinforce our connection to the company’s mission and to each other, fostering a sense of belonging that's hard to achieve virtually. 

Summer Get-Togethers: Highlights from Our Team 

This summer, our team made the most of the season with some memorable get-togethers that perfectly captured the spirit of collaboration and fun. 

Circle G Farms Visit: 
Our first stop was at a local farm. We joined a customer there to showcase the real-life application of an app we developed. For a couple of our developers, it was their first time on a farm. The visit included an interview with one of the major stakeholders of the farm, giving us invaluable insights into how our work is making a tangible difference in the agricultural sector.  
 
Train Depot Adventure: 
Another highlight was our field trip to the city’s train depot, where we had the chance to tour the historic Twin Cities Zephyrs. As we explored the vintage cars and learned about the rich history of the trains, it was easy to see the parallels between the past’s innovative spirit and our own work today.  

Cookouts and Lunches: 
Of course, no summer would be complete without some delicious food and good company. We took time out to feast together and celebrate various milestones within our team. We welcomed Andrew back to town—he moved to Arizona and now works remotely—and enjoyed the rare chance to catch up in person. Michelle and Lisa, who also work remotely, also joined. We also celebrated Edgar’s accomplishments at bootcamp and wished him well as he transfers to a new university.  

Conclusion 

As the summer days continue to shine, there's no better time to gather your team, share some laughs, and strengthen the bonds that make our hybrid office thrive. Whether it’s a casual BBQ, or simply exploring new places together, these moments are what turn colleagues into friends and ideas into action. 

The British Are Coming!

A Revolution in the Making 

On a warm July morning in 1776, the air was thick with anticipation. The brave souls of the thirteen American colonies had reached a tipping point. They were tired of the constraints imposed by the distant monarchy, yearning for freedom and the chance to chart their own destiny. With a quill and parchment, they declared their independence, igniting a revolution that would forever change the course of history. 

Parallels to Small Business 

This month, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, we reflect not only on the birth of a nation but also on the essence of freedom. In the spirit of this historic milestone, let us draw a parallel to the modern small business world where many companies find themselves shackled by the limitations of Excel. Just as the colonies broke free from the British Empire, businesses can liberate themselves from Excel and embrace transformative data practices. 

When Freedom Turns into Anarchy 

Many businesses rely on Excel for their data needs, but its limitations in scalability, collaboration, version control, and automation can severely impact efficiency and accuracy. The limiting nature of Excel can create real problems for a company, especially when the data makes sense only to the person who created it. Excel's flexibility, while initially appealing, often leads to anarchy where collaboration and security become challenging and difficult to maintain. Furthermore, this lack of structure can make it hard to pass on processes to the next generation of employees. 

Imposing the Right Limits 

Building solutions with sensible controls is essential to overcoming these issues. Businesses must implement systems that make sense and get the best out of the team. These solutions should be scalable and adaptable to the changing needs of the team, rather than rigidly following the mindset of the original Excel creator. By doing so, companies can enjoy the benefits of security and scalability while fostering a more productive environment. 

Recognizing the Individual 

Recognizing the individuality of each team member is also crucial. Standardized package systems can stifle individuality by assuming all processes need to be done the same way. This can make employees feel like mere cogs in a wheel. In contrast, tailored systems act as extensions of the team that created them, fostering a sense of ownership and innovation. 

Real Life Freedom Story 

Consider the real-life success of our customer, a crop insurance and grain marketing advisor, who replaced the complex equations in Excel with a simplified app. By embracing freedom from the constraints of spreadsheets, they could visually show their clients potential outcomes in real time. This transformation embodied the spirit of independence and innovation, much like the American colonies breaking free from British rule. 

Embracing a New Era of Freedom 

As we celebrate the spirit of freedom this Fourth of July, let us also embrace the freedom to innovate and improve our business practices. By breaking free from the constraints of Excel and adopting transformative data practices, businesses can achieve true independence, efficiency, and success. Just as the colonies declared their independence and paved the way for a new era, so too can your business by liberating itself from outdated processes starting with a phone call to us. 

Happy Birthday Ablesoft!

Ablesoft Solutions (and photo quality) has come a long way since renting office space, to now owning their own building and reaching customers nationwide with a growing employee base.

Taking the Leap  
"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” famously said by hockey player Wayne Gretzky—a sentiment every small business owner understands. In 1994, Noel Bruns took his chance, leaving behind a lucrative 15-year career in information services with ComEd to establish Ablesoft Solutions in Oregon, Illinois. With steadfast support from his wife Sally and their four young children, Noel embarked on a journey that now spans three decades. Under his guidance, Ablesoft Solutions has thrived, marking 30 years of crafting customized software solutions for small businesses. This ongoing journey reflects perseverance, transformation, and a steadfast commitment to values and teamwork. 
 
