Software Spectrum: Have They Got A Program For You

Judy O. Sims always intended to join her husband full-time at their fledgling business, a vendor of personal-computer programs called Software Spectrum Inc. But in 1985, when it came time for her to leave her job at the Dallas office of Grant Thornton, it wasn't easy. She had worked hard to become a partner at the accounting firm, and she felt some guilt for turning her back on the women who looked to her as a role model. "It was difficult knowing I was walking away from all of that and into something where the future was a lot less secure," she says.

Dangerous as it may have seemed at the time, Sims's decision to take the plunge turned out to be a smart one. Based in Garland, Tex., Software Spectrum has been on a rocket ride, soaring to No. 2 in U.S. sales of business software such as Lotus 1-2-3 and Windows. It trails only giant retailer Egghead Inc. After BUSINESS WEEK's 1992 rankings were compiled, it reported $158.9 million in revenue for the year ended Mar. 31. Profits soared 98%, to $3.8 million. CEO Sims, 39, handles most of the day-to-day business. Husband Richard, 37, is president. He heads the sales force.