Our Team

At the heart of The Answer Company is a dedicated team of professionals with a wide base of technical and application expertise. Our designers, technical staff, installation experts, trainers and consultants are all committed to providing excellent customer service.

Whether your existing systems need to be streamlined or serviced, or you need external expertise on a special project, The Answer Company's experienced and diverse team is dedicated to your success. We take the time to understand your business, utilize effective processes and carefully manage all aspects of our software projects.

Shawn Ostheimer
President

Shawn Ostheimer founded The Answer Company in 1994 and continues to manage the company's growth. With a Masters in Business Administration and 15+ years of implementing financial and management software systems, Shawn has contributed to every facet of improving clients' business processes. His experience includes business analysis, system design/analysis, training, implementation, data conversion, software installation, customer support and project management.

Shawn has always taken an active role in helping his clients improve their businesses. His focus on customer service as a top priority is an important part of the company's success. Shawn's hard work and commitment to seeing projects completed properly, and on time, translate into long term relationships with clients who keep coming back as the needs of their organization change.

Shawn is a member of BC Technology Social Venture Partners (SVP) where he gives of both his time and expertise. SVP is a charitable foundation created by individuals in BC's technology industries that supports groups serving children, women at risk and people living in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Shawn is married to Rachel and together they have a wonderful son and daughter. Rachel contributes to The Answer Company as an assistant bookkeeper.

Bob Cummings
Professional Services Manager

Bob Cummings has been with The Answer Company since 2009 and previously worked with us periodically since 2001.  Bob comes to The Answer Company after successfully starting his own manufacturing company and developing it into a multi-million dollar business in less than 5 years.  Bob has held executive level positions for the majority of his working career including a 34 year stint with a large international service based company, which included being the "point man" for a greenfield expansion into the USA.

Bob is responsible for leading our group of Project Leaders, Consultants & Developers that drive the installation, implementation and training for new customers on the agreed upon timeline. He defines the standards for and manages the departmental resources required to deliver quality services to the customer in a cost effective manner.  He maintains a high-level relationship with the customers to ensure they're completely satisfied with their implementation.

In Bob’s leisure time he enjoys reading biographies, old-timers hockey and cooking.

Bill Der
Customer Services Manager

Bill Der has been with The Answer Company for years. In addition to his many client service roles, he also handles some of the company's general administration. Bill's program specialties are Active Planner, Advance Allocation, Sage 100 Standard and Advanced ERP (formerly MAS 90 and MAS 200). Bill can be depended on for his timely responses to any query.

Bill has fifteen years of experience with financial software systems and implementation (Mainframe and PC) mainly in the financial institutions industry, such as Trust companies and Credit Unions. He has also worked in small to large system consulting firms servicing clients ranging from municipalities to pulp mills. In his leisure time, Bill is studying jazz piano.

Ian Merkel
Sales Solution Specialist

Ian Merkel joined The Answer Company in 2002. As a Chartered Accountant with more than twenty five years experience in manufacturing and distribution systems, Ian specializes in solution selling of all Sage's ERP Solutions including Sage 300 (formerly Accpac), Sage 100 Standard (formerly MAS 90), Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500), Sage X3, and SagePFW.  He has also assited TAC with implementation, training and project management serves.

Ian takes the time to listen to clients' concerns and evaluates possible solutions to overcome their obstacles or challenges. Ian has a valuable blend of financial and technology experience, and has held various positions as both a user and implementer of solutions in a number of private and public companies.  He has held controllerships and other positions in software consulting, manufacturing and distribution companies. He previously managed his own software development company, providing solutions to the medical and dental community.

Ian has also served as a board member and Executive Director on a number of non-profit and charitable organizations in Vancouver.  When he not resolving client challenges, Ian enjoys playing competitive tennis and is an avid film festival fan.  Bon in South Africa and having worked in the UK, Ian immigrated to Canada in 1975.  He enjoys travel, visiting with his family in various parts of the world and exploring new places to visit.

Jonathan Ross
Ontario Regional Manager & Solutions Manager

Jonathan joined TAC in February 2010, after 8 years of operating a Sage 100 Standard & 100 Advanced (formerly MAS 9 &, Mas 200) company in Toronto.  Before that for 10-years, he operated an Exact Macola reseller, ending in 2000 as the largest international Macola VAR.

