Latest blog postshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/rss/2025-09-22T16:25:00+00:00Highlights of Experimentation: Q3 CCC Days2025-09-22T16:25:00+00:002025-09-22T16:25:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-experimentation-q3-ccc-daysThis quarter, our experiments were focused on AI enablement, exploring new tools, and improving workflows. Here we shared a few highlights from what we explored during CCC Days.LightningCAD turns 10!2025-09-08T18:02:00+00:002025-09-08T18:02:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/lightningcad-turns-10LightningCAD at 10: A Milestone Built on Craftsmanship, Collaboration & Client Impact As we mark ten years of LightningCAD, we’re pausing to reflect—not just on how far we’ve come, but also on how deeply our roots in craftsmanship , iterative collaboration , and value-first design have shaped our journey. Process ...Highlights of Experimentation: Q2 CCC Days 20252025-07-11T17:28:00+00:002025-07-11T17:28:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-experimentation-q2-ccc-days-2025Once a quarter, our entire company comes together in person for a few days of focused experimentation and collaboration. We call these CCC Days—named after our core values: Character, Collaboration, and Craftsmanship . With many of our team members working remotely, CCC Days give us a valuable chance to connect ...Highlights of Experimentation Q1 CCC Days 20252025-04-10T17:15:00+00:002025-04-10T17:15:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-experimentation-q1-ccc-days-2025This quarter, we focused on several experiments to explore new features or technologies that might benefit our partners or simplify our workflows, including RoleModelGPT, Augmented Reality (AR) Construction Measuring, LightningCAD Isometric Drawings, Hotwire Native, and System Monitoring Signal vs Noise. It was a great CCC Days, and we are excited to see how these experiments help us further our craft and serve our partners by providing new ways to grow their competitive advantage.Year in Review 20242024-12-30T16:18:00+00:002024-12-30T16:18:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/year-in-review-20242024 was a big year for RoleModel Software! As the year moves to a close, we would like to reflect on the year and everything that went into making it a success!Highlights of Experimentation : Q3 CCC Days 20242024-10-15T16:03:00+00:002024-10-15T16:03:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-experimentation-q3-ccc-days-2024Keeping with our 2024 theme Impact Mindset and the RoleModel Way of Selecting Technology, our experiments focused on exploring new technologies and approaches that would help us work more effectively as a team and deliver greater business value to our clients. We’d like to highlight some of our experiments.The RoleModel Way of Core Values: Craftsmanship2024-10-01T12:00:00+00:002024-10-01T12:00:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/craftsmanshipCraftsmanship is pursuing excellence and is brought about by character combined with collaboration to drive positive results. It isn’t synonymous with intricate or complex. Craftsmanship is more than just how we build software and its technical details.The RoleModel Way of Core Values: Collaboration2024-09-26T12:00:00+00:002024-09-26T12:00:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/collaborationCollaboration builds off of good character. High-performance teams need deep trust in each other so they can count on each team member to contribute their unique skills and abilities in every project in order to achieve excellent results. It’s not just working alongside others but creating an environment where everyone contributes their best work.The RoleModel Way of Core Values: Character2024-09-20T12:11:00+00:002024-09-20T12:11:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/characterWhy Core Values Our core values are foundational to the RoleModel Way and the culture we’ve built at RoleModel Software. Each value stands on its own but combination casts a unique vision for where we want to go as a flourishing organization that develops leaders, launches careers, and serves with ...Announcing RoleModel's New Brand2024-08-30T15:52:00+00:002024-08-30T15:52:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/announcing-rolemodels-new-brandAfter 27 years in business, RoleModel officially has a new logo and brand color! The new logo pays homage to the original but modernizes it, making it more flexible. <Video here> But why update it now? After all, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” right? We wanted to celebrate ...Highlights of Experimentation: Q2 CCC Days 20242024-06-06T13:14:00+00:002024-06-06T13:14:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-experimentation-q2-ccc-daysThis CCC Days was particularly special; it was the last in our office building. Keeping with our 2024 Impact Mindset and the RoleModel Way of Selecting Technology, our experiments focused on exploring new technologies and approaches that would help us work more effectively as a team and deliver greater business value to our clients.How to Evaluate ROI with Custom Software2024-05-09T11:45:00+00:002024-05-09T11:45:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/how-to-consider-roiAs someone considering a custom software project, you’re probably asking yourself, “How do I quantify an investment in custom software?” With off-the-shelf software it’s all pretty well known when it comes to features, cost, and potential value. However, with custom software, you’re starting with something that does not yet exist. So, how do you quantify the value of software that hasn't been created yet?