Early Challenges: Sales and Marketing 
In the early days, Noel first faced the unexpected challenge of mastering sales and marketing. It wasn't his forte, but he knew it was crucial for the early stages of his business. With few connections and a remote small-town software operation, he found early success by serving as president of the Chicago Access Users Group (CAUG). Coordinating activities and presenting content at several meetings not only expanded his network but also brought in pivotal early customers. This role became a critical stepping-stone, providing the confidence and connections needed to propel Ablesoft forward. 
 
Building a Values-Driven Company Culture 
Noel’s personal values have been the cornerstone of Ablesoft’s culture. He believes that one of the greatest benefits of owning a business is the ability to choose your colleagues. “For me, surrounding myself with talented and considerate people not only created the best work environment but also fostered a team spirit that made coming to work each day pleasurable,” Noel remarks. He emphasizes the importance of pride in one’s work and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction. These values have ensured that Ablesoft’s clients always receive top-notch service, and when mistakes happen, they are owned up to and corrected swiftly. 
 
Defining Success 
While Ablesoft had early success, Noel recalls a particularly sobering moment in 1999. He had a variety of customers, a solid staff, and was turning a decent profit. While he felt like he had made it, in fact, it was a false positive.  “Knowing you will succeed suggests you are certain of sustainable success and stability. I truly didn’t feel that until my two sons joined me in the business around 2017,” he admits. He explains: their infusion of youth, fresh ideas, and boundless energy revitalized the company. It was in those subsequent years that Noel felt a genuine, sustainable success taking root, knowing that the future of Ablesoft was in good hands. 

Keeping Pace with Technology 
Technological advancements have dramatically reshaped Ablesoft’s business model over the past 30 years. From the infancy of email and web to the necessary adaptation to remote work during the pandemic, Noel has adeptly steered the company through these challenges. The transition from client-server systems to web-based development was a significant milestone. Embracing the philosophy, “If someone is going to put you out of business, it might as well be yourself,” Noel led Ablesoft to innovate and stay ahead of industry trends, combining their early successes with modern web-based tools. 

The Gamble that Revolutionized Small Business Solutions 
During an early slowdown, and wanting to retain his staff, Noel self-funded an internal initiative to design and build a baseline package to improve the quality and speed of ASI’s future development projects. This foundational investment enabled Ablesoft to bridge the hard times and ultimately, helped to entice new clients, while promoting long-term success and client satisfaction. 

Transformative Customer Relationships 
Out of many memorable customer relationships, one stands out to Noel. A small service company operating from a home basement sought Ablesoft’s help to manage waste hauling services more efficiently. Their business was spreadsheet-driven, and as it grew, so did its complexities. Hiring and retaining good employees became nearly impossible. They were unable to grow the business. Noel and his team developed a web-based system that guided users through their processes, validated their work, and enforced business rules. This transformation allowed the fledgling company to add staff, expand and relocate, turning a struggling home-based operation into a thriving business. 
 
The Legacy Continues 
As Noel reflects on the future, he feels immense pride in the qualities his sons brought to the business. While he jokes about their hostile takeover, he recognizes their critical contributions in many areas. Ben’s business acumen and thirst for new ideas, combined with Eric’s exceptional project and team management capabilities, ensure that Ablesoft is in good hands. Their shared values and mutual respect create a cohesive leadership team that is poised to continue the company’s legacy of excellence. 

Noel’s journey with Ablesoft Solutions is a heartfelt testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of personal values in building a successful business. His story is one of not just professional achievements but also personal growth and fulfillment, deeply intertwined with the legacy he leaves through his sons and their shared vision for the future. 
 
Cheers to Noel and Ablesoft Solutions – here's to thirty more successful years!

Building Top Talent from the Ground Up

From Left to Right: Carson Hegge, Edgar Zarco, and Brian Baez

Celebrating Milestones and Building Future Leaders at Ablesoft 

This month, we're excited to celebrate the significant milestones achieved by our junior developers at Ablesoft. Carson is about to graduate from college after completing his final summer class, Edgar is transferring to a new school, and Brian is stepping up to take on more responsibilities within our team. Our "amoeba" program immerses junior developers in real projects from day one, preparing them for future challenges and enabling them to deliver immediate value to our customers. Through hands-on experience and a supportive learning environment, we ensure a smooth transition for our junior developers, benefiting both Ablesoft and our clients. 

From Novices to Vital Team Members 

Every professional journey begins with a single step. At Ablesoft, our junior developers start as college graduates, interns, or career changers, quickly evolving into key team members through our tailored onboarding process. This program equips them with essential skills and knowledge, emphasizing hands-on experience crucial for professional growth. 

