Steve Yeates - Bio

Steve Yeates looks at problem-solving a little differently than most people. One of the reasons may be that the Senior System Analyst and Programmer, who specializes in custom solutions for a wide diversity of clients, spent his teen and University years helping out in the family Funeral business in Southern Ontario.

If it holds true that early experiences form the framework of lifetime interests and pursuits, then Yeates has managed to effectively translate many of those elements into his adult life. Dealing with grieving families fostered an ever-present interest in how to interact most effectively with a wide diversity of people. Working behind the scenes, learning the tools of embalming, fostered an artist's eye, and a scientist's precision. He pursued those interests in his degree studies in Psychology and Computer Science at the University of Toronto, where he also took courses in Philosophy, Art Studies and Filmmaking.

"I see several core skills that need to be in play to be a truly effective analyst and programmer for unique application environments," comments Yeates. "Before you can create systems and software, you have to consider every dimension of the challenge. You have to quickly understand the environment and how people operate within it, and you have to incorporate what works, then reframe what doesn't. Unique perspective, creative solutions, the critical ability to communicate with people at every level of the organization, and the skills to teach people how to operate the system once it is up and running - these are what I bring to the table - along with a deep understanding of the technology, and a heart-felt commitment to the ongoing effectiveness of the solutions I create."

Yeates has worked across the country acquiring skills, experience and expertise. Combining extensive technological prowess with a comprehensive understanding of business operating systems and best practices, plus a talent for creating elegant software solutions to knotty problems, Yeates has over twenty years of data processing experience in a wide range of microcomputer language environments and application development. He also has an infectious sense of humour, a core understanding that computers are a tool that can be applied to virtually any end use, and passion for creating something from nothing.

Part of his extensive credits include a background in the consumer computer market as a store manager for a major retail chain in Alberta; several years spent in private postsecondary vocational education as a Director of Programming, then Faculty Director, plus more than a decade with a professional service bureau where he was responsible for consulting and analysis, development of software in a team environment, client training and system documentation and every phase of analysis, design, development and implementation.

Pacific Hatchery Management, The Ombudsman's Office in Victoria, and various Ottawa government departments including: Indian and Inuit Affairs; The National Transportation Agency; Veteran's Affairs; the Office of the Solicitor General; The Security Intelligence Review Committee, and a diplomatic tracking system for External Affairs. He is currently CEO for Dark Star Information Systems, where he is involved in implementing wide area network database applications for government and private environments.

In common with system creators, and artists, everywhere, Yeates never stops inventing a better software "mousetrap", or tinkering with enhanced graphic and design elements. He currently holds the worldwide license from the Canadian Federal Government to distribute and customize an audit recommendation tracking system which is currently in use in several government departments.

Yeates, who grew up surrounded by farmland, works around the Province and across the country from a base on an acre of property on B.C.'s scenic Sunshine Coast.