Our Story

Some companies are borne on a dollar and a dream. Some are a byproduct of circumstance. Acclivity was built on a little bit of both. In December of 2005, sensing divergent strategic directions, two members of MYOB's US management team reached agreement with MYOB Ltd. to purchase the US company and take it private.

The idea was to service the US market locally and be free to pursue opportunities that made local sense. Checkout Point of Sale for Mac and the resultant joint venture, Werck BV, is the best example of Acclivity spreading its entrepreneurial wings.

Still, the MYOB product line was developed by MYOB Ltd. with Acclivity acting as distributor. Fast- forward to November of 2008. In order to craft one’s own destiny, one must partake in the act of crafting. With this in mind, Acclivity fashioned a new agreement with MYOB Ltd., this time to purchase their US development company, responsible for making the global Mac product line. Distributors-turned-developers.

A small business making small business software. A big company made small. A re-startup.

Before teaming up with Scott for the big Acclivity Management Buyout of 2005, Tom Nash served a variety of roles in MYOB, starting way back in 1992. In that time, Tom’s duties have spanned marketing, product management, a stint in Canada (the first time), and writing jokes for his annual Partner Conference presentations. Currently Tom’s main focus is products and technology, but don’t underestimate him in a marketing meeting, unless he’s daydreaming about lunchtime, when he’ll go out and run 10 miles or bike 20. I’d give you his Boston Marathon time, but that might trample his modest sensibilities (psst, it’s 3:14:30). When not tweeting about AccountEdge, he is most likely at a live concert or event of some kind. He’s cultured like that. Tom lives in Randolph, NJ and NYC with his wife and claims to make better espresso foam than Ed.

Prior to helping form Acclivity, Scott Davisson oversaw MYOB’s sales and marketing efforts. Now he mainly obsesses over font size and exclamation points (or lack thereof). Scott has a diverse background in the software industry, including time spent with Intuit managing their ProSeries product line. We still let him in the office, since he owns half of it and all. He received his MBA from San Diego State University and his undergrad from University of Florida, which has a much better football team (Go Gators). While he also runs and bikes at lunch, he refuses to run with Tom because he’s too fast. He did manage to finish the Philly Triathlon, though he nearly drowned. An amateur movie buff and aspiring chef, Scott lives in Montclair, NJ with his wife and two rapidly growing children and he swears the US will win the World Cup in his lifetime.

Alan is Acclivity’s web-MacGyver. Not only does he cobble together back-end processes with Javascript, HTML, and duct tape, but he never uses a gun. If you’re ordering products or changing your email address or trying to find a consultant near you, you’re in Alan’s world. Don’t worry, it’s an interesting one. So far we’ve discovered it’s made up of an enthusiasm for insects taking him on round-the-world expeditions, a love of our 25 cent honor vending machine, and an inexplicable hatred of Costco (said vending machine’s supply chain).

To say Anne is our resident historian wouldn’t be entirely accurate because she’s been the one making the history (and, as developer, the products) for well over 20 years. While she’s always quick to dabble in the latest technologies, let’s date Anne for a second; she once taught a college class on Fortran. And while she loves the Mac, she once worked for (cue evil music) IBM, but we don’t hold that against her. Most of us, at least.

Annette is a long-time member of the QA team, thinking and scheming of new ways to break the software. So destructive. Her favorite aspect of Acclivity is the flexibility and “how easy it is to have kids and a career.” Have we mentioned she’s popular? So popular, in fact, she was voted onto the Board of Ed. in her town, by a landslide. All those hours at her kids’ soccer games gladhanding have finally paid off.

Bethann is all about customer service, unless we have a bear in the parking lot, in which case she’s all about getting dangerously close to the bear so she can take a picture with her camera phone. Fearless, she is. Rumored to be working here for the free coffee, she’s far too dedicated to satisfying customers for us to believe it. Bethann also enjoys scrapbooking to the point of obsession. We’ve tried scrapbooking interventions, halfway houses. No luck.

Bill is a member of our technical support team, which means he knows the product really well and he’s really patient. Two admirable qualities that have nothing to do with the fact that he can sometimes be heard at lunch playing the bagpipes in the parking lot. Bill’s background is actually in software development, which provides him a unique perspective on helping customers and coming up with good ideas. And he’s also a licensed pilot, where he hopefully doesn’t encounter too many technical issues.

