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V O C A T I O N
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MM&T, INCorporated
For six years, I helped my father develop and market a line of proprietary software products and consulting services for the financial industry. Together, we turned a simple Microsoft Access database—originally designed to help banks and credit unions manage Y2K requirements—into a fully-integrated, turn-key software solution for creating and maintaining FFIEC-compliant business continuity planning strategies.
CLIENT MANAGEMENT: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: MARKETING: OTHER:
MMTOnline.com | With what is, at best, described as "primitive" development tools, I designed, wrote, and programmed this site using Notepad, MS Paint, MS PhotoEditor, MS PowerPoint, ArcSoft PhotoStudio, and SnagIt (a cheap screen capture tool). In configuring everything from web hosting, domain name registration, and e-mail forwarding services, this project also served as my introduction to basic website administration and FTP protocol. Over the years, I made improvements to the site as I picked up new skills along the way, including JavaScript functionality and password protection capabilities. MMTOnline.com has grown to be an invaluable resource for finding new clients—as well as distributing information to existing ones.
BCP-CD | Originally, clients using MM&T’s Compliance Assistant Plus (CAPlus) solution had to distribute bulky, hardcopy manuals to demonstrate compliance with Federal disaster recovery planning regulations. As we introduced Adobe Acrobat functionality into the system, I came up with the idea of the BCP-CD—a simple browser-based, electronic manual providing on-demand access to PDF versions of system reports and documentation. Within a matter of weeks, I created what remains one of CAPlus’ main selling points. In providing an efficient, cost-effective way to maintain, distribute, and backup critical disaster recovery information, the BCP-CD has been well-received by clients and examiners alike.
Corporate Identity | When I came onboard, MM&T didn’t have a company logo. And I knew that simply establishing a brand would give MM&T a competitive advantage in the market. So I contracted a designer and directed the creation of a company and product logos, using them to re-design all corporate communications, database interfaces, software packaging, and marketing materials. Then, I rewrote instructional materials and created easy-to-use templates for system documentation to ensure consistency across the product line. I also bartered with a client for help in developing a corporate brochure. Finally, I designed a MM&T-branded booth and "freebies" for industry events. These simple and cost-effective strategies helped bring MM&T into the consideration set of prospective clients among even its largest competitors.
Client Manual | One of the biggest projects I took on at MM&T was to design and write the entire CAPlus Client Manual. I needed to create an efficient, effective way to organize and present large amounts of technical detail—system requirements and software installation instructions, navigation and use, database maintenance and customization, guidelines for documentation development and distribution, and more. On top of that, since regulations—and, therefore, the database—change frequently, it needed to be flexible to accommodate for system updates. As the say, the proof is in the pudding: Once complete, and despite a growing client base, the number of technical support calls received—as well as the time and money spent on maintaining the manual—steadily decreased.
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Responsibilities