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Weekly Newsletter
November 11, 2002
SPOKANE NATIVES, JOHN AND NANCY JANZEN, founded Maplewood
Software in 1996. Their company specializes in the development
of customized database systems and web-based applications that
handle business workflow, scheduling, contact management, document
imaging and reporting.
The Janzens moved back to Spokane specifically because it was their
hometown and where they wanted to raise their two daughters. They left
the mature tech industries of Seattle and Portland and settled downtown
in the heart of the newly forming Terabyte Triangle.
"We realized we were taking a risk by moving back to Spokane when we did,"
Nancy admits. "The tech sector was still very small and we weren't sure
we could make a go of it as a company. But even though there have been
some tough times, it's the best decision we ever made."
Before coming to Spokane, John worked as a software consultant on projects
for Nike, PacifiCorp, and Health Systems Design. As a national expert in
PowerBuilder technology, John also traveled nation-wide while Nancy
concentrated on raising their daughters and maintaining a professional focus
in education and journalism.
"It really was a case of one thing following another," John explains concerning
their move to Spokane. "As I traveled more and my job requirements became less
location specific, we decided it was time to move back to Spokane rather than
stay in communities where we had no roots."
Since its inception, Maplewood Software has worked on several key projects for
Microsoft, Itron, The Spokesman-Review, Itronix, Group Health, The Heart
Institute, Quantum Financial, and several others. "It always surprises people
when I tell them we’ve done programming work for Microsoft programmers," John
likes to add.
In addition to family ties, the Janzens knew firsthand that they could count on
a high quality of life here in Spokane. They appreciate the lower cost of living,
family-friendly activities, short commutes, recreational opportunities and a
burgeoning arts district.
Close proximity to quality universities has been an added benefit for Maplewood
Software. The company has recruited heavily from Whitworth and has had interns
from Spokane Community College. The company also benefits from the growing presence
of public and private groups working to support local technology companies.
The move back has had its share of drawbacks. In addition to a smaller customer
base and local economic downturns, the company fights against some negative
perceptions about local tech companies. "There have been tech companies in town
that over promised and under delivered and those bad experiences reflect back on
all of us," John notes. "We also struggle against the idea that quality tech
companies are based elsewhere."
Overall, both John and Nancy are very happy to have started Maplewood Software in
their hometown. They realize Spokane is growing its technology sector and they
feel strongly that the investments being made now will pay off over the next
several decades. "After all," Nancy adds, "this is where we want our children to
come home to as well."
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