We want to examine three key ideas: an investment mindset, business value drivers, and iterative value. Taken together, these help you evaluate whether custom software is the right investment for your business.The RoleModel Way of Selecting Technology2024-05-01T12:35:00+00:002024-05-01T12:35:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-rolemodel-way-of-selecting-technologyTechnology is always changing, and that’s part of what excites us as developers—seeing the new opportunities that that brings. But it has been met with discipline; the RoleModel Way of Selecting Technology is how we approach that—by being intentionally different, focused on building sustainable partnerships, while still being on the leading edge through our experiments culture.Highlights of Experimentation: Q1 20242024-04-12T17:40:00+00:002024-04-12T17:40:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-collaboration-q1-2024Each quarter, we gather as a team to build teamwork and further improve the tools and processes used in our daily work. With our 2024 theme of building an Impact Mindset, we’ve focused on internal experiments to better support our partners.The RoleModel Way of Testing2024-04-02T14:27:00+00:002024-04-02T14:27:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-rolemodel-way-of-testingThe RoleModel Way of Testing helps us better manage the sustainable software assets we build with our customers and ensure we can deliver iterative value. We do this by ensuring our tests increase confidence and provide documentation.The RoleModel Way of Project Management2024-03-13T17:00:00+00:002024-03-13T17:00:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-rolemodel-way-of-project-managementProject management is mainly about building trust and mitigating risk. Our project management approach is designed with one thing in mind—delivering valuable software to the partner. Everything we do as part of that approach is designed to mitigate the risk that comes with custom software projects. By using the proper tools and standardized methods we can deliver excellent projects with consistency.
The RoleModel Way of Project Management is how we guide and direct the uncertainties of a custom software project to ensure consistent delivery. We do this by focusing on business value, starting and steering, and continually adapting through tight feedback loops.Introducing Optics, a RoleModel Design System2024-03-06T13:35:00+00:002024-03-06T13:35:00+00:00Scott Criswellhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/introducing-optics-rolemodel-design-systemOptics embodies the RoleModel ethos of deep collaboration, uniting our team's diverse expertise with the shared goal of crafting excellent design solutions. It gives us a shared set of components and documentation that allow us to address the common user experience needs within our projects while delivering a polished design from the start of a project with less effort.The RoleModel Way of Design2024-02-27T20:59:00+00:002024-02-27T20:59:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-rolemodel-way-of-designThe RoleModel Way of Design focuses on the principles and practices that we can use to fully integrate as a team where design is central in what we do, not just focused on by designers. We do this through incremental validation driven by business value through cross-functional collaboration.The RoleModel Way of Mentorship2024-01-25T14:41:00+00:002024-01-25T14:41:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-rolemodel-way-of-mentorshipThe RoleModel Way of Mentorship differs from what you will find in most other organizations. Mentorship permeates our culture. We focus on the relationship and not the recipe of how to get there, growth trajectory, not titles, and mentor replication—mentors that produce mentors.Year in Review 20232023-12-20T22:02:00+00:002023-12-20T22:02:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/year-in-review-2023As 2023 comes to an end, we wanted to take some time to reflect on the year and all that has gone into making it a great one! RoleModel strives to be a company that is people and partnership-focused. We don’t want to just create software; we want to make ...Highlights of Collaboration: Q4 CCC Days2023-12-01T20:19:00+00:002023-12-01T20:19:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-collaboration-q4-ccc-daysOur final CCC Days of 2023 have come and gone. CCC Days, named for our company values of Character, Collaboration, and Craftsmanship, are a company-wide gathering for a few days where we conduct experiments on internal tools and alternative technologies and test the viability of future enhancements on client projects. ...How Can Custom Software Help Your Business?2023-09-29T13:41:00+00:002023-09-29T13:41:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/how-can-custom-software-help-your-businessHow do you know if it's time to invest in custom software? We've identified three common indicators that it may be time to invest in software development.
