Portions from the August 27- September 2, 2004 print edition

Fast 50 Tech Titans Award Winners

More than 700 attended this year's dinner and gala at the Charles W. Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson, Texas. Winner's included:

Tech Titans Community Hero Award 2004:

George Ellis, Chairman and CEO, SoftBrands Inc.

The Community Hero Award recognizes an individual within the technology industry for outstanding achievements in community involvement.

Background: SoftBrands, Inc., a global supplier of enterprise-wide applications software, serves multiple industries. The company leverages its international talent pool of developers to create software products that streamline and enhance an organization's ability to manage and execute mission-critical functions such as accounting, purchasing, manufacturing, customer service and sales and marketing.

What the judges considered: George Ellis is heavily involved in the community, serving on numerous boards and contributing to the community, both financially and with his time. He helped establish a civil clinic to provide legal representation for underprivileged individuals. He also stepped into the world of venture philanthropy, which aims to link entrepreneurial drive with philanthropic pursuits. In addition, he serves as founder and board member of Entrepreneurs Foundation of North Texas. That organization helps companies opt into philanthropic ventures by showing how they can build philanthropic efforts into their business plans. Finally, George is a partner and board member of Dallas Social Venture Partners which helps non profit organizations think and act more like businesses and provides funding that helps the organizations to develop.

Nominator comments: "George takes the lead on so many initiatives," said Randall Neal, CEO of Dallas-based Randall James Monroe Inc. As a fellow board member at Dallas Social Venture Partners, George rarely says no when asked for time or money and has been one of the driving forces in the success of Dallas Social Venture Partners." He's one of those people who practices what he preaches and goes above and beyond what you would expect a busy CEO to do.

Tech Titans Emerging Company CEO Award 2004:

Patrick Brandt, Skywire Software

The Emerging Company CEO Award recognizes CEO leadership for an emerging company within the technology and communications industry.

Background: Skywire Software is a leading provider of enterprise software applications. Our integrated suite of products and services includes online customer service and support, business intelligence, integration applications/adapters, and professional services. They enable companies like Aon Corporation, AXA Re Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Dell Computer Corporation, McKesson Corporation, Summit Alliance, and U.S. Risk Insurance Group to solve key business problems while significantly reducing costs.

What the judges considered: Since 2001, Patrick Brandt and company have seen Skywire Software experience cumulative growth of more than 1,000%. From 2002 to 2003, its annualized growth surpassed 250%. The company's commitment to the community is evident in the donation of more than 900 community service hours last year on a variety of projects. Brandt's leadership philosophy is simple, "His employees were the priority from day one." He doesn't look at employees as numbers in a payroll, but as mothers and fathers. Never does an office birthday pass or a special occasion go unnoticed and he offers flexible schedules for working parents and onsite day care. Employees receive additional benefits such as stock options, 401K, YMCA gym memberships and employee recognition programs. Finally, Patrick serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Entrepreneur's Foundation of North Texas, a partner in Dallas Social Venture Partners, and on the board of directors for the Dallas chapter of the American Red Cross. He is a member of the Young Entrepreneur's Organization, and a founding member of the Dallas-area National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship.

Nominator comments: "Randy Neal, CEO of Randall James Monroe, Inc., who first met Patrick through volunteer work with Dallas Social Venture Partners, said Skywire's success didn't happen by chance. "He is just a good guy," he said. "He's had phenomenal growth … while others were faltering. He's a good businessman, good leader, and he's done great things in the community. He must work a 180 hours a week!"

Randall Neal and James Leverette are members of the TECH TITANS Awards committee. This prestigious award was established by the Metroplex Technology Business Council in 2001 to recognize greatness in areas beyond the balance sheet.

Their nominations in 2002 resulted in eight finalists and one winner - Benefit Mall Inc., Corporate Horizon Award.

In 2003, four finalist and two winners - Adea Solutions Inc., Community Hero Award, and BizDesign Software, Corporate Horizon Award.

In 2004, seven finalist and two winners - SoftBrands Inc., Community Hero Award, and Emerging Company CEO, Skywire Software.

Neal and Leverette are senior partners at Randall James Monroe Inc., a Dallas-based global executive-search consultancy.

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