As if it were yesterday, I clearly remember that blustery March day in 1965 when I joined a relatively small company named Diebold, as a keypunch operator.  For all you Gen-Yers out there, that’s how computers used to function…by reading punched cards to run a program.  The programmers would create source decks, which needed to be punched, by us, the keypunch operators.  Back then, information technology was known as data processing and a gallon of gas was only $0.31!!!

When I started with Diebold, our corporate mainframe computer was an IBM 1401 which was capable only of batch processing using 80 column punched cards. 

We made a big leap in 1968 to an IBM 360/30 that boasted a whopping 32K of memory!!!!!  Those punched cards were soon relegated to the craft room and made many a fine holiday wreath!

Since my entire career at Diebold has been related to computers and technology, I have encountered many changes.  Some were embraced and others were met with kicking and screaming, but I can honestly say that our company’s ability to take on new technology and make it work for our customers had a huge impact on our success.  I’ve never been squeamish about change…it certainly keeps things interesting!

Probably the most impactful change came when Diebold decided to become an important player in the ATM industry.  New facilities were built, manufacturing changes were made and most importantly, to me anyway, the job skills required of new and existing associates were changing. 

Fortunately, my experience in computer programming led me to know that it was really just part of my job to stay up to date as best as I could.  I think we were all pretty much aware of the changes taking place, but had absolutely no way of knowing how significant this would all be and how fast it would all occur!  So, we just took it day by day, and look where we are now.  We can store 4GB of data on a device the size of a postage stamp and a gallon of gas hovers around $3-$4!!

I consider myself fortunate that my job has always been affected by advances in technology.  With every new processor and software application related to our projects, I am forced (I mean “challenged”) to change and learn so I can share that knowledge with our customers.

A friend of mine says, “In order to stay the same, one has to constantly change”.  In other words, if you are really effective or successful in a particular area, in order to stay that way, you must constantly change by keeping up-to-date with new tools, rules, perspectives and venues.  I think that’s what makes me and Diebold a good fit!  We are both willing and able to make the changes necessary to be truly effective in our roles.   For example, one of the accomplishments I am most proud of during my career here is that through the generosity of the company, I was able to complete a bachelor’s degree while working full time. 

Meanwhile, Diebold is willing to continually examine all aspects of our business and make the changes needed – even the tough ones – to stay the same:  a strong, dedicated player in the local and global economy.