Cathryn has worked at Acclivity (or some form thereof) nearly since the Bush administration (the first one – let me stop). Her laugh is infectious and can be heard from Green Pond Road on a quiet day. She does everything from the payroll to the bank recs to the milk purchasing, and much like your mom, nobody appreciates what she does until she goes on vacation and they need a plastic spoon. And now that she works from home a couple days a week, rumor has it she actually misses us sometimes.

Cathy P is our training expert and technical writer. She’s spent many nights on the road teaching the finer points of our accounting software to groups of wide-eyed customers. She may not remember my birthday, but I can guarantee she knows the Hampton Inn 800 number by heart. In her free time, when not building churches in Guatemala, it’s a good bet she’s on the open road with her husband and her Harley.

Dave has been our Operations and Fulfillment Specialist forever, which he says is infinitely cooler than when he worked in Toys R Us’ bike and stroller department. If I had a nickel for every time we were in a meeting and the phrase “I don’t know, let’s ask Dave…” was uttered, I’d be a relatively rich man in most third world countries. And what we love about Dave most is that he’s a big-time Jets fan and he loves sushi; two Acclivity-approved endeavors. Also that he brings his industrious little boy to work sometimes to shred documents. Ah, free labor.

Some have likened Acclivity to Hotel California. You know, you come, never leave [note: Acclivity is pro free will, anti the Eagles, and pro Eagles of Death Metal]. Diane thought she was here for a pit stop, a mere temp assignment. Several years and happy hours later, she’s still passionately helping customers. And we mean passionately. To see her powerwalk around the building flagging down an answer to a question is to see determination personified. It’s no wonder one of her post-work pursuits is drinking pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Donna has been a member of Customer Care since Y2K struck fear in the hearts of us all. She currently supervises the Customer Service team, which means she has full reign to make our customers happy at all costs. Not always as easy as it sounds. While you might hear us accusing Donna of living in her own world, it’s likely we’re referring to her penchant for writing fiction in her spare time. And how cool is this: she’s part of a group fighting to have the face of the coal miner on a US postage stamp. You can’t make this stuff up.

Ed is the owner of the English language in the building, meaning he writes edits a lot. But he’s also the co-owner of the website, which means he knows a lot bit about websites and what makes them look cool. Ed is also our resident Devil’s Advocate (having nothing to do with his devotion to the NJ Devils), or as he’d most likely term it, the voice of reason. Aside from taking great pride in his espresso foam, Ed is fond of fly fishing, video game snobbery and complaining (in no particular order). He’s also considered quitting his job to chase the dream: playing in a professional foosball circuit.

Product Development is often times compared to herding cats. That would make Eileen the chief cat herder. Or as she would put it, she manages a “group of gifted individuals who allow me to think I’m in charge when really they are.” Her first job out of college was at a nuclear reactor plant, which might explain why one of her sons wants to be a nuclear engineer, but doesn’t explain why all four of her children are freakish athletes. Or maybe it does.

Glenn was an anthropology major in college, making him the logical choice to manage our new sales efforts. But it’s his years of experience as a Buyer for companies such as Macy’s and Party City that allow him to translate the world of retail for all of us laymen. The consummate team player, Glenn (affectionately known as One Job) is willing to do whatever it takes to introduce our software to small businesses around the globe. He’s also perpetually searching for a Patriots 17-0 t-shirt and a sweet deal on Shimano Ultegra anything.

Everyone needs an IT guy. Herb is ours. Specifically, that means he’s responsible for the administration and care of our computing, networking, web and CRM infrastructure and data. In practical terms, that means there’s usually a line outside his office. Besides Nascar, Georgia Tech football and fashioning a call center in his basement from our old cubicles, Herb actually likes change. You should see the Clark Griswold glimmer in his eye the minute he breaks out his project management software.

James is part of the tech support crew, fearlessly answering phones from 9 to 6ET Monday through Friday and until 8pm during the winter busy season. He’s such a good fit in the call center, he’s even been “work” adopted by Kathleen; his “work mom.” Which is odd because Kathleen’s barely old enough to be his elder sister. James is an avid Mets fan, 220 avg. bowler and once shook hands with Winston Churchill (or two out of the three).

