184: This Role Model Reveals How His Software is Helping Construction Businesses ⚒ Ken Auer of RoleModel Software

184: This Role Model Reveals How His Software is Helping Construction Businesses ⚒ Ken Auer of RoleModel Software

Background on Ken Auer of Role Model Software:

As a Master Software Craftsman at RoleModel Software, Ken Auer leads some of the most talented software craftsmen in the creation of sustainable software systems. For over four decades, Ken has applied his craft as a leader of high-performance development teams. He founded RoleModel Software in 1997.

While not working, Ken enjoys reading history, musical theater, construction, education, coaching, family time, and seeking to lead a Christ-centered life. His family includes stars of American Ninja Warrior and American Ninja Warrior Junior who run a premiere Ninja Warrior and Rock-Climbing facility where he occasionally helps.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[1:52] Ken explains what RoleModel Software is all about. He gives a specific example to simplify what the company does.
[5:45] Being an avid fan of ninja warrior obstacle racing, Ken and his son decided to put up a rock-climbing gym.
[10:45] Even at a young age, Ken got his family involved in running a business and offer them entrepreneurial ideas.
[12:39] In 1997, he decided to resign from his job and start his own business, RoleModel Software.
[14:40] When Ken was younger, he thought he could retire in his mid-30s.
[17:25] During the early days of the business, Ken decided to get an apprentice whom he could teach to build software from scratch.
[19:57] Ken provides a more in-depth explanation of developing software and programming.
[23:13] During the economic downturn in 2002, Ken was given an opportunity to assemble his ex-employees to work together once again for a particular project.
[27:33] Ken wrote a book called Extreme Programming Applied, which helped them get a good reputation.
[28:35] The 2007 recession came and it was a tough time for Ken. He was heading into bankruptcy.
[33:31] After the recession, Ken started managing the ebb and flow of the business and slowly converted his independent contractors into full-time employees.
[38:48] Ken has trained someone who can replace him if he decides to finally leave the company.
[43:25] Quality service business is what Ken always aims for instead of volume-based business.
[46:44] Ken points out one example of a client asking him to create software.
[52:44] Meeting with his son regularly, they started organizing and starting the ninja warrior gym.

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Fabulous 4 Questions:

📖 📚 Favorite Book(s)? The Bible – Particularly Bibliotheca
🙌😎 Favorite Amazon.com purchase? 5 Black Ninja Pinatas
🌱💸 Favorite Tool that's GROWN your Business? Besides github? Harvest
💭💡 BIGGEST Challenge keeping your Business from GROWING? Finding the right fit of people to help expand the business without damaging culture

Key Point from the Interview:

“One thing I see with a lot of young people who want to be entrepreneurs, learn by starting to be an employee, try to understand the business that you’re in, respect the expertise of the people who come before you.”