Paul Peloquin of Wichita, Kansas, is a results-driven programmer with over 20 years of experience in software development. Throughout his diverse career, Mr. Peloquin has built a reputation as both an innovator and tactical developer, helping entrepreneurs and fortune 500 companies alike accelerate their businesses and workflows into the 21st century.
Before settling down in Wichita, he attended Fort Hays State University for his undergraduate studies, where he served as the Logic teaching assistant from 1995 to 1997. Afterward, he obtained his Doctorate from Oklahoma City University and transitioned to professional software development in the legal industry. Since then, Mr. Peloquin has allocated his unique technical skillset as a consultant for best data practices, network security, and technology intellectual property and developed innovated software for Fortune 50 companies, including General Motors.
He continues to evolve his technical know-how, most notably in machine learning software development and patenting as well as the development of applications for non-standard smart devices such as Smart TVs, Apple Watch, and Samsung wearables for which he has been highly reviewed in multiple national blogs.
Outside of the office, Mr. Peloquin enjoys nurturing the tech industry within Wichita, Kansas, as both a mentor and instructor for Swift iOS programming language and spending time with his family.
How did you get started in the tech industry? What inspired you to start your own business in this field?
I started programming at an early age. My dad bought me a game console that could also be programmed. When I wrote my first program as a kid, I knew I would be hooked. My business grew out of this love and the entrepreneurial spirit my father instilled in me from an early age.
What type of projects are you drawn towards?
I enjoy projects that offer unique problems to solve, and that also impacts the world in some positive manner. I am currently involved in a project called LegacyBook, where we help a person, in a digital medium, pass on his/her legacy to the next generation. As more and more people enter retirement age in this country, more and more people start thinking about the legacy they will leave. I think the project has a lot of momentum, and I have enjoyed solving the multiple issues involved in its development.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time that you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle it?
As in any business, there is always doubt as you start out, and as you grow. I grew up in adversity, and so early on learned how to handle it. More than once, I questioned my decision, but it was in those times I turned to the lessons I learned – hold on to faith and turn back to your values and priorities in figuring out how to move forward.
How did you get your first customer?
My first customer, in many ways, turned out to be myself. I needed to figure out ways with my programming skills to solve problems in other businesses I was involved in. As other companies saw what I was doing, I realized there was a market for my skill set.
What is the toughest decision that you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Sometimes in my business, there are moments of intense work. Perhaps there is a bug that must be addressed, or an unanticipated difficulty makes it much harder to meet a deadline. At such times, other things important to you take a back seat. While it may only be temporary, in such times, it is still difficult to give up time with other activities and people you are committed to.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I think my company’s willingness to tackle difficult problems, ones that others were unable to solve, is what makes our company one that is sought in such situations.
What has been your most satisfying moment in tech?
I am not positive on this one, but one of the most satisfying moments in tech was when I saw a disabled person’s life noticeably improved because of a piece of tech I helped invent. That was a very good day.
What does the future hold for you professionally?
Artificial Intelligence and deep learning are all the buzz in the industry right now. Used properly, these tools can do a lot of good. I will enjoy finding new ways to use such technology to solve problems and improve the world in general. Such tools, used improperly, can also cause harm. I am happy to be part of the conversation as these pieces of technology find greater footholds in the landscape of our existence.
What are you most excited about?
I get up in the morning excited when the next problem to solve presents itself. As I help my customers find new ways to tackle problems, I call the day a good day. Problem-solving, especially with difficult problems, is my happy place in my business life.
What books have inspired you?
I do love to read. One of the better business-related books I have read is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
Leave us with one point interesting fact about you.
Probably few people just publicly acquainted with me understand the importance of faith in my life. I do believe one can be a rational, logic-based person and still have a strong faith. I don’t think they are incompatible. Many of the most important scientific discoveries of our age (e.g., the big bang, DNA) were discovered by scientists with faith.