Cris Ippolite Founder / Trainer iSolutions, Inc.

Ever meet someone and find that they are so enthusiastic -- so in love -- with what they do, that their enthusiasm seems to "rub off" on you in some way? You walk away from that meeting happy that you met that person, and glad to know that there really are people out there who have found their "true calling."

My interview with Cris Ippolite is a virtual version of just such an encounter. As I read through his answers to my questions about how became involved in FileMaker training, what he loves about his job, and so on, I knew immediately that Cris has found his true calling.

And it shows. Cris is well known in the FileMaker community as a premier FileMaker trainer and instructor. His CDs on Lynda.com are extremely popular. If I had to guess the reason, I'd say it's because his enthusiasm flows through, even on something as seemingly impersonal as a training CD. There is nothing better than taking a class from an instructor that is passionate about what he is teaching, and equally passionate about sharing his knowledge with others.

My interview with Cris follows. Enjoy!


How did you get started in IT? And what led you to do FileMaker development?
I actually started by working for my father's company after I graduated college. He used FileMaker on a couple of Macs in his office and I had used FileMaker to manage the bills for my roommates in college, and had enough confidence to tinker with his files.

That exposure, and my ability to to experiment without repercussion, led me to start working on database solutions for his company, and eventually led to me learning FileMaker enough to develop solutions on the fly. I suppose that is what got me both into IT as well as FileMaker. My first exposure to FileMaker was in 1992.


You are the founder of iSolutions, Inc. Can you tell us how you came to form the company, and the products and services that you provide?
I started doing small projects on the side while doing FileMaker work internally for Apple Steel Rule Dies in Milwaukee, WI. In 1998 I took the plunge, and started iSolutions and eventually moved operations out to Los Angeles to take advantage of what we thought was a high growth area for FileMaker that was under-served at the time.

Originally it was just me offering my development services and eventually I brought on a good friend from college and business partner, PJ Birkel to do Lasso coding. I also brought in my sister Alex to do HTML and our creative director, Josh Peters, to to Flash.

We paid the bills with FileMaker development at fist, but we really had fun playing with Flash. We were a bit over the top at first and our stuff was pretty experimental. Later the product features met our proof of concepts and we started making elegant Flash FileMaker integration solutions. However, from early on it has always been FileMaker development that carries most of our load. PJ Birkel brought his MBA in Computer Sciences and a vision of preparing for large scale development. Even before he had the resources, we were still creating methodologies geared toward very large systems and applying them to smaller workgroup sized projects.

That philosophy ended up clicking for us and it helped us sustain very rapid growth early on and to this day. Since, we have had the pleasure of working with some really dynamic and high profile clients on projects that allowed us to dream big and continue to push the envelope. We also just opened our Chicago office and its great to get roots back in the midwest where we started.

In 2008, our 10 year anniversary, we focus on FileMaker development, PHP web publishing solutions, and of course, Flash/Flex and FileMaker.

I have also spent a great deal of time presenting the FileMaker Training Series and I absolutely love it. In addition to the several Lynda.com online training titles I have done recently, the classes give me the perfect environment to geek out on FileMaker and inspire other developers. Training has become a big part of my focus lately. I also really enjoy acting as a consultant on our FileMaker projects. Its fun for me because every few months or so you have to learn a whole new industry. It keeps getting more interesting all the time.


A number of our readers know you from the popular DevCon sessions that you've presented. What is it like presenting at DevCon?
Speaking is the most fun I can have. I get so amped when I get a chance to speak to people about something I think is really cool. I just enjoy the privilege every time.

John Osborne gave me my first shot to speak during MacWorld in 2000. Since then I have found nothing more satisfying in my job than when I get to speak.

With that said, I actually took a year off in 2008. I did not submit for the first time since I started speaking. Its hard work, as any presenter will tell you, and its such a privilege that you want to be able to give it 110% and give good stuff to the FileMaker community when you have the stage. I am going to lay low until my next new FileMaker passion bubbles up and then I cant wait to get back to speaking to tell everyone about it. Then I'll be back.