With 20-year's experience in supporting, training and selling mid-marketing ERP systems, Jonathan brings a significant amount of experience to The Answer Company.  Credits include "Outstanding Customer Service", "Top International VAR, (Exact)", and "Top 100 Resellers (Sage)".

Before Jonathan started working with ERP systems as a reseller, he was a Director of Finance for a well-known public payroll provider, held several Controller positions, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London, England in 1981, spending a number of years as a public accountant in Canada and the UK.

Hobbies include trying to control his two children, for one of whom he is Minor Novice Hockey Coach (Go Storm!).  Other interests used to involved Porches, until his marriage anyway!

Mark Leggett, CMA, ACMA (UK) 
Senior Consultant and Implementation Specialist, Epicor

Mark is the latest addition to The Answer Company, joining in 2011 from Epicor, where he worked for 13 years implementing Epicor Enterprise and E9 in large companies across Canada and into the US.  He brings with him extensive experience with Financials and Distribution, in industries including Manufacturing, Construction, and Chemical, and has been recognized as one of the top financials consultants in North America.

Mark enjoys specializing in implementing Epicor’s solutions in challenging situations such as where clients need complete process reviews, or already have strong business processes in place. His ability to critique and take lead in a client’s full system design, as well as managing the Interface design for presentation to a client’s Technical staff, shows his extensive understanding of each product in its entirety.  The highlight of his job is helping people get the most out of their software and getting them through any problem they run into.

Outside of the office, Mark enjoys reading, keeping active through running, and travelling as often as possible, perhaps to Vegas!

Aaron Boyes, CGA
Senior Consultant and Implementation Specialist, Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500)

Aaron joined The Answer Company in 2004 and is a Senior Consultant with the Sage 500 Team (formerly MAS 500). As a Certified General Accountant (CGA) with seven years of experience at Westminster Savings Credit Union, he brings to the team a valuable real-world understanding of the deployment of accounting software systems, specifically products from Sage Software.

As a Sage 500 specialist (formerly MAS 500), Aaron focuses on project management, installation, implementation, training, and ongoing systems support. He has particular expertise with Sage 500's financial software suite and its supporting products, including FRx, FRx Forecaster, Sage Fixed Assets (formerly FAS), and Active Planner. His combination of technical and financial knowledge, as well as years of experience as an end-user of accounting systems, allows him to match the technological capabilities of the software he deploys to the business needs of The Answer Company's customers.

Aaron enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and biking.

Cindy Sampson
Senior Consultant and Implementation Specialist, Sage  500 (formerly MAS 500) and PFW

After 15 years as an accountant, Cindy moved from an Assistant Controller position at one of the Answer Company's first clients, where she managed financials, personnel, and information technology, to join us in 1995. She started by installing and supporting Platinum for DOS and Windows, moving on to Epicor and then Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500) several years later. She continues to install the software, train users, troubleshoot configurations, and help programmers integrate the accounting systems with other applications.

Cindy's background in manufacturing and long experience with the full range of business processes in companies of all sizes has helped her work with clients ranging from small businesses to organizations as large as the British Columbia Teachers' Federation. She particularly enjoys providing customer support because she can both enlighten people and have them enlighten her.

Teresa Wahlroos
Senior Consultant, Sage ERP X3

Teresa began working with The Answer Company in 2009, however has specialized in Sage ERP X3 since 2004.  Her X3 highlights include implementations and acquisition integration, configuring X3 to meet customer needs, and offering both end-use & super-user training.

Bringing with her more than 20 years experience working with engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, up- & downstream supply chains, sales, customer service and finance building solid business processes, as well as efficiencies in multi-site & multi-national environments.  As cliché as it might sound, Teresa is the first to say that her favourite part of the job is sharing Sage ERP X3 with clients through solution exploration, demonstration, and training.

Teresa's work ethic is put to the test between working with The Answer Company, spending time with her family, exploring new places, reading mystery novels, and now, her new hobby - fantasy football!

Darren Redies, B.Com
Technical Implementation Consultant, Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500) and Platinum for Windows

Darren has been with The Answer Company since 1999, and specializes in implementing Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500), Platinum for Windows (PFW), Crystal Reports, and Epicor's Clientele. He has been involved with over 25 of The Answer Company projects and continues ongoing support for many of those clients. He was previously the IT Manager and Web master for a large optical supplier, where he developed an online sales system and managed the internal network.

