History
Early Days
Getting my first HP calculator with RPN for my 18th birthday
The early HP calculators, especially those using Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), were groundbreaking in their time. Hewlett-Packard released its first handheld calculator, the HP-35, in 1972. This was the world’s first scientific pocket calculator, replacing the slide rule for engineers and scientists. What made it stand out, aside from its compact design, was the use of RPN, a unique way of entering mathematical expressions that allowed users to eliminate the need for parentheses, making calculations faster and, for those who mastered it, more intuitive.
1980s – I had more hair!
This was during the time that I was programming in the AI language, LISP. Notice the 3D glasses on top of the computer – I wrote a program that offset red and blue lines to you could view images in 3D (before it became a thing in theaters).
Newspaper articles used to be a thing
Prior to everything going digital, newspapers and magazines were an important way to get publicity. This article is from 1991. Yes, I had a lot more hair!
Another newspaper article
During the early years, people must have been hungry to print business success stories. Now everything is online, but I love to show this image as I not only had more hair on my head, but on my face, so I didn’t look so young.
These were the first computer I owned
#1 is a portable tele-type machine that my father brought home for a research project he had at CSU. This linked to a DEC PDP-10 mainframe that I had access to, allowing me to do home computing about a decade before anyone else. (The DEC PDP-10 was the same computer used by Bill Gates around the same time period). #2 is a Texas Instruments TI-99A, and I used it for writing my first landscape design software. #3 is of course the Apple II. and #4 is the IBM PC-AT.
Working with a colleague
Teamwork and collaboration was and remains a successful component of any project. The plans on the wall were all create with out software.
Irrigation Design using early AI Expert Systems
I wrote an irrigation design module using the AI language, LISP in the mod 1980’s. All you had to do was select the turf area outline and locate the water source. The program would read a database, decide which sprinkler heads it needed and where to place them, layout the pipe for the most efficient water use, and size the pipe accordingly. The water coverage arcs were placed on a different layer that could be turned off to only show the head and pipe placement. The screen resolution in the 1980’s was nothing like we have today, but for it’s time, the software was state-of-the-art.
Complete Landcadd System
The complete Landcadd system consisted of multiple modules, each with their own written manuals and video instruction tapes. Yes, I’ve been writing books and creating videos for a long time.
Virtual Reality has come a long ways
When we started showing off 3D designs with virtual reality, it took huge amounts of computing power. But trade show attendees would line up for hours waiting for their turn!
EZ-Map software code
EZ-Map was a land mapping system that combined various types of maps such as soils, vegetation, climate, ownership, etc to create interactive manipulation of overlays to build a combined map.
My 1st published software program, 1976
EZ-Map was written in Fortran and used a series of ASCII characters that were overlayed on top of each other to produce a grey scale map.
Public Speaking for over 30 years!
With each new release of our software, I would demonstrate the new features to our dealers and international distributors as well as to the end users.
Internet Marketing Pals
Greg Jameson stands among a unique group of peers who share a common thread: all are thought leaders with a keen sense for entrepreneurship, innovation, and empowering others.
Greg is a powerhouse in eCommerce and AI-driven business solutions, known for helping companies scale through advanced technology and digital marketing. Unlike others who may focus more heavily on motivation or traditional marketing techniques, Greg has a deep, technical approach rooted in decades of software development and early AI adoption. His knack for translating complex tech into actionable business tools gives him a hands-on, “architect” quality that’s a bit more grounded in application rather than just theory or motivation. He offers a rare combination: he’s as comfortable teaching the high-level strategy as he is in the trenches with coding or designing custom applications.
Greg, like his friends and colleagues, has embraced the power of collaboration and continuous learning, recognizing that we each bring something different to the table, enhancing each other's work and expanding our combined impact. I am proud to call these (and hundreds of others) my friends.
