25 Year Anniversary - A Conversation with Denise Thomson

25 Years of Jonas Software – A Reflection

For 25 years, Denise Thomson has been part of the heartbeat of Jonas Software. From organizing large-scale office moves and conferences to fostering the culture that makes Jonas feel like home, she’s seen the company evolve and grow stronger through every stage.

We sat down with Denise to talk about her journey, the people who shaped it, and what makes Jonas such a special place to build a career.

Background

Can You Walk Us Through Your Background Before Joining Jonas?

Before joining Jonas, I worked in purchasing for a supplier to such companies as Nortel and Leitch Technologies and deHavilland/Boeing, where I facilitated quality circles and continuous improvement groups. Those experiences gave me a great foundation in teamwork and operational efficiency, skills that still serve me well today.

I was interviewed by Stacey Long (see her career progression story here) and Mary Jonas all those years ago, and even then, I could tell there was something unique about the culture here. It felt like a place that truly valued people and continuous improvement.

What Does A Typical Day Look Like For You Now?

The beauty of my role is that there’s no such thing as a typical day – and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I support staff across the Jonas office, helping to keep the excitement going and set the tone for company events like Jonas GROWS and our annual Jonas Software Academy. Because I work with so many teams, I get a really diverse view of our business and the people who make it thrive. I love that variety and I love this team.

Listen to The Highlights from Denise Thomson’s Interview With the Jonas Team

Why Jonas?

After 25 Years, What Keeps You Motivated to Stay with Jonas?

For me, it’s all about the people.

I’m passionate about supporting our staff, my internal customers, and making sure they have what they need to succeed. Over the years, I’ve built relationships with so many amazing colleagues, including leaders like Jon Billowitz and Jeff McKee, and Jeff MacKinnon (see his career progression story here), who’ve helped shape the company’s direction.

Even as Jonas has grown, it’s held onto that small company feel. We’ve stayed true to our values, kept our culture strong, and continued learning together. That consistency and sense of belonging makes all the difference.

Learn about Jonas’s 5 Key Takeaways After 200 Acquisitions

What Stands Out As One Of Your Proudest Achievements During Your Time at Jonas?

Definitely the office moves and expansions I’ve helped lead over the years.

It’s everything from planning, to logistics, to coordinating with IT and all the departments and all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us growing smoothly. Each move has been an opportunity to create better spaces for our teams and meet new people along the way.

When I asked to lead our first major office move, I remember feeling so proud that the team trusted me with something that important. Since then, there’s always been something new and exciting to take on.

“Events like Jonas Software Academy, and our conferences help reinforce that – they give people the chance to connect, learn, and share best practices across business units. When we come together, we realize how much we all have in common, and that openness builds even stronger trust.”

Jonas Culture

Jonas is Known for it’s Strong Culture. How Do We Maintain That As We Grow?

Our culture really comes down to trust. It’s something that’s been built over years of hard work and shared experiences.

Events like Jonas Software Academy, and our conferences help reinforce that – they give people the chance to connect, learn, and share best practices across business units. When we come together, we realize how much we all have in common, and that openness builds even stronger trust.

That’s what keeps Jonas special: we grow, but we never lose that sense of community.

Jonas’s ABC’s Spotlight on C: Culture of Sharing Best Practices

What Gets Your Excited About The Future of Jonas?

The continued growth and getting to see new people experience what makes Jonas such a great place to work.

Every new event, every new hire, every milestone like this one – it all adds to the energy and reinforces that culture of learning and collaboration. I’m excited to be part of what’s next, and to keep supporting the incredible people who make Jonas what it is.

Closing Remarks

After 25 years, Denise embodies what Jonas stands for: trust, collaboration, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Her story reflects not only personal dedication but also the strength of the Jonas model – where people, culture, and continuity are always at the core.

Here’s to Denise – and to many more years of shared success.