Darren provides installation, training, and implementation, as well as data conversion and customization, to help customers streamline their workflows. Darren believes in using his skills to ensure that software fits the needs of clients, instead of forcing clients to adapt to the software.

When not racing to meet deadlines, Darren enjoys racing sailboats, long-distance running and spending time with his growing family. He is a past participant in the Vancouver Sun Half Marathon.

Jenny Steele, B.Ed.
Implementation and Training Specialist, Sage HRMS (formerly Abra), Sage 100 Standard (formerly MAS90), PFW and Sage 300 (formerly Accpac)

Jenny has been with The Answer Company since 1998. She has more than 18 years of experience in implementing and training for financial, distribution, and payroll software. With a background in teaching, administration, and accounting, Jenny now provides training and manages implementation for Sage's HRMS (formerly Abra), as well as Sage Fixed Assets (formerly FAS), and FRx Report Writer. She also implements and trains customers on Platinum for Windows (PFW) and Sage 100 Standard and 100 Advanced (formerly MAS 90/200) accounting systems.

Jenny's favourite role is being there for her customers, guiding them through the entire implementation process, from installation to going live with new software, to staff training. She shares her vast store of knowledge and experience during training, either one-on-one or in a group setting, and in post-implementation support.

Jenny enjoys traveling, particularly in warmer climates. Other favoured activities include biking, skiing, hiking and gardening.

Scott Sommerfeldt, B. Sc., B. CI
Solution Specialist, Senior Consultant and Implementation Specialist - Sage CRM and SalesLogix

Scott joined The Answer Company in 2009, after years of a experience working in the CRM world.  With both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Information from DeVry University, he was brought into The Answer Company's team as the in-house "CRM Expert".

When a client is installing a new solution, Scott will work with them to develop it, building integration points, and is the technical consultant working closely with each client until the solution is completed, making sure all clients are extremely happy with their final product.  This works well as when asked what he enjoys most about working with The Answer Company, Scott replied "I really do enjoy seeing a project all the way through, from conception, to training, to handing it over to a happy client."

Although from a small town in Alberta, Scott's love of the mountains & outdoors brought him to British Columbia years ago and he now shares this passion with his family, including winter camping trips! He also enjoys running and is hoping to compete in his first marathon this year.

Angela Zhou, B.Sc., B.B.A.
Consultant, Sage 100 Standard & 100 Advanced (formerly MAS 90/200) and Crystal Reports

Angela joined The Answer Company in early 2004, and provides expertise in reporting, software customization, programming, data conversion, and data management to customers deploying Sage 100 Standard and 100 Advanced (formerly MAS 90/200) and Crystal Reports. Her understanding of a variety of programming and scripting languages, as well as data storage, exchange, and reporting standards — plus degrees in both Computer Science and Business Administration — give her a well-rounded advantage in making business processes work more effectively for her customers.

Angela's previous work with several prominent Vancouver technology companies, including Business Objects, the developer of Crystal Reports, included both application and Web site development using a number of different tools. Angela has also worked with several accounting packages, providing her with expertise in utilizing Crystal Reports to analyze financial information in a variety of environments.

When she's not working, Angela's favourite pastimes include cycling and jogging.

Mihaela Pirvu, B.Sc.
Programmer/Consultant, Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500)

A teacher and research assistant in applied mathematics for ten years in Romania, Mihaela brings the deep mathematical understanding and rigor of her degree from the University of Bucharest in that discipline to bear on solving complex computer programming problems for The Answer Company. She joined us in 2007 after over a decade as a software developer in Canada, using her skills with a variety of programming languages to save time, and taking advantage of different computing platforms, as well as the web, to complete IT projects both ahead of schedule and under budget.

Working with The Answer Company's major clients on Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500) deployments, Mihaela helps design, develop, and implement some of our largest software projects, customizing and fine-tuning programming code, interfaces, and data processing algorithms to operate efficiently and integrate with existing IT systems. She analyzes business processes, creates database and data reporting applications, and tests software to make sure that The Answer Company's systems best meet the needs of our customers.