What are you thoughts on DevCon 2007? Will we see you at DevCon 2008?
DevCon 2007 was a great conference. I thought that the most was made of FIleMaker's new PHP and ESS features, and I was also really impressed to see the Web Viewer mature so fast with some new products and techniques being shared.

This year you will find me sitting right next to you in all these great sessions. I look forward to having the time to go see some of my favorite FileMaker speakers this year as an attendee. I will be an exhibitor and also look forward to getting more time to talk to people one on one on the show floor. And maybe this year, just maybe ...a little Lazy River.


You are also a speaker at Flashforward. Tell us a little about that.
That opportunity came to me via Lynda Weinman of lynda.com. Years ago our whole staff took Flash development courses from her up in Ojai, CA. Lynda is th de-facto trainer in the creative computing space. I have learned so much from her and her resources. As a fan, I would later drive up to Ojai to try to get time with her to show her all our proof of concept Flash FileMaker stuff and eventually she gave me a chance to speak at Flashforward. I did a run of about 7 of those and its fun to turn it around and evangelize FileMaker to a Flash crowd. When I first started, easy to use database back ends were scarce for Flash folks and learning a bit about FileMaker helped people transition from animators to application developers.

Eventually I became an author on lynda.com online training library.


What led you to get involved in training?
All the credit goes to John Osborne. He asked me to teach with him at Database Pros when PTS was first offered. Having actually been a student of his years prior, I was thrilled. I learned a lot and it has helped me with building iSolutions Training and now its my first passion.

I love the online stuff, too. Although being trapped in a recording studio for a week isn't as fun as interacting live in a classroom, the reach is so much more broad.

Between the two, I look forward to providing more and more training as years go by. I look forward to creating my own curriculum and will most likely get back to Development Process training and Project Management topics as an addendum to the FTS training I now offer.


t seems to me that training -- especially when it comes to technical training -- can be very challenging. How would you describe your training style? What do you think it takes to be an effective trainer?
Technical training is like one big demo that lasts for a week. A lot has to go right in order to not only convey the materials but also the comprehension of the materials.

Being prepared is the best way. I run through the materials dozens of times and add my own twists. I also think it helps that I am also a developer and I am out in the real world practicing these things all the time. I can bring that real world perspective to the classroom and I think that also helps.

But really I think it is my knack for analogies. I am no genius or anything, so when I learned these things I had to use comparisons with things in the real world to make it all make sense. Like setting a variable -- it's like using the "Memory" button on your calculator. That helped me "get it" and now I use those same analogies in the classroom.

Also a lot of what our effectiveness is as developers comes from the "tools" in our toolbelt. If we focus on exposing students to as many of those tools as possible, they will know how to use them, or at least know they are there if they need them.

Finally, I just love it. I hope that helps too!


Of all of the FileMaker-related topics that you've covered in your training sessions, what topics do you feel have been the most difficult for your students to grasp?
It depends. If the student is experienced in FileMaker then the concept of "context" seems the most difficult. You are almost blessed if you never had to create a multi-file solution before when it comes to how context can effect everything from scripts, calculations and relationship usage.

For developers coming from other platforms, it seems like the absence of queries in their SQL form is the hardest. Once you get accustomed to the combination of layouts and even multi predicate relationships, they can apply their prior understanding to FileMaker's canvas.

Custom Web Publishing is also hard for some. It's mainly the concept that web publishing is really publishing your FileMaker data, not your solution. Plus it involves understanding of protocols and languages not familiar to most FileMaker developers.


You recently released "FileMaker Pro 9 Beyond the Basics" and "FileMaker Pro 9 Essential Training" through Lynda.com. What was it like putting those together? How is creating training material that will be used online different from creating material that will be used in a traditional training environment?
Same material but the delivery is so much different. You need to cover ALL the bases online so you don't leave anything out. Also, it's tricky to always remember to tell viewers every button press and keystroke you are doing on screen.