We knew Jasmin was a keeper when, on her first day, she started answering the phones “welcome to the wonderful world of Acclivity.” We liked that. We also like her unwavering stick-to-itiveness when it comes to solving customer issues. She likens her role to doctor and the customer’s to patient, “it’s my job to make the situation better”. And if you’ve ever noticed how infrequently she misspells anything, it’s no wonder given that she’s a former spelling bee champion.

Jennifer is in charge of breaking things; specifically software. As QA Manager, she works with her team to try any and everything possible to compromise the software. Better it happen here than in your office, is her thinking. And though she can usually be found with her family, when she makes it out of the office, she likes to stay outside. Running, hiking, walking her dog.

Jenny, as the saying goes, wears many hats. Responsible for all businesses touching our existing customers (e.g. upgrades, payroll, support, services) she is the internal customer advocate aka Loyalty Manager. She has spent the better part of the decade contemplating Payroll and re-doing her kitchen, in no particular order. She’s an outdoor enthusiast, has stood face-to-face with a bear and once won a lawsuit on someone’s behalf without anything resembling a legal degree. Impressive.

John is our CFO, which means he’s in charge of the money. And money is important. Therefore, John is important. But he’s also in charge of the benefits. And the payroll. And the facility (which includes the kitchen, the bathrooms and the heat - all important). That’s a lot to be in charge of. And best of all, earmuffs for any CFO’s in the audience, John’s the rare CFO with a sense of humor. Really.

Justin is a first-rate tech support rep as well as a smart ass. While his description of his role as a “telepathic private investigator” can be debated, it’s his favorite website (quickbooks.com) that has us up in arms. Leaving us no choice but to take punitive action. He won’t know where or when, but… Lucky for Justin, nobody takes him seriously; except customers, of course, who are in his debt because he’s awesome at what he does.

Justine can tell the difference between Arial and Helvetica from across the street in a driving rainstorm; possibly blindfolded. And it’s that eye for detail that makes our stuff look so good. If you like our website, emails or mailers, Justine gets the credit. She is the co-captain of Team Marcom. Aside from fonts, loud music and certain other Marcom team captains (who shall remain nameless), she has a special place in her heart for her mostly androgynously named family of hamsters: Ham, Mint Julep, Reeses and Sasha.

Kathleen is a long-time member of the Customer Care team and while she loves her job, she interestingly hates the phone. Maybe it’s just the phone in her house? Her role is that of problem solver, where mind reading occasionally comes in handy. As does her photographic memory, fluency in nine languages and background as an operative in ‘Nam. Still, it’s her laugh we love most.

Kathy is self-described insect repellent; working hard to squash bugs. As part of our QA team, that’s important because otherwise you’d get buggy software. Which you don’t. Because of Kathy (and the team). See how that works? When not finding bugs, Kathy can be seen in her role as proud mom and driver of a bright yellow Volkswagen bug. Who says she doesn’t take her work home?

Ken is a Mac geek who loves developing software, which is good because that’s what he does for a living. That and shuttle his children around like a chauffeur. It’s also rumored that Ken’s annual trek to Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference is a thinly veiled excuse for a week-long sampling of San Francisco’s best Asian cuisine. Maybe I should pull his expense report.

Lauren is like a product marketing Swiss Army knife. Whether it's helping our Partners put together a marketing plan or arranging a training event for the Bay Area or hitting the road to tutor Apple Store employees. And her compassion doesn’t stop at humans. She’s worked in a veterinarian’s office and has rescued two cats (Sir Kitty Kitty and Mr. Peabody).

This might be a stretch, but let’s try it. In Lisa’s role she gets software that isn’t really ready for the public, gives it a little TLC, tells the developers what’s wrong with it and in no time at all we wind up with the world class software you all know and love. Now, in her free time, Lisa helps socialize hissing feral kittens to prepare them for cuddly adoption. Coincidence, you say? She also enjoys pilates and reading, which don’t as easily lend themselves to complicated, yet still workable, comparisons to her job.

