Introductions and Support

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In support groups of all types it is customary to sit in a room together and say "My name is X and I am X". Well this is me saying "My name is Ryan and I am the Business Development Manager for Data Systems Management". Some people go to support groups because they know they need help, but don't know what to do to make things better. Some are at support groups because they are forced to be, but don't really believe it will help. Others refuse to even go to a support group because they are in denial about needing help, or would rather just fight through the constant issues. All this talk of support groups, and I have yet to truly introduce myself or explain why I am writing this blog. I played sports my entire life and was fortunate enough to play college baseball. An injury ended my career, but my parents' guidance and support led me towards obtaining my Master's degree. From there I went on to work in Vanderbilt cardiology rehabbing cardiac surgery patients. Something wasn't quite right though. That didn't feel like my calling. My dad was an educator and principal as I was growing up, and also pretty much the best man I know (sorry had to throw that in since I am writing this on Father's day weekend). He suggested I look into teaching and coaching. My response? "Well I don't wanna teach but I'd love to coach". I found a job doing EXACTLY that, a job I only had to teach a class a day and then coach the rest. IT WAS PERFECT.....but then I realized that coaching took me away from my family more than I wanted. While coaching, one of the parents who was a principal at a different school, told me "If you ever get out of coaching, I've got the perfect job for you". As it turns out I took her up on that and she gave me a job as a Special Education teacher....Wait what? A SPED teacher? Yeah, you heard right. Never in my wildest dreams did I see that coming. For 12 years that was my calling, and what a fulfilling calling it was. So, again, why am I here writing this blog for a software company? I'm getting to it, I promise. About this time last year I started to feel a tug away from education. I had no clue why, but the tug got stronger and stronger and stronger and stronger. Then SUDDENLY.....I was done teaching and I knew it was the right thing. The only problem....I had no idea what the right thing for me actually was. A million things went through my head but all seemed to be trying to fit a square peg in a round hole....UNTIL. Yes, this is why I am writing this blog. The owner of DSM, who I know personally, happened to be in need of a Business Development Manager. Square peg, square hole...or round peg, round hole...whichever shape is your favorite. So here I am, but one question still remains. What do support groups have to do with baseball, or my history.......and ESPECIALLY what does ANY of that have to do with DSM? Well, I'm glad you asked. Baseball is the ultimate team sport. There is no ONE person that can win or lose a game. It teaches you to rely on others and what they can do to help you win. Support groups do much of the same, and without the support of many others in my life along the way, I would not be in the successful place I am today. DSM is on the FOREFRONT of software technology. I mentioned several types of people that were involved, or not, with support groups. There are those of you that know your software just isn't cutting it, LET US HELP. There are those of you that are fighting through the same ole issues and just accepting the defeat of every day. LET US HELP. There are those of you who have already partnered with us, and to those I say thank you and WE ARE HERE TO HELP. There are many software companies out there, but very few of them are in it for the client like DSM. We are launching our new website and looking forward to the future. We can't wait to see the places we can help you go. As Buzz Lightyear says..."To infinity, and beyond"

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