Andrea Vahl, Facebook Expert, Comedian, and Ski Friend
Like many others on this list, I really don’t remember when Andrea and I first started hanging out together. I do know that she presented at a local MeetUp group I was hosting, and now we go skiing together. Andrea Vahl is a seasoned social media consultant, speaker, and author, renowned for her expertise in Facebook and Instagram advertising. She co-authored “Facebook Marketing All-in-One for Dummies” and authored “Facebook Ads Made Simple,” providing practical guidance for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence. Andrea founded “Moms Unhinged,” a comedy collective of parents performing across the country, showcasing her versatility and commitment to creative expression, so you can guess that she is fun to be around!
Armand Moran, Internet Pioneer
I’ve known Armand for years. He and I have shared stages together and he was featured on my podcast, but he has one-upped me by sharing stages with Donald Trump, Richard Branson, and Mark Victor Hansen. Armand Morin is a seasoned internet marketing expert, entrepreneur, and speaker who has significantly influenced the digital marketing landscape. Starting in 1996 with just $1.83 and no prior experience, he built a multimillion-dollar international business operating in over 100 countries.
Book Launch with Eric Reamer, Angel Tuccy, and Gary Barnes circa 2014
All of these people are dear friends who I’ve known for years. Eric and Angel were hosting a radio at the time of this book launch called the Experience Pros, and were serving as the MC for the book launch party. I had to honor to be a guest on their show several times. Both Angel and Eric have been over to my house for more casual get-togethers and we go to lunch when we can. I don’t remember when I first met Gary Barnes, but he has become a trusted friend as well as a mentor. Gary Barnes is a high-performance business and sales coach, international speaker, and best-selling author. Known as “The Breakthrough Business Mastery Coach,” he has personally sold over $280 million in products and services and has created several successful companies. Barnes has authored nine books, including “The Power of GET Statements,” which offers strategies to reboot the brain for success. He has been featured on major media outlets such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, and TEDx. His “Breakthrough Business Mastery Bootcamp” is a premier business event that has now been held 44 times (and I’ve been honored to speak at it!)
Christmas Party at my house with my buddy, Brian G. Johnson
Everyone love’s B-to-the-G’s eccentric style and sense of humor. Brian G. Johnson is an American entrepreneur, author, and digital marketing expert known for his work in online business strategies and YouTube growth. Johnson is the author of “Trust Funnel: Leverage Today’s Online Currency to Grab Attention, Drive and Convert Traffic, and Live a Fabulous Wealthy Life,” a book that provides insights into building trust and driving online traffic.
Chris Brogan started blogging even before me!
I may be the only person who has ever been publicly serenaded by Chris Brogan (he sang Happy Birthday to me at an event). I’ve also appeared on his podcast and we occasionally run into each other at different events. Chris Brogan is a prominent figure in the realms of marketing, entrepreneurship, and social media. As the CEO of Owner Media Group, he provides training and education to business owners, focusing on content creation, digital marketing, lead generation, and business growth strategies. With over a decade of experience in social media and digital technologies, Brogan has consulted for Fortune 100 and 500 companies, including PepsiCo, General Motors, Microsoft, and others, advising on the future of business communications and social software technologies.
Daven Michaels, the Pied Piper
I always get a kick out watching my friend Daven lead almost everyone in the room back to his table to sign up for his offering. He is the master of selling from the stage. Daven began his entrepreneurial journey at 15, designing clothing for local musicians, which led to collaborations with prominent bands of the 80s and 90s. In 2006, he established 123Employee, an outsourcing firm with centers in the Philippines, providing affordable staffing solutions to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Under his leadership, the company grew to over 1,000 employees across three continents. Since 2016, Michaels has been involved in cryptocurrency as an entrepreneur and investor.
Jill Lubin, renowned publicity strategist
I can’t even remember when Jill Lublin and I first met, but she appeared as a guest on my podcast a few years later and more recently, we’ve connected again at Achieve Business Solutions. Jill is a renowned publicity strategist, international speaker, and four-time best-selling author. With over 200 speaking engagements annually, she educates audiences worldwide on effective publicity, networking, and influence marketing strategies.