1. You want to scale your business
2. Off-the-shelf software doesn’t fit your needs
3. You’re over-using spreadsheetsHighlights of Collaboration: Q2 CCC Days2023-05-30T17:09:00+00:002023-05-30T17:09:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-collaboration-ccc-days-423Every quarter we hold CCC days (our core values are character, collaboration, and craftsmanship), and our whole company gathers to conduct experiments to advance our craft together. We use this time to work on a variety of projects to simplify processes, experiment with new methods, and test theories. Our 2023 ...Words: The Under-appreciated Tool in Your Software Stack2023-05-16T13:12:00+00:002023-05-16T13:12:00+00:00Josh McLeodhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/words-the-under-appreciated-tool-in-your-software-stackWords: The Under-appreciated Tool in Your Software Stack A skill that will help you grow in your profession and as a person. Introduction Character, Collaboration, Craftsmanship. At RoleModel, I think our core values are really good. One reason for that is the fact that my opinion of which is most ...Highlights of Collaboration: CCC Days 2/232023-02-21T17:12:00+00:002023-02-21T17:12:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/highlights-of-collaboration-ccc-days-223Once a quarter, we gather in person as a whole company to work on experiments to advance our craft together. We call this time CCC days (CCC stands for Character, Collaboration, and Craftsmanship—our core values). Many of our employees are remote, so it allows us to spend time together and ...Year in Review 20222022-12-20T20:19:00+00:002022-12-20T20:19:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/year-in-review-2022We are thankful for our team and the work they do, and we are excited to celebrate their efforts. We are proud of the work we’ve done in 2022.Ultralearning Software Development: Feedback in the Context of Directness2022-12-19T20:32:00+00:002022-12-19T20:32:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/ultralearning-software-development-feedback-in-the-context-of-directness“Just-in-time” learning allows Academy participants to receive feedback in the moment. They participate in code sacrifices where they can get feedback from an expert and listen to the feedback their peers get, which often applies to more than one person.
We learn by using concrete examples of real-world software, and we look at entire systems. This helps develop their sense of intuition by cementing the concepts in the contexts they face in their careers. We also give them constraints when they’re learning to write code that help them reduce unnecessary complexity. They’re not experts yet, but they’ll get more feedback in a few weeks than others get in years.Ultralearning Software Development: How Directness Reduces the Need for Drilling and Increases Retrieval and Retention2022-12-13T17:04:00+00:002022-12-13T17:04:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/ultralearning-software-development-how-directness-reduces-the-need-for-drilling-and-increases-retriePart Three: How Directness Reduces the Need for Drilling and Increases
From the beginning of the academy, participants are learning to use the tools developers use in low-stakes applications where they can make mistakes. Within the first month, they start working with experienced developers and see how the tools they are learning to use work in advanced applications. When they get to the apprenticeship phase, they understand best practices and can apply them to problems when shadowing an expert.
They are learning with a goal in mind. When we give them projects to practice on, they are working with different technologies in the same domain, and the knowledge they gain on each project transfers to the next application, and their understanding grows. By working on key concepts every day, best practices and key concepts become second nature.Ultralearning Software Development: A Successful Environment for Ultralearning Software Development2022-12-05T23:05:00+00:002022-12-05T23:05:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/ultralearning-software-development-a-successful-environment-for-ultralearning-software-developmentPart 2: A Successful Environment for Ultralearning Software Development
Ultralearning advises those who want to learn a skill to draw a map of what they need to learn to achieve their goals; in the Craftsmanship Academy, we’ve drawn the map of the things they’ll need to know for them. We will give them enough information to get to the next place on the map. When they get stuck, we give them the next concept, and so on. This way, they get the information when they get to the context they will use it, and they will remember it better in the future.
Using “just-in-time” learning helps us teach the basics of software development in the short immersion period of the Academy. Going at this speed requires participants to focus on learning their craft. They have weekly and sometimes daily deadlines to keep up with, and they’ll all have the same task to focus on, so they’ll help each other understand concepts as we go.
