The story behind OMAOQ (pronounced O-MAC) is as follows...

For many years I have been pondering away to start a business that would give back something to its customers as well as to its employees. A business that was affordable not only for the operators, but also for those who were either employed by it or a future customer.

A business that would reflect their contributions in the progression of the business, as it grows every year. I thought that the Internet would allow me this opportunity. So with that in mind I approached Joni and asked for her assistance. I know that she has background in computer functions. She was willing to help out.

The next thing we did was hire an attorney. He stated on our first visit that he looked at us as "pioneers" given our business concept. I asked him to research the following business approach: If I started a business, could I give back to a customer, a customer gratuity as a way of saying thank you for their contribution to the growth of the business No other business has ever thought of such a unique approach towards their customer's base. I always thought, Why not If it was not for their customer's involvement, they would not have a successful business adventure. After months of researching and receiving legal advice, with Joni and the attorney behind me, I decided to go for it. Yet I had one problem.

After a few weeks of the web site being launched, Joni's director at her full-time day job took a look at the web site. He replied with a statement of encouragement. He stated that the concept of a customer gratuity was very innovative and that she should consider using the acronym for the web site address, omaoq. He was polite about the sites appearance, by not commenting. When she told me what he said to her about the concept, I felt kind of good in one sense, yet gloomy in another. Not to mention my embracement for her. I knew that the site was not developed with the full use of Joni's talents or design skills, and it was lacking standard functionality. That's when I decided that I had to let Joni and others revamp the web site, to reflect Joni's professionalism. It was her being seen, not me, so it had to reflect her talents, not mine.

I could see that my first approach was not being accepted very well. It came across as more of a gag, rather than a realist concept being presented toward what I was trying to do and say. Joni advised me to go in other directions. So she gave thought and decided to take over the site one million and one quotes. My intentions where good, the concept was new, the idea realist, yet my approaches were unprofessional at best and lacked a true sense of purpose, in addition to development. 

So the site was shut down, after we contacted those that had already joined and got their consent. We advised them that the site was going to undergo major changes, in looks and purpose. Then Joni and others went to work. This new look and its operations would take many months to reach its operational state.

I will always appreciate her standing by my side and all of her involvement. I wish her much love and success, and thank her once again for helping me see my dream unfold. Even when it came to her professional reputation being quietly scrutinized, she stood there tall knowing what others many have thought about the first attempt, it was a bad try. I will always thank her for that opportunity. My reward is being a monitor at this site. I get to stay in the background and observe its upward growth while watching my dream achieve its goal. I will always thank her for that opportunity.

- Jan/uisiom