Lon Koenig
Vice President of Interactive Magic
Hired: February 1995
Background:
A computer geek who has grown up into a functioning adult, despite being raised by poodles. Although born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota, Lon has managed to never work for IBM or the Mayo Clinic.
Education:
A couple of years of college, studying music education and tuba performance.
Previous Work Experience:
* Senior Systems Programmer, MECC, Minneapolis. Lon worked on design and marketing research teams, only to discover that parents don't really know what their kids like.
* Programmer / designer / music and sound designer, Sunburst Communications, Rochester, MN. While at Sunburst, Lon won awards for educational software. The problem-solving matrix he helped develop is still being used for the firm's educational curriculum framework.
* Usher, Chateau Theater, Rochester, Minnesota
* Lon started working as a programmer on a short-term, freelance basis while he was still in high school. Despite his tender years, he has a few decades in of programming experience.
Big Deal:
Lon designed and built the Marshall Field's interactive directory kiosk from initial programming to managing the network.
Living in a 3D World, one of Lon's more amazing technical achievements was creating the 3D terrain for the Apple ][ program "Arizona Mix" from actual Digital Elevation Maps. The year: 1993! Lon's skills have evolved along with the technology and you can find his more recent 3D work in the Smith System "Learnscape" design tool, the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust "Architect Studio 3D", and in a number of add-ons for the popular "World of Warcraft" game.
Seen, But not Heard?
The music and audio training often comes as a surprise bonus to clients. A "scratch track" Lon created for a TV commercial storyboard was used when the ad ran nationally. And those familiar-sounding songs along The Oregon Trail? Yup. More of Lon's handiwork.
Interests and Hobbies:
Lon is a card-carrying member of the Minnesota Frisbee Association, the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics), and the Role-Playing Gamers Association.
"My goal is to drag ad agencies kicking and screaming through the 21st century."
Favorite 'Rang:
The "Eagle" by Colorado Boomerangs.