We start teaching best practices from day one, and the problems they have to complete help engrain good habits. Giving them what to focus on and creating building blocks of knowledge helps them go farther. This method allows them to learn new skills quickly and thoroughly.Ultralearning Software Development: Why Our Software Craftsmanship Academy Overcomes Academia's Biggest Problem2022-11-22T16:47:00+00:002022-11-22T16:47:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/ultralearning-software-development-why-our-software-craftsmanship-academy-overcomes-academiasAt RoleModel Software, we developed a program called the Craftsmanship Academy for aspiring software developers. After reading Scott Young’s book Ultralearning, I realized he gave us a vocabulary for the ideas that have been successful for many years in the Craftsmanship Academy. Through trial and error, we created an environment for Ultralearning software development.Entrepreneur Workshop #3: Handing over the Reins2022-08-26T20:26:00+00:002022-08-26T20:26:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/entrepreneur-workshop-handing-over-the-reinsIn episode 3 of Entrepreneur Workshop, Ken Auer of RoleModel Software and Reed Phillips of Knowledge Systems discuss handing over the reins of a business.Entrepreneur Workshop Episode #2: Scaling a Business2022-08-26T20:13:00+00:002022-08-26T20:13:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/entrepreneur-workshop-episode-2-scaling-a-businessIn episode 2 of Entrepreneur Workshop, Ken Auer of RoleModel Software and Reed Phillips of Knowledge Systems discuss scaling a business.Entrepreneur Workshop Episode #1: Starting a Business2022-08-26T20:03:00+00:002022-08-26T20:03:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/entrepreneur-workshop-episode-1-starting-a-businessIn episode 1 of Entrepreneur Workshop, Ken Auer of RoleModel Software and Reed Phillips of Knowledge Systems discuss starting a business.RoleModel Celebrates 25 Years in Business2022-08-09T13:46:00+00:002022-08-09T13:46:00+00:00Becky Passnerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/rolemodel-celebrates-25-years-in-businessAt RoleModel, we are blessed with a wonderful work family! Check out what past employees said about the impact that RoleModel has had over the last 25 years!3Q3M Episode 8. "Leading Projects" with Tim Irwin2022-04-15T19:17:00+00:002022-04-15T19:17:00+00:00Jamey Meekerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/3q3m-episode-8-leading-projects-with-tim-irwinMarketing Director Jamey Meeker interviews RoleModel Craftsman Time Irwin on what project leadership looks like at RoleModel Software3Q3M Episode 7. "Business Consultation" with Gary Passero2022-04-14T19:48:00+00:002022-04-14T19:48:00+00:00Jamey Meekerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/3q3m-episode-7-business-consultation-with-gary-passeroIn the seventh episode of our video series 3 Questions in 3 Minutes (or 3Q3M), RoleModel Software’s marketing director, Jamey Meeker, and RoleModel’s Software Craftsman Gary Passero discuss why business consultation is so important to our process at RoleModel. Join Gary and Jamey as they answer three questions that will ...3Q3M Episode 6 - "What is a Craftsman?" with John Calvin Young2021-09-30T13:22:00+00:002021-09-30T13:22:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/3q3m-episode-6-what-is-a-craftsman-with-john-calvin-youngWhat makes a software craftsman, and why you want one on your project.Pay For Software Based on Its Performance2021-09-17T15:09:00+00:002021-09-17T15:09:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/pay-for-software-based-on-its-performanceI can't afford a huge price tag for the software I need. Is there another option for me?3Q3M - What, Why, How of DPQ Software with Ken Auer - Episode 52021-07-29T15:00:00+00:002021-07-29T15:00:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/3q3m-what-why-how-of-dpq-software-with-ken-auer-episode-5What is design price quote, why is it important, and how does it work?3Q3M — Getting Started with a Software Project with Caleb Woods — Episode 42021-07-02T18:52:00+00:002021-07-02T18:52:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/3q3m-getting-started-with-a-software-project-with-caleb-woods-episode-4CEO Caleb Woods discusses how you can know if you're ready for custom software.Leadership Practices That Position You For Success In A Software Company2021-06-15T17:41:00+00:002021-06-15T17:41:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/leadership-practices-that-position-you-for-success-in-a-software-companyCaleb Woods, from RoleModel Software joins Dr. Tolu Adeleye to discuss unique angles of what it takes to shift from being a technical role in a software company to a key leadership role that involves amongst other things, growing a team of software engineers. Listen in to hear about Caleb’s take on how developing software cannot be done in a vacuum; implying the vital need to bring into play factors such as business analysis and more. Get to learn how Caleb fortifies his leadership positioning through small daily practices that add up on the long run.How An Agile Approach In Software Development Helps Grow Companies2021-06-15T16:51:00+00:002021-06-15T16:51:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/how-an-agile-approach-in-software-development-helps-grow-companiesHow an agile approach in software development helps grow companies. Guest: Caleb Woods
Caleb Woods is the CTO – Software Craftsman at RoleModel Software.
