Our Team
Who We Are
Our team has many years of experience in software development, Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery, and quality compliance, specifically for the life sciences industries. We are experienced, nimble, and ready to help you navigate the complex regulatory affairs (RA) and quality assurance (QA) environment. We invite you to meet our team.
Ron Schmitz
President & CEO
Ron is President and CEO of Grand Avenue Software. He has been with the company since its founding in 2002. He has over 35 years of experience in management and executive positions in sales, technical sales support, marketing, business development, product management, and strategic planning for several software companies.
Ron has helped define, sell, and implement software solutions in the CAD/CAM/CAE (computer-aided, design, manufacturing, and engineering), engineering data management (EDM), product data management (PDM), product lifecycle management (PLM), and quality management and compliance (eQMS) market segments.
Ron studied mechanical engineering and business management at the University of Minnesota.
Outside of the office, Ron is involved in his faith community, participates on non-profit boards, and enjoys family activities including biking, walking, cooking, gardening, playing bridge, and being at the lake.
Steve Cohen
Vice President of Business Operations
Steve is Vice President of Business Operations for Grand Avenue Software and helps lead the organization at the management level. He has over 25 years of experience in software with specific expertise in med tech, healthcare and SaaS. He has worked significantly with emerging growth companies and startups in the medical device field to apply compliance software solutions to the regulatory and quality management process.
Steve holds an MBA in Management and Finance from the University of St. Thomas, a BA in Philosophy from Macalester College, and was a Reader in Philosophy at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford University.
Outside of the office, Steve is an avid bike rider and bike commuter, engaged in his local faith community, and enjoys beating his adult children and friends at board games and bar trivia.
Jim Ivey
Vice President of Product Management
Jim is Vice President of Product Management for Grand Avenue Software and works with the software development and support teams to bring customer feedback and requirements into the development process. He has 37 years of experience in software development, with 20+ years focused specifically on software solutions to help medical device companies navigate the regulatory compliance process and deliver their products to market.
Jim holds a BS in Computer Science from Purdue University.
Outside of the office you can find Jim curling, biking, softball, or reading, depending on the season.