Software Pioneer Derek Best - RIP

Derek was one of the first software engineers to create pawn software in the Pawn Industry for the mainframe Digital Equipment Corporation - DEC.  This was accomplished in those days with punch cards.  My dads brother, Dennis Mack who founded Palace Jewelry and Loan in Reno, Nevada in 1957. contracted with DEC to build the state of the art computer systems for pawn around 1972.

My uncles inspiration and enthusiasm planted the seeds of curiosity what computers could do for pawnbrokers in those days.

Derek gathered the basis of the Mack Families pawn operations from my uncle which blended into the development of Dazzle.

3 years ago Derek and I re-engaged in conversation about Pawn and Software.  Dazzle is one of the best products in the industry and Derek's genius and single handed creation was enjoyed by pawnbrokers all over the world.

Derek was a gentleman, honorable and honest, a comrade of Pawn.

The industry owes a 21 gun salute to Derek.  I will miss our conversations.

RIP Derek Best

Steve Mack
Co -Founder - Bravo Stores Systems