Published on the 22/05/2014 | Written by Newsdesk
Greentree International wants its new award to reflect the spirit of excellence and innovation of its inimitable founder and has announced its inaugural recipient…
Greentree’s founder Don Bowman passed away last year and now Greentree has honoured his memory with the Don Bowman Initiative Award. Bowman was fascinated by computer technology and could see the PC’s vast potential for small to medium-sized businesses at a time when computing was the province of large corporations and institutions, using huge mainframes. The award is open to all members of Greentree’s partner and customer community and goes to those whose efforts reflect the Bowman’s constant drive for excellence and innovation.
“We wanted to recognise the essential spirit of Don Bowman and the significance that holds for us as a company,” explained Greentree CEO Peter Dickinson.
“Don was one of the true pioneers in the New Zealand software industry and believed in using technology to make a real difference,” Peter said. “He was also passionate about getting people to work collaboratively and had great courage in trying new ideas to drive long-term sustainable success.”
It is fitting, therefore, that the inaugural Don Bowman Award recipient is Vlad Kozak, who was involved in the original Greentree software product design and is now CEO of New Zealand Greentree Partner, Verde Group.
“Vlad worked closely with Don Bowman as part of the Greentree team and had a huge influence on the original product design,” says Peter. “He then went out on his own and founded Verde – one man, a computer and printer – a business which he has grown to become one of our most successful Greentree Partners.”
Vlad has also remained involved in developing Greentree software and now does so for the benefit of the entire Greentree Partner community.
It is intended that the award will be presented on an annual basis and create an enduring memorial for Greentree’s founder.
