John Phillips

John Phillips’ story is an inspiring example of entrepreneurial spirit and the transformative power of the computer industry. With limited resources and no formal computer science background, Phillips and his partner Jerry Koop built a successful company that not only thrived financially but also made a significant positive impact on society.

Their journey began with a focus on data analysis, but they quickly recognized the need for accurate and well-structured data collection. This led them to develop innovative systems for methadone clinics and later for community mental health clinics, pioneering the use of technology in the behavioral health field.

Phillips’ emphasis on a systems view, prioritizing the larger picture over technical details, was key to their success. He understood that technology was a tool to improve service and accuracy, ultimately aiming to eliminate cumbersome paperwork and provide better care for patients. Their story is also intertwined with the evolution of the computer industry itself. They witnessed the transition from batch processing to timesharing and minicomputers, and later the rise of the VAR model and systems integration. Their ability to adapt and embrace new technologies while staying focused on their core mission ensured their continued relevance and growth.

This oral history offers valuable insights into the early days of the software industry, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing landscape. It also serves as a reminder of the potential for technology to be used for social good, improving the lives of both patients and employees.

On the explosive potential of the computer industry:

• “The computer area seemed so explosive and so exciting and so much into what’s going to change things. You think of the power of it related to almost anything you look at, especially in business.”

On the vast opportunities in the early days of computing:

• “It was like being in Disney World. There were just so many places you could go, so many opportunities that existed, so little competition. That it was basically a choice… It wasn’t could you or couldn’t you, it was having to make choices.”

On the importance of a systems view:

• “I always felt in terms of the computer industry and systems business, it was amazing, you were always learning… I always thought the larger pictures of a systems requirement was much more important than the extreme specifics of it.”

On the importance of data accuracy and control:

• “We have found, over the years, that the issue of putting stuff in is nothing if we don’t have control: do we have it all, every single piece, defined exactly the same way? If not, it’s meaningless.”

On the satisfaction of helping others:

• “I think there are two things that I would be most proud of… One, we wound up setting up a lot of good stuff to assist those patients out there… The thing that struck me the most though is that we two guys from Queens wound up giving a couple thousand people great employment in a great situation.”