Astute Solutions: Executive Team
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Joseph M. Sanda |
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Joseph M. Sanda, President/Chief Executive Officer, is a successful entrepreneur in the customer care arena as well as experienced software professional. Sanda recognized an opportunity in the consumer niche of the customer service market and building upon his broad experiences, founded Astute in 1995. Sanda has been instrumental in the development of cutting edge technologies that have continued to revolutionize the customer care marketplace. Sanda also co-founded Symtech, a software company acquired by Symix (now Mapics), maker of leading ERP solutions for middle market make-to-order manufacturers. A senior member of the management team that took Symix public in 1991, he was also the Senior Vice President responsible for partnerships and technology acquisitions. Sanda was instrumental in defining product vision and direction for Symix. He received an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1999 and in 2002 and received SBA’s (Small Business Administration) 2002 Business Person of the Year. Sanda was also named TopCAT’s (Top Contributors to the Advancement of Technology) 2002 Executive of the Year while at the same time, PowerCenter™, Astute’s flagship solution, was named 2002 Product of the Year. This was the first time in the history of the awards program that a company has achieved both distinctions in one year. He has held roles in Business and Strategic Planning, R&D, Technologist and Professional Services. With General Dynamics, Sanda developed partnerships with companies such as: IBM, DEC, GTE, Oracle, and Apple Computer. At General Dynamics’ Data Systems Division, he was also Manager of Internal Research and Development for the 5,000-person software development and data processing group. |
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Chris Kiminas |
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Chris specializes in creating, directing and implementing sales and marketing programs for a variety of companies including technology, consulting, and business service firms. During the past 25 years, Chris has held senior sales and management positions with Xerox, Automatic Data Processing (ADP), Goal Systems and Retail Planning Associates (RPA). At RPA, Chris worked with leading brands including Hard Rock Cafe, Adidas and Bell Mobility. He also has extensive experience with new venture-funded companies where he served in key entrepreneurial sales and marketing start-up roles. As a co-founder and partner of BizLogx, a sales and marketing consultancy, he focused on implementing sales, marketing and technology programs to create high performing sales teams. Prior to joining Astute Solutions, Chris was vice president of business development and consulting services at Landslide, an on demand CRM solution located in Pittsburgh, PA. He has a BBA with a focus on marketing from Cleveland State University. |
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Chris Schmitz |
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Chris Schmitz joined Astute Solutions in 1999 and has served in various roles in the professional services and development departments. His current responsibilities include leading the development, quality assurance and technical writing departments. Chris graduated from Kent State with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration on Information Systems. |
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Doug Olson |
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Doug has more than 28 years of Support and Services experience, specializing in systems implementation, process automation, and metric/dashboard creation – all with keeping the customer experience at the forefront. His current role is leading an umbrella organization covering Customer Support, Education and Professional Services. His past companies include: Sterling Commerce, Aspect Communications, Asera Inc., BEA Systems, KLA-Tencor, Ingres, Logitech and Triad Systems. Doug earned an MBA in Management from the University of Redlands, California and a BSEET from DeVry University, Chicago. Doug is one of the founding members of the Call Center Executive Forum within TechColumbus. |
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Additional Members of Management Include: Alex George, Chief Technology Officer of Astute Innovations Chris Garrity, Director of Customer Experience Rachel Workman, Director of Professional Services Chuck Miller, Director of SaaS Operations and Education Services Rob Barnhart, Director of Marketing |
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