RoleModel Software partners with its clients to understand their unique business context and create custom software that turns their “secret sauce” into an enhanced competitive edge.Transforming an Expert into an Expert System2021-06-14T19:19:00+00:002021-06-14T19:19:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/transforming-an-expert-into-an-expert-systemTalking about how “software”, “computer systems” and “experts” come together and cutting through some of the AI hype.CPQ + CAD? Introducing DPQ!2021-06-03T15:41:00+00:002021-06-03T15:41:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/cpq-cad-introducing-dpqIn the manufacturing and design world, computer-aided design (CAD) is a commonly used tool. It is just what its name implies: the use of computers to assist with any aspect and stage of a design. The introduction of CAD allowed for greater quality, productivity, repeatability, and communication for those using ...Developing Engineers from the Ground Up2021-06-01T18:07:00+00:002021-06-01T18:07:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/developing-engineers-from-the-ground-upOn this episode our CEO, Caleb Woods, chats with the Cybrary Podcast. We discuss the work RoleModel does and specifically highlight our Craftsmanship Academy, a way for those new to the engineering space to apply their skills and learn on the job skills through hands on development training and real ...3Q3M — 3 Questions Everyone Wants Answered with Roy Miller — Episode 32021-05-18T19:09:00+00:002021-05-18T19:09:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/3q3m-3-questions-everyone-wants-answered-with-roy-miller-episode-3In this episode of 3Q3M, Roy Miller, COO of RoleModel Software, answers common questions about the custom software development process.Software Craftsmanship and the importance of Sustainable Software2021-05-10T14:43:00+00:002021-05-10T14:43:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/software-craftsmanship-and-the-importance-of-sustainable-softwareKen Auer is the Founder of Role Model Software in North Carolina in the US. Since the mid-1980s, Ken’s passion and commitment to software craftsmanship have made him a respected leader in the creation of sustainable software and high-performance teams. He was introduced as "the father of software craftsmanship" at the inaugural Software Craftsmanship North America conference in 2009.3Q3M — Software Products vs. Custom Software with Ken Auer — Episode 22021-04-06T17:24:00+00:002021-04-06T17:24:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/3q3m-software-product-custom-software-episode-2The three questions for this episode center around software products versus custom software.3Q3M — Common Misconceptions of Custom Software — Episode 12021-03-23T18:12:00+00:002021-03-23T18:12:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/3q3m-common-misconceptions-of-custom-software-episode-1We only see a project as successful when we win together. In the first episode of our new video series 3 Questions in 3 Minutes (or 3Q3M), RoleModel Software’s marketing director, Jamey Meeker, sat down with incoming CEO Caleb Woods to discuss three common misconceptions regarding custom software. As the ...Software Craftsmanship2021-03-21T18:04:00+00:002021-03-21T18:04:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/software-craftsmanship-an-interview-with-caleb-woodsThis week Caleb Woods, CEO and Senior Software Craftsman at RoleModel Software joins the podcast.CCC Days at Rolemodel Software: Part 22021-03-01T06:02:00+00:002021-03-01T06:02:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/ccc-days-at-rolemodel-software-part-2If you stop learning, you stop growing; you stop getting better.The 3 C's of RoleModel2021-02-15T19:18:00+00:002021-02-15T19:18:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-3-cs-of-rolemodelCEO Caleb Woods joins the Kingdom Cross Roads podcast to talk about his career as a software developer and his progression in leadership at RoleModel Software.Outsourcing Software Development2021-02-08T19:48:00+00:002021-02-08T19:48:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/outsourcing-software-developmentRoleModel's Ken Auer joins the SaaS and Scotch podcast to talk about whether SaaS Founders should outsource their product development.The Minding Your Business Podcast - Ken Auer2021-02-06T14:39:00+00:002021-02-06T14:39:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-minding-your-business-podcast-ken-auerKen Auer and Ron Brooks sit down to discuss his background, the journey through software development from the early '80s until now, how his company Rolemodel helps small to mid-sized businesses gain leverage through completed software projects, software and the pandemic, and much more!CCC Days at RoleModel Software2020-11-11T19:52:00+00:002020-11-11T19:52:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/ccc-days-at-rolemodel-softwareSoftware development is constantly changing and improving. At RoleModel Software, we