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!