Paul Fagerlund
Consultant

Paul Fagerlund joined The Answer Company in 1995, and provides behind the scenes expertise in customization and interface development. With a bachelor degree in science from UBC and a diploma in computer systems technology from BCIT, Paul began developing accounting and employee time tracking systems over 20 years ago and has never looked back. Today, he works with PFW, Epicor and Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500) systems, customizing the processes and interfaces to solve each client's challenges.

Paul brings a solid understanding of how practical, effective, user-friendly software can be built to suit the needs of all businesses. He has extensive experience working with a variety of languages, systems, and network structures. Previous to his work at The Answer Company, Paul worked with Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation, adding utilities to increase functionality between their general ledger and accounts payable modules. As well, he has built a complex, multi-relational system to handle Eurocentres Canada College's accounting, scheduling, and programming functions.

Paul spends his personal time running, skiing, and playing floor hockey and tennis.

Sonny Wong, B.Sc.
Programmer and Consultant, Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500), Sage 100 Standard (formerly MAS 90), Sage PFW

Sonny joined The Answer Company in early 2005 and brings broad experience in programming languages, databases, and data analysis to design and implement Sage 500 (formerly MAS 500) customizations and other projects for our customers. His degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and his work in pathology research and pharmaceuticals preceded his studies in computer information systems, and experience as a software developer.

Sonny's experience creating order management, production scheduling and tracking, and reporting systems allows him to build software, working with the rest of The Answer Company team, that meets the varied and highly specific needs of many different customers.

In his time off, Sonny enjoys many outdoor activities such as bird-watching, cycling, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing and dinghy sailing.

Safiur Rahman
Senior Software Developer and SalesLogix CRM & Sage 100 Standard & 100 Advanced (formerly MAS 90/200) Consultant

Safiur joined the Answer Company in 2011 and brings over eleven years of

experience in the software development field.  He has previously served in senior developer and consultancy roles where he was responsible for business process analysis and requirements gathering, functional specification documentation, coding, quality assurance, and technical support.  Besides playing a key role in multiple high profile and mission critical software development projects, Safiur holds multiple certifications from Microsoft and ORACLE focusing on .NET and J2EE technologies.

Safiur enjoys technical challenges, as well as working with clients to understand their needs, painpoints, and priorities, and then translating those into concrete solutions & working software that solves real business problems, making their lives easier.

Aside from business & technology, Safiur is usually found outdoors, hiking his favourite Grouse Grind, swimming, snorkeling, or travelling (particularly to the warm Caribbean!).  If you catch him indoors, it's most likely at the movies.

Tony Yip, B.Comm., CGA
Consultant, Sage 300 (formerly ACCPAC), Sage 50 (formerly Simply Accounting), F9

Tony joined the Answer Company in 2006 with 20 years of experience in accounting and consulting in British Columbia. His primary roles include software set up and configuration for products including Sage 300 (formerly ACCPAC), CRM, Sage 50 (formerly Simply Accounting), and the F9 financial reporting tool. Tony also provides technical support and trains users, which is his favourite role.

Tony's background has provided a great deal of expertise in financial systems review and implementation, IT systems planning and review, internal control review and analysis, as well as technical support services. He specializes in data repair and accounting installations in complex environments using terminal services, virtual private networks, and web deployments, in addition to IT systems planning and internal control review and analysis.

Before joining the Answer Company, Tony ran his own software consulting company. He obtained his B.Comm. degree from the University of BC in 1986 and his CGA certification in 1993, when he also became a certified consultant for Sage 300 (formerly ACCPAC). His combination of skills in accounting, finance, and technology make him a key addition to The Answer Company team.

When Tony is not working on software related projects he can be found being a Scout Leader for his son's Scout Troop and spending time with his family.

Krista Magnusson, B.B.A.
Sales & Marketing Manager

Krista joined The Answer Company in 2010, after moving back to Canada from over two years of living & working in Mexico.  Her successful International Sales & Marketing career in hotels had taken her abroad, however after many years in the hospitality industry, Krista decided it was time for an industry change and returned home.

Krista has enjoyed learning learning the Sage product line and is finally understanding the software lingo that is second nature at The Answer Company, given the expertise of her co-workers.

Although travelling throughout Mexico is one of her passions, Krista is happy to back in her home of Vancouver, BC, enjoying the mountains, participating in the local film & TV industry, and spending time with her many nieces & nephews.