You also spend an entire week in a telephone booth sized box listening to yourself talk in order to come up with about 10 hours of material. Its a TON of work.

I learned I really enjoy live training because of the interaction. Once I get the recording done on the DVDs, I love that too! Looking back, I am really happy with how all the DVDs came out and I cant wait to do more.


How important is FileMaker certification to you? Have you taken the exam for FileMaker 9 yet? And if so, do you have any thoughts on it?
It's huge. I think we can forget that we have a responsibility to our clients to know the most there is to know about FileMaker and know it's full capabilities. It's not that we don't all have the skills, it just takes a reason to sit down and learn just "one more thing". Preparing for certification and even just knowing it's coming around every year are great motivators for stepping up and getting certified. Plus, if I were in the position of hiring a person or company to do my FileMaker project, I would want them certified. Its a great way to instill confidence in those you do business with.

As a FTS trainer, we all needed to be certified in the latest versions. However I used to take the old "Partner test" at DevCon every year. Even before we were partners I just took it to "know what I don't know" and it really helped me continue to accelerate my skillset.

My advice, take a FTS class and then the test the next week. You can't go wrong. Also try as hard as you can to apply the concepts to your own projects as you learn them. You will be surprised with your recall if you do so.


iSolutions is one of only 25 partner-level members of the FileMaker Solution Alliance. What do you think of the FSA? How important is the FSA to the success of the company?
FBA (FSA) is the single most important part of my success at iSolutions. Like certification, you must go through a rigorous approval and renewal process in order to get to be a Platinum (Partner) member. It was a process we took very seriously, and it is our proudest attribute. Plus, it gives you exposure to FileMaker that is critical when providing large scale users of FileMaker your services.

I owe my biggest break to Delfina Daves. She allowed me into the FSA as an Associate after meeting her at DevCon in Monterey. I had no exposure and a small client list but knew that becoming part of the FileMaker community and getting our name out there that much more would help us get to the next level. And it did.


Tell us about some of the projects that you are either currently working on, or that you've recently completed.
Recently we have been doing really large conversion projects and did a big one for The Getty Museum, The Academy of Motions Pictures, and several smaller ones in 2007. We are now working on another big conversion for Disney as well.

The coolest new project is a Calendar project we did that integrates Flex and FileMaker via the web viewer. Its a great, practical application of the two technologies in a big environment. We have deployed it already to a couple clients and even demonstrated it at DevCon.

We have also been doing a lot of php web applications. We primarily now develop in that technology and have always done a lot of Web.

Bread and butter has always been FileMaker Consulting and Development. Most of our clients come from entertainment and education. Our calling card has always been creating database systems to manage nearly every aspect of the Oscars and the Motion Picture Academy.


What do you like best about your job?
Learning about new industries and companies all the time. Information is non denominational and it's always a rush for me to help companies to become more efficient with their information on a strategic level.

I also love speaking and training. I am sure my parents would say it's just that I love having a room full of people listen to me talk. Whatever it is, I love it.


What do you like least about your job?
The day to day. It's the entrepreneurial curse. You start a company because you love what you do, only to make yourself so busy with keeping the doors open that you don't get to do it as much anymore. I do love managing and inspiring my team. I now have extremely capable people in all positions so I am finally getting to the part of my career where I can take my hands off the wheel and get back to creative ventures and working with the product.


What new features of FileMaker 9 do you find to be the most valuable?
Data URLs in the Web Viewer are the big sleeper. Forget what it brings to Web pages in a Viewer, but it can impact UI, Reporting and working with local FileMaker data.

Also External Data Sources has the potential to effect every FileMaker solution out there -- and it also helps us all fit FileMaker more firmly into the IT landscape at each of our clients.


If you could add a few features to the next version of FileMaker, what would they be, and why?
I kind of miss a list view in the Relationship Graph. Not a biggie, I just find myself wanting that. Stored search criteria and some "GET" access to it would be great too.