Leveraging Ablesoft Core and Senior Developers for Junior Talent Development 

Our proprietary technology platform, Ablesoft Core, is integral to our training process. It streamlines development tasks, enabling junior developers to quickly become proficient and breaking down complex projects into manageable tasks matched to the developer's skill level. By having senior and junior developers collaborate on the same projects, juniors deepen their skills and gain insights while seniors can focus on more complex tasks. 

For example, Carson and Tyler recently spearheaded a project using Ablesoft Core to develop a sophisticated customer management system. Guided by senior developers, they delivered an exceptional application that provided significant value to the client while gaining invaluable hands-on training. 

Creating Value for Our Clients 

By empowering our junior developers, we ensure consistent progress and reliability for our clients. Their innovative thinking and commitment to quality translate into superior service and satisfaction. Juniors can make incremental progress on customer applications, allowing seniors to attend to more complex, long-term tasks. This helps maintain project momentum and show visual progress to clients. Junior developers bring fresh perspectives that foster customer-centric solutions, enhancing project outcomes. 

Fostering a Culture of Growth and Innovation 

At Ablesoft, we cultivate a culture of continuous growth and innovation. We encourage our junior developers to explore novel ideas and approaches, creating an environment where creativity thrives. This culture benefits our team and leads to unique solutions for our clients. For instance, our intern, Tyler, successfully piloted the use of AI to scan printed documents into text, which the senior team then integrated into production applications. 

Conclusion 

At Ablesoft, our investment in the growth of junior developers through on-the-job learning creates a win-win situation for everyone involved. Our juniors acquire the skills and experience they need to excel, while Ablesoft and our clients benefit from their fresh perspectives and innovative contributions. 

As we celebrate the achievements of our junior developers, we look forward to the continued success and positive impact they will bring to our projects and clients. We are proud to empower the next generation of developers, fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and excellence. 

Join us in this exciting journey and discover how our commitment to nurturing talent drives transformative results for your business by exploring some of our recent success stories delivered by our young talent. 

Less is More: The Minimalist Solution

Andrew has a storied past across technology jobs including infrastructure and application support, software development, and data analysis.

2020 was a transformative year worldwide. The challenges of the global pandemic prompted a collective reassessment of our priorities and lifestyles, reigniting interest in the 1960s art and design philosophy of simplicity and minimalism. As people spent more time at home, the desire to eliminate excess and concentrate on what truly matters became increasingly important to many. 
 
Ablesoft's developer, Andrew Currens, embraced these minimalist ideals, starting with a realization about material possessions. "I understood that material things don't lead to long-term happiness," he says. "This change in mindset has not only transformed my personal life, but also shaped my approach to software development."  

1. Using What Works: 
His minimalist approach values reuse and scalability, characteristics also found in the Ablesoft Core, our foundational software. "The Ablesoft Core is complex, but it helps us build projects that are straightforward and easy to maintain," he explains. By using Ablesoft Core, Andrew and the rest of the team can streamline development by reducing the need to start from scratch each time. "Less code often means cleaner, more maintainable projects," Andrew points out.  

The Illinois winters drove Andrew to move to Arizona where he works remotely.

2. Solutions Tailored to Specific Needs: 
Andrew focuses on addressing the core challenges faced by clients without adding unnecessary complexity. By concentrating on the essential aspects of each project, he ensures that the solutions are effective and user-friendly. This targeted approach accelerates the development timeline and delivers software that aligns closely with the client's expectations.  

3. Making Technology User-Friendly: 
Like our other developers, Andrew is committed to creating applications that are intuitive and easy to navigate. By breaking down complex interfaces into simpler components, he ensures that the software is accessible to users of all levels of tech-savviness. This user-friendly approach not only enhances adoption but also simplifies maintenance and updates.  

When he’s off the clock, you can find Andrew conquering bike trails and discovering craft brews.

Applying Minimalism Beyond Software: 
Not surprisingly, Andrew's minimalist principles extend beyond the world of software. In his personal life, he gravitates towards hobbies and activities that offer genuine value without accumulating unnecessary stuff. For instance, he enjoys biking, which combines exploration, fitness, and skill-building without requiring a lot of equipment. This approach could be mirrored by companies considering custom software. Starting with a minimal but robust foundation like the Ablesoft Core, mentioned above, businesses can start small and expand as needed, like how Andrew approaches his hobbies.  

Conclusion: 

Andrew's minimalist approach to software development offers small businesses a pathway to efficient, user-friendly solutions in the context of the challenges and changes of 2020. By focusing on simplicity, addressing specific needs, and prioritizing user experience, he demonstrates the enduring relevance of minimalism even in creating effective software solutions.  

If you're interested in exploring how a minimalist approach can optimize your business in these changing times, we invite you to give us a call.