A Virtual Company Enhancing People-to-People Communication
A Virtual Company Enhancing People-to-People Communication
Lessons in Resilience
Alek Szlam, a unique blend of relentless drive and visionary thinking, embodied a persona defined by his distinctive approach to innovation and business.
At his core, Alek was fueled by a relentless pursuit of originality. He displayed an unwavering commitment to forging his own path, one that often diverged from conventional strategies.
This divergence, characterized by an indifference to competition and an insatiable hunger for innovation, was a hallmark of his persona. Rather than dwelling on competitors' products, marketing materials, or industry trends,
Alek championed the creation of novel solutions—whether in music, technology, business processes, manufacturing, or beyond. This strategy consistently placed him and his company ahead of the curve, giving them a distinctive competitive edge.
Innovation was not a mere concept for Alek; it was a way of life. He was a driving force behind the conception and construction of pioneering technologies and business solutions that did not yet exist. These innovations resonated with a broad spectrum of the business world, reflecting his vision for transformative change.
Research and development were at the heart of Alek's endeavors. His unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology was evident in various aspects of Melita. Key engineers continually explored and tested forthcoming innovations.
The "Chopin House," an external facility, operated discreetly, collaborating closely with Boguslaw Gil, the Chief Architect, and supported by Jim Crooks, VP of Engineering.
Across the ocean, a dedicated R&D team in Krakow, Poland, comprised nearly 20 engineers and scientists, fostering a dynamic partnership with the local university.
Alek's impact extended beyond technological breakthroughs. He crafted messages, emblems, and trademarks that not only defined his company but also conveyed its core values.
Concepts like Customer Care®,
Exceeding Customers Expectations®,
Universal Agent®, Technology that Speaks for Itself®, and
Single Image View® symbolized the essence of his customer-centric solutions.
The orchestration of sales, led by Ron Dolinsky's meticulous process, enabled precise sales and revenue predictions—a testament to Alek's strategic prowess. Under Bill Dumont's guidance, the company expanded its footprint, establishing regional offices across the United States and internationally in London, Paris, Mexico, Colombia, Singapore, and Sydney.
Alek's leadership fostered rapid growth, with some years witnessing staggering increases of 50% or even doubling in size year over year. His influence spanned the globe, with installations spanning 45 countries across five continents.
Yet, perhaps the most profound aspect of Alek's journey was the unwavering dedication and loyalty he inspired in his employees and key leaders.
Their commitment mirrored his own, creating a formidable force that fueled the company's remarkable achievements.
In essence, Alek Szlam was a trailblazer, an innovator, and a visionary. His legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work, the indelible marks he left on technology and business, and the enduring loyalty of those who shared in his extraordinary journey.
Luck Finds Alek
Alek Szlam, a man of remarkable ingenuity and tireless determination, often found himself at the intersection of opportunity and innovation.
His journey into the world of invention began when fortune paid an unexpected visit. Janusz Lukas, their musical mentor and a professor at Georgia Tech, presented Alek with an intriguing challenge—transforming a telephone recorder into a device that could independently call people and deliver messages.
Despite its lack of electronics and an abundance of electromechanical components, Alek embarked on a mission to craft a telephone computer from scratch.
The result was the birth of the Expedialer, a groundbreaking machine for delivering recorded voice messages. This ingenious creation boasted a microprocessor, memory, telephone connections, cassette tape recorders, a keyboard, and a screen.
Alek's inventive spirit shone through, as he infused the Expedialer with an array of innovative features. His self-developed software unlocked a wealth of additional capabilities, making it a versatile tool.
The Expedialer harnessed the power of four phone lines, yet it required only one operator. It patiently awaited a recipient's answer, at which point the operator would press a key and a prerecorded voice message would be delivered.
This innovative device marked a significant milestone in Alek's journey, showcasing his capacity for creative problem-solving.
However, this period was not without its challenges. Alek's days were consumed by his full-time job at Solid State and a new position at Lockheed, which he commenced in August 1980.
Simultaneously, he pursued a master's degree in electrical engineering at Georgia Tech, which he completed in June 1980.
Amid these commitments, he dedicated his evenings and weekends to his inventions, working tirelessly to develop electronic solutions, write essential software, assemble, and rigorously test his creations, including systems for Wisconsin Public Services.
In this whirlwind of activity, Alek's nights were fleeting, with a mere 4-5 hours of sleep.
Yet, he pressed on, channeling his energy into designing and innovating. Beyond his professional and inventive endeavors, he played an active role in raising his two children.
Evenings, after his children had been put to bed, often found him running 8-10 kilometers—an embodiment of his unyielding drive.
Reflecting on this period, Alek himself remains astounded by his capacity to achieve so much.
His story is a testament to the boundless potential of human determination and the enduring spirit of innovation that defines his remarkable journey.