Of course, I would love to see actions triggered by the changes in unstored data too. Who wouldn't!


What would you like to see FileMaker Inc, as a company, do better?
I am really close with a lot of those folks so its hard for me to criticize. But it always seems to me that engaging your development public properly is paramount for a software company. It seems like there is a gap that needs to be bridged. I would personally also like to see things like IWP dropped. I know we all need the low hanging fruit to bring in new end users, but I come from the camp of wanting to continue to build a development platform that can build robust applications that can bring FileMaker users in by the dozens rather than one at a time. Let Bento take care of that!


What's your favorite plug-in or technique for developing FileMaker databases?
Monkeybread Software's MBS plug in. It simply does it all. I had a longer list of things I wanted to see in the next version of FileMaker before I started using that plug in. Its worth a look.


Besides FileMaker, what other technologies do you enjoy using?
I am a "vidiot." I love Final Cut and making videos. Not professionally, but just for fun. I think my brain is wired that way.

I am a gadget guy, too. Yes, the iPhone changed my life.


What advice do you have for someone interested in FileMaker development?
First, go find a guinea pig project. Whether it's a freebee for a relative or just a database at home to store your movie collection, you NEED something to immediately apply what you learn. Plus, it's important to get experience learning how to do a project from start to end, rather than just the coding.

Then, adopt a development process. Plan for success by doing things the right way from the beginning. Learn that gathering requirements is your friend, not just more to do. If you love working with FileMaker then give yourself a break and plan it all out so the time you spend on FileMaker is enjoyable, not miserable allnighters with impossible deadlines.

Keep learning. Get trained, read a book, do whatever you can to keep learning and making yourself a better programmer. Then be a part of the FileMaker community early and give it your all because it gives back. Go to users groups, conferences and even join FBA. It all keeps you on point and properly exposed.

Don't ever lose sight of how much fun your are having playing with FileMaker.


Looking forward, what trends do you see with regards to FileMaker?
Ultimately I see the client getting thinner and thinner in order for the platform to survive another decade. That means more on the server side and a more portable user experience.


Are you involved in any of the FileMaker Pro User Groups. If so, how has being involved in the group benefited you?
FMPUG. I'm a proud member. I speak at a lot of groups throughout the country and its always fun for me to get in the trenches and see what other people are doing with the product. It's inspiring. Plus being part of the FileMaker community is important to me.



What technology has most changed your life?
The Web. every aspect of my life it connected and effected by the Web. I live a completely wired lifestyle and can't imagine I ever lived without it.

I am thrilled the way it has permeated our culture, socially, economically and brought choice to everyone as a consumer. Not to mention it's ability to make us all that much less homogenized.


What are your favorite things to do that don't involve work?
The Green Bay Packers. I was born in Green Bay and grew up in Wisconsin, so you can't be anything short of a hardcore fan. I love the sport and am even a season ticket holder at Lambeau Field. I live in LA and still get to 4 or 5 Packer games a year. It's my happy place.

I am also a Fantasy Football nut. It's the perfect combination of data and my favorite sport and I am a total addict. I even created a Fantasy football handicapping program in FileMaker that no one will ever see!

I also love movies passionately, so getting to work for studios and the Academy in my job is like getting paid to do what I love. I see 30 or 40 movies a year and crave the departure it provides.


What are your goals for 2008?
I will be starting to get back into business development at iSolutions and I look forward to doing a ton more training. I also want to enjoy our 10 year anniversary and be more of an entrepreneur than a manager. I have also been doing more hands on FileMaker development lately than I have since early in my career. I also just started a blog at crisippolite.com and I look forward to adding a ton of content to that too.

I fully intend to finally complete my collection of Andy LeCates trading cards in 2008.

I would also like to get more sleep.


Thanks, Cris!

Visit iSolutions, Inc. to learn more about Cris's company. And be sure to check out his personal blog, located at crisippolite.com.