know that means we must learn to do the same.LightningCAD Reimagined: Applying Virtual and Augmented Reality2020-11-11T06:00:00+00:002020-11-11T06:00:00+00:00Theo Lucianohttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/lightningcad-reimagined-applying-virtual-and-augmented-realityRoleModel Software's revolutionary CAD framework reaches new heights through the introduction of AR and VR.RoleModel Software Named by Clutch as one of the North Carolina’s Top Web & Custom Software Developers2020-11-02T20:09:00+00:002020-11-02T20:09:00+00:00Jamey Meekerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/rolemodel-software-named-by-clutch-as-one-of-the-north-carolinas-top-web-custom-software-developersClutch.co named RoleModel Software as one of the world’s top web and custom software developers.Are Your Offshore Developers Role Models?2020-02-27T20:18:00+00:002020-02-27T20:18:00+00:00Roy Millerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/are-your-offshore-developers-role-modelsConventional thinking says offshore software development is the better choice, because it’s almost always cheaper, sometimes significantly. But is that really true?What You Get When You Buy A Team2020-02-04T20:35:00+00:002020-02-04T20:35:00+00:00Roy Millerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/what-you-get-when-you-buy-a-teamMost often, hiring a team of people costs more up front than hiring one person. But hiring a team can end up costing you less over time than hiring one developer. It’s counterintuitive; but true.Clutch Names RoleModel Software a Top 1000 Company!2019-12-05T20:48:00+00:002019-12-05T20:48:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/clutch-names-rolemodel-software-a-top-1000-companyWe’re proud to announce that Clutch.co — a B2B ratings and reviews platform — has named us a top 1000 company. This is a big deal because Clutch lends credibility to businesses through research-based evaluations.The Rules of Engagement for Sustainable Software Development2019-11-18T21:00:00+00:002019-11-18T21:00:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-rules-of-engagement-for-sustainable-software-developmentKey points that contribute to the ultimate success of an investment in custom software development.Do You Need Custom Software?2019-10-30T16:09:00+00:002019-10-30T16:09:00+00:00Roy Millerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/do-you-need-custom-softwareCustom software can cost as much as a house. Before you make that kind of financial commitment, it pays (sometimes literally) to do your due diligence.Sustainable Software Requires Deep Agility & Expertise2019-10-24T18:36:00+00:002019-10-24T18:36:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/sustainable-software-requires-deep-agility-expertiseThere's a lot more that goes into developing high-quality custom software than a rockstar coder or a so-called "agile" process.DevOps is a Big Deal and what you should know about it!2018-08-03T18:12:00+00:002018-08-03T18:12:00+00:00Jeff Terrellhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/devops-is-a-big-deal-and-what-you-should-know-about-itUnpacking what DevOps means and why we should care. Along the way, we’ll see how DevOps connects with business and technical agility, collaboration, and success.Two Sets of Eyes, Part 3: Why Pair Programming works (despite the objections)2018-07-19T18:19:00+00:002018-07-19T18:19:00+00:00Roy Millerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/two-sets-of-eyes-part-3-why-pair-programming-works-despite-the-objectionsThe objections to pair programming aren’t new. We'll address some of the most common objections and give our perspective on how accurate they are.An Alternative to Upfront Estimates2018-07-11T18:29:00+00:002018-07-11T18:29:00+00:00Caleb Woodshttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/an-alternative-to-upfront-estimatesWhen building the first version of an application, it is nearly impossible to know the total cost upfront, but there is another way.Two Sets of Eyes, Part 2: Which of these 5 methods of code review work best?2018-06-29T18:34:00+00:002018-06-29T18:34:00+00:00Roy Millerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/two-sets-of-eyes-part-2-which-of-these-5-methods-of-code-review-work-bestExcept in very rare cases, we don’t release code into the wild unless more than one person has looked at it. But what does “looked at it” mean?A Tribute to Kevin Bridges2018-06-26T18:46:00+00:002018-06-26T18:46:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/a-tribute-to-kevin-bridgesMentoring is a way of life at RoleModel. This is the story of how one mentor's legacy has been passed down to the next generation of developers and leaders.Finally! An open source tool for Ruby’s RSpec that helps uncover the root causes of intermittent software failures2018-06-11T18:55:00+00:002018-06-11T18:55:00+00:00Amanda Pougethttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/finally-an-open-source-tool-for-rubys-rspec-that-helps-uncover-the-root-causes-of-intermittent-softwRoleModel