Joel Comm’s is one of the few people I know who started on the internet the same time as me
Joel and I produced a video about Amazon delivering my best-selling book, “Amazon’s Dirty Little Secrets” by drone when this was first announced. At the time he was living in Denver, so we were able to do this at his house. In 1995, Comm launched WorldVillage, a family-friendly website offering games and trivia. He also founded ClassicGames, a multiplayer gaming site featuring card and board games, which he sold to Yahoo! in 1997. This acquisition became the foundation for Yahoo! Games. Comm is the author of several books, including “The AdSense Code,” a New York Times bestseller that guides readers on maximizing revenue through Google’s AdSense program. In 2008, he developed iFart Mobile, an app that became a top seller on the iTunes Store, which shows you his fun sense of humor and why we became friends.
Joe Sabah was not only a speaking pioneer, I was proud to call him a friend
Joe Sabah used to invite a small group to his apartment where we were able to bond more closely than at public events. Joe was a prominent figure in the public speaking and publishing communities, particularly in Colorado. He co-founded the Colorado Speakers Association in 1982 and served as its first president, playing a pivotal role in establishing a platform for professional speakers in the region. Sabah authored several influential books, including “How to Get the Job You Really Want and Get Employers to Call You” and “How to Speak for Fun and Profit.” Sabah’s contributions extended to organizing and promoting events featuring notable figures such as Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Cavett Robert, and Og Mandino, further enriching the motivational speaking landscape
Judith Briles, the “Book Shepherd”
Judith loves to entertain authors at her home just a few miles north of me and she is a great host (and cook). Known as “The Book Shepherd,” Judith is a prolific author, publisher, and book coach based in Colorado. With over 47 published books to her name, she has guided numerous authors through the intricacies of writing, publishing, and marketing their works. Briles holds both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Business Administration. As the founder of AuthorYOU, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting authors, and the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame, Briles has significantly contributed to the literary community.
Kevin Knebl is an international speaker, author, trainer, and coach specializing in social selling, relationship marketing, and LinkedIn. We are also ski buddies
Recognized as a leading authority on LinkedIn, Knebl has trained numerous organizations and professionals on maximizing the platform’s potential for lead generation, business development, and brand management. His engaging speaking style, often described as a blend of comedian, therapist, and stimulating teacher, has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences and company trainings. More importantly, he and I share a passion for skiing!
Kim Garst and I run in many of the same circles, including AI
Kim Garst wrote the foreword to my book, “Make Magic Happen.” She is a renowned social media strategist, author, and speaker, recognized for her expertise in digital marketing and online business growth. She is the founder and CEO of Boom! Social, a social media marketing firm that assists businesses in enhancing their online presence and engagement. Her online community, AI Authority Creators helps individuals become more proficient with AI.
With Lewis Howes (before he became famous)
Lewis and I first met in California at an event, but he was in Denver for a book signing when it was announced that he had just become a NY Times best-seller, and I was there with him. Lewis Howes is an American entrepreneur, best-selling author, and former professional football player who’s well-known for his podcast, The School of Greatness.
Ken McArthur is not only a friend, but a legend in internet marketing
In 2008, Ken McArthur authored “Impact: How to Get Noticed, Motivate Millions, and Make a Difference in a Noisy World,” offering strategies for individuals and organizations to amplify their influence. He also wrote “The Impact Factor: How Small Actions Change the World,” emphasizing the significance of small actions in creating substantial change. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the 20 Most Influential People Online, McArthur’s manifesto, “The Impact Manifesto: You Make A Difference Whether You Want To Or Not,” was published by Seth Godin’s “Change This,” placing it alongside works by notable authors. I first met Ken when I attended jvAlert Live, which I later had the privilege of presenting at.
Hanging out with James Malinchak at his house
James Malinchak gained widespread recognition after being featured on ABC’s hit TV show, Secret Millionaire. He has authored multiple books, including co-authoring the best-selling Chicken Soup for the College Soul. He is a renowned business and motivational keynote speaker, author, and marketing consultant. He has delivered over 3,000 presentations worldwide, addressing corporations, associations, business groups, colleges, universities, and youth organizations.