The founders of Apprentice Systems have been involved for years in the Knowledge Based Engineering (KBE) arena, solving complex design and engineering problems with object-oriented tools. Apprentice Systems builds off this experience, currently focusing on product configuration and sales automation solutions.

Debra Walker, CEO and cofounder, has strong general management, marketing and information technology experience. Prior to starting Apprentice Systems, she was Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the head of the U.S. chain of Goodyear Automotive Service Centers, and Executive Vice President of Marketing and E-Commerce for Jo-Ann Stores Inc, a multi-channel retailer with 1000 retail stores and the joann.com website. She was also cofounder of iCARumba, a website that connects consumers with automotive service providers.

(click here to see Debra's interview with CIO Magazine).

Steve Strong, CTO and cofounder, has 20 years of consulting and software design experience in engineering automation. His knowledge of state of the art software solutions, combined with his mechanical engineering and operations research expertise, have enabled him to use technology to simplify the selling process for complex, engineered products and systems.