Tammy Shattuck

2.  What was the timeframe you worked at Microware?: 

1990 - 2000

3.  What was your job title(s) and what did you do at Microware?: 

Executive Assistant to Ken Kaplan.  Was a great position with a lot of variety in terms of duties.  Everything from taking care of Ken's correspondence, to planning the next big party, to sending an employee half way across the world.  And, of course, who could forget keeping the syrup for the pop machine ordered???

4.  What is your most interesting or vivid memory of Microware?: 

Coming from a background working in several large executive offices where you had to wear business clothing every day and it was usually political and stuffy, it was a great change to go into a more laid-back, creative atmosphere.  The flexibility offered was incredible. 

5.  What were some of your favorite times at Microware?: 

The great time we had at the party we held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where we had the "audience participation" band.  I remember vividly everyone sitting outside Diamond Jacks watching the band unload their equipment, i.e. a bass fiddle, a banjo a saw, and various weird looking percussion instruments.  The looks on everyone's faces were not exactly inviting and I was afraid they was going to rebel and leave before the party really got started.  I must admit my stomach was churning, but after they started playing it turned out to be one of the best parties we ever had.  Even Glenn Rau got into the act. 

6.  Have any experiences, skills, or habits that you picked up at Microware made an impact on your life?  Please share them with us. 

I learned a lot of people skills - especially with our contact with the foreign offices.  I still use them to this day.  The travel side of my job still helps me obtain "perks" while traveling. 

7.  What was your reason for leaving Microware? 

It was just time.  But I will say that working at Microware was the best job I ever had in terms of learning, personal and professional growth, and day-to-day satisfaction. 

8.  What have you been doing career-wise since Microware? 

I worked for the CEOs of a couple of banks, but every time I got a good job the bank would get sold - along with my job.  I never held a job that was as fun or as versatile as my time at Microware - it was a great learning tool. 

9.  Tell us about your family: spouse, significant others, kids, pets, etc.

My husband, Jim (who I eloped with after my first few months at Microware), sold his business and retired a few years ago.  In the Spring of 2001 we bought a home in Marco Island, FL.  I retired in September 2002 and we spend seven months of the year in Florida and the rest of the time in Des Moines. I pinch myself every morning while walking on the beach - we're living a wonderful life.  We now also have three grandchildren who keep us hopping when we're in Des Moines. 

11.  Do you ever see other former Microware employees and do you have their email addresses?  Yes, still have very close friends that I met at Microware.  Dana Ardary, Kathy Hoffman, Sara Payne, Leanne Wiese, Terri Finken-Bayes, etc.