Lisa has a dual role: helping customers on the phone with their customer service questions and helping to repair damaged or corrupt files. And you know she really is helping when customers are doing things like sending her “thank you” flowers to the office. One of her many reasons for loving Acclivity? The complimentary chair massages during busy season. Mine too.

Lynn is our own Answer Lady. When there’s a product question in the call center, the standard response is: “I’m not sure, ask Lynn.” That’s what happens when (a) you have worked here forever and (b) you know your stuff. Would as many people take such stock in her answers if they knew she was married by an Elvis in a blue jumpsuit? Possibly not.

Michelle

Michelle is part of our Customer Care team, doing whatever it takes to make people happy. What makes her happy? Bowling, reading, The Daily Show and Facebooking (yes, a verb) and, evidently, moving. Anyone who’s lived in 8 different counties in New Jersey must have a certain affinity for packing (and subsequently unpacking) boxes.

Michelle

Michelle has the cool responsibility of designing our software. If there’s a new feature, big or small, she’ll design it. And since she started as a tech rep in our call center, she still likes to talk to customers. She’ll listen to what they need and incorporate it in her designs. And through all that, would you believe she is always smiling. I mean, always. I can only hope she’s a bit more blood thirsty when coaching her son’s soccer team or scrapbooking. Okay, maybe she can smile for the scrapbooking.

Mike

Mike is the Herb Brooks of our call center. Leading a scrappy band of underdogs into battle against the emotionless juggernaut from the communist block (or Mountain View, California). With over two decades of call center experience, Mike’s seen it all. Twice. Aside from heckling customer service organizations in his free time, Mike enjoys watching his (former) hometown Mets and playing video games rated T for Teen. And as out of character as it may seem, Iron Mike is a cat person.

Mike

Like Radio Shack, Mike can be found at a mall near you. Visiting Apple Stores to ensure their employees are up-to-date on our software. But most days, Mike is on our phones, talking to prospects interested in understanding how our software would fit their business needs. He’s also in the running with Justine for most creative pet names, with hamsters Honey Bun and Rhino the Rhinoceros and his fish, Fishy Fishdemeanor Elliott.

Pat

Pat used to work as a tech support rep in our call center, then she moved many, many miles away. Now she works with us again, even though she never moved back. A riddle? No, that’s telecommuting in action. Given Pat’s love of gardening, it was most likely by design that she moved south. And though, in a past life, she worked as a dental assistant, we’re going to resist comparing tech support to pulling teeth. Too predictable.

Rachel

Rachel is one of our crack software developers, taking great pride in the product that goes out the door. As she should. She helped build it. Before studying computer science, she was an art major, so sometimes you can catch her just staring at the screen, admiring her work. When not spending copious amounts of time with her two girls, she’s often feeding her love of photography.

Ron

Ron is our resident Checkout expert and project mercenary. He eats, breathes, sleeps, documents, supports and QAs Checkout. This isn’t his first tour of duty. He served as mercenary for our merchant account services (and another product we don’t mention that rhymes with ParketFast). But perhaps Ron is best known for having caught every strain of the common cold known to man. When not catching a cold, drinking 96 ounces of tea or playing dad, Ron’s usually thinking about how the Devils can escape the Rangers’ shadow and gain some much-needed respect (or at least fill their arena when they are hosting a Stanley Cup final game).

Sue

Sue grew up on a grain farm in North Dakota and can operate a tractor, swather, combine and truck. We’re not entirely sure what a swather is, but that’s an impressive list. Oh, and Sue is a top notch developer who’s been building small business software for well over a decade. Or as she puts it “I’m allowed to play on a computer all day.” Which must fare comparatively well against spending your formative years shoveling six inches of horse manure from a barn. When not tending to her husband, who gets a lot of colds, Sue can be found shopping, hiking or sewing.

Todd

With a self-imposed 100-word cap, accurately describing Todd’s role may not be possible. Which is why we gave him the ambiguous, yet powerful sounding, title of Product Evangelist. He’s a former accountant, life-long Mac geek and amateur astronomer, who knows as much about our products as he does about Philadelphia sports. He’s also given 1,000,000 product demos (plus or minus). And is it any wonder he’s a product visionary, considering he was born on the same day, same hour as MLK’s “I have a dream…” speech? True story.