Spotlight is a column in the FBC e-newsletter that features a different FBC member or sponsor each month. This month, we caught up with new member Dave Durbin.

Dave Durbin

Executive Vice President & Partner, Laurus Technologies

Laurus Technologies : 2000

FBC member since: 2008

FBC:As a new member of the Council, what motivated you to join?

Dave:I have entertained the idea of becoming involved in a business or leadership organization for a number of years, but with the demands of business and home I never felt I had the time to give it. Due to some recent life changing events I've come to the realization that if I truly want to participate in something like this I need to dive in and do it. I decided to join a leadership organization to be able to share experiences and ideas with others. I joined the Family Business Council because both businesses that I have co-founded have had strong family elements to them. My positive experiences with other UIC programs sealed the deal.

FBC: One year from now, what do you hope to have gained from membership?

Dave:One year from now I hope to have established a foundation for solid peer advisory relationships with members of whatever forum I join, as well as the Council at large. I hope to have made a positive impact on the people I had a chance to interact with. I am hopeful that I, as well as my company, will have benefited either tangibly or otherwise from the Council's feedback, advice and relationships formed.

FBC:Tell me more about Laurus Technologies.

Dave:Laurus Technologies is a firm that focuses on delivering complex solutions to large and mid-size businesses ranging from large scale applications such as SAP or Oracle to application and access security, to the system and storage infrastructure the software runs on. We have built our business on having superior people who not only understand the technology, but know how to solve problems and do the right thing for our clients.

FBC:What did you do prior to Laurus Technologies?

Dave:Prior to co-founding Laurus Technologies in 2000, I was a partner at Open Business Systems (OBS). I co-founded the firm in 1991 with two of my current partners and we sold it in 1998 to a publicly traded firm. Over the 9 years at OBS I did everything from software development, system implementation and administration, project management, sales, marketing, business development, and strategic planning. Prior to OBS, I worked at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center and Lachman Associates.

FBC:What do you do in your free time?

Dave:As much as possible. I enjoy outdoor photography, gardening, fishing, golfing, spectator sports of all kinds, writing, music and enjoying the company of others.