Software’s new Ruby gem — Marshgrass — is designed to address the challenge of finding intermittent test failures in Ruby code.Using Docker in Heroku: Understanding the Tradeoffs2018-05-02T18:59:00+00:002018-05-02T18:59:00+00:00Jeff Terrellhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/using-docker-in-heroku-understanding-the-tradeoffsShould you use using Docker's container runtime or the slug compiler? This post discusses the tradeoffs and reasons to favor one approach over the other.Coding with Two Sets of Eyes (Part 1)2018-03-02T20:11:00+00:002018-03-02T20:11:00+00:00Roy Millerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/coding-with-two-sets-of-eyes-part-1Having two sets of eyes on all code we write helps us reduce business risk, reduce system cost, and be more agile as systems we create change over time.Ready to Farm for Software Talent?2017-08-08T19:20:00+00:002017-08-08T19:20:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/ready-to-farm-for-software-talentFinding talent is a huge problem for the software industry. Many in the industry want to mine talent. When one mines, one looks for a resource-rich place and starts digging. There's a better, less popular method: Farming for talent.Apprenticeship vs. Boot Camp2015-02-12T20:54:00+00:002015-02-12T20:54:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/apprenticeship-vs-boot-campI have been one of the first to point out that becoming a software craftsman does not require a college education. But, to do it well, one needs more than a BootCamp. I've seen no better path than apprenticeship.Studios and Wisdom-based Learning2014-10-07T20:28:00+00:002014-10-07T20:28:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/studios-and-wisdom-based-learningThere is still so much to learn and wisdom to be gained in how to best impart wisdom.Extreme Programming Explained... by a future software craftsman2014-10-01T20:35:00+00:002014-10-01T20:35:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/extreme-programming-explained-by-a-future-software-craftsmanAs one of his assignments during his Residency, Braxton Plaxco read Extreme Programming Explained. Here are his insights into the application of the principles as he is learning to put the theories into practice.More Apprenticeship Patterns2014-09-30T20:48:00+00:002014-09-30T20:48:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/more-apprenticeship-patternsKyle Smith shares what he's been learning through reading Apprenticeship Patterns and how he's applying it to his programming.Apprenticeship Patterns2014-08-22T20:56:00+00:002014-08-22T20:56:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/apprenticeship-patternsBraxton Plaxco has provided some of his insights gained from reading about Apprenticeship Patterns.On to Apprenticeship2014-05-19T21:08:00+00:002014-05-19T21:08:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/on-to-apprenticeshipThe 2014 Craftsmanship Academy cohort moves on to Apprenticeship and summarizes their learnings.What's Wrong With a BS in Computer Science or Software Engineering?2013-10-13T15:38:00+00:002013-10-13T15:38:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/whats-wrong-with-a-bs-in-computer-science-or-software-engineeringWhat the Craftsmanship Academy teaches that a computer science degree doesn'tWhere Do Academy Projects Come From?2011-12-22T19:46:00+00:002011-12-22T19:46:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/where-do-academy-projects-come-fromAs the Craftmanship Academy was being created, "real world" projects were always intended to be an important part. Here's how we do it.The Professionals Know What the Universities Won't Tell You2011-11-21T20:09:00+00:002011-11-21T20:09:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/the-professionals-know-what-the-universities-wont-tell-youThere's more to software development than what you'll be taught in school. So where does one learn it from?Where Should Data Structures Be Taught?2011-11-18T20:35:00+00:002011-11-18T20:35:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/where-should-data-structures-be-taughtWhere should software development concepts be taught? In college, or in context?What Kind of Software School Is This?2011-10-21T16:01:00+00:002011-10-21T16:01:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/what-kind-of-software-school-is-thisLearn what makes the Craftsmanship Academy different from other software schools.Are You Too Old to Code?2011-10-17T15:51:00+00:002011-10-17T15:51:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/are-you-too-old-to-codeAre you too old to learn how to code?Press Release: RoleModel Software Launches Craftsmanship Academy2011-10-10T15:21:00+00:002011-10-10T15:21:00+00:00Ken Auerhttps://rolemodelsoftware.com/blog/rolemodel-software-launches-craftsmanship-academyRoleModel Software has just unveiled a new training academy for educating the next generation of software developers.