Judy Phegan

After 15 years working in a variety of positions at Aetna Life & Casualty in Hartford,Connecticut, I decided to "go west". I arrived in Larkspur, California in 1995, just as the Internet was beginning to take hold. A friend showed me how to sign up for CompuServe and my love affair with the Internet began. Actually, it renewed an old interest and love that I have for computers, which first started in 1972.

I received a degree in Elementary Education from Ohio State with 7000 other hopeful future teachers and was not able to find a teaching job. I took a position at Ohio State University College of Medicine developing Computer Based Training. I didn't know a thing about computers then (hardly anyone did in 1972). After more than 10 years working for Ohio State, Akron University and Aetna Life and Casualty, developing Computer Based Training, I decided to go back to school. I earned a Master's Degree in Organizational Development from the University of Hartford. In my last years with Aetna, I designed, developed and delivered workshops and seminars for executives and employees at the Aetna Institute for Corporate Education.

When I first arrived in California, I thought I would look for a job in Human Resources, but with my eyes glued to the computer screen and my fingers madly typing in a chat session on CompuServe, I realized that I wanted to renew my old love for computers. I joined the North Bay Multimedia Association and met Steve Kirk of Sage Interactive, who hired me as a project manager and instructional designer for a training CD-ROM. Since then I've earned my living as an instructional designer of on-line training, project manager and as a web designer.

I founded Argonauta 6 years ago. I've developed a number of websites over those 6 years. But I did that while also working for Informix and DigitalThink. I've decided it's time to build Argonauta into the kind of business I would like it to be, so I'm devoted to that full-time now.

My background and experience in education, computer based training and organizational development contributes immensely to how I approach my work today. My instructional design skills let me determine the best way to present and organize information. With my experience working in large and small organizations, I know the world of business. As a small business professional I know and understand the issues you face as you build your business and attract new customers.