about the humans behind data automation professionals

Two Excel MVPs, a small team of specialists, and extensive use of Agentic AI. Building tools you can trust.

Who We Are

Data Automation Professionals is a full-service software solutions developer specializing in rapid development and deployment of Excel and integrated Excel/SQL Server applications. Services also include extensive Excel training from basic usage to advanced automation, provided via online courses, custom onsite training, and personal support.

We're the team behind Excel Tables: A Complete Guide for Creating, Using and Automating Lists and Tables — the acclaimed guide for creating, using, and automating sustainable Excel Tables, published in 2014 and recommended by Microsoft professionals worldwide.

During the past few years we've seen a new revolution in the making: AI. We're all over it. From researching and designing ideas to generating and testing solutions, we are always looking for common-sense ways to use the power of Agentic AI in everything we do.

Our Story

Data Automation Professionals was founded in 2014 by Kevin Jones and Zack Barresse, two Microsoft Excel MVPs since 2005 and 2007 respectively. The two seasoned Excel and SQL Server developers wanted to create a company that exemplified their attention to detail, solid development practices, and personalized customer service.

Today, we have a respected team that combines project management and development skills, extensive software automation knowledge, expertise in social media and digital marketing, and a voracious appetite for learning new technologies.

Microsoft MVP Founders

10+

Years in Business

20+

Years Average Experience

Thousands

Projects Delivered

30,000+

Questions Answered

Meet the Founders

Kevin

Co-Founder and Principal

BS Computer Science, Cal Poly SLO · MBA, MIT Sloan · 25+ years in enterprise software · Banking systems for Wells Fargo, Diners Club, American Express, and others · Author of Excel Tables · Extensive Excel, VBA, and SQL Server automation experience.

Zack

Co-Founder

Former firefighter & EMT · Co-founded VBA Express · Automation work for Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, Ralph Lauren · Designed ~75% of Excel's built-in Start view templates · Author of Excel Tables book.

Meet the Team

Emily

UI / UX Designer & Developer

Web developer, graphic designer, and UI/UX designer · Adobe Suite and Cinema 4D specialist · Marketing management and strategy · Based in Chicago.

Jaes

Everything But FORTRAN Expert

20+ years in data and process automation · Excel formulas and automation expert · SQL Server, SSIS, Power BI and Tableau · Fluent in a dozen+ languages from VBA to Ruby.

Tracy

Excel Specialist

Author of 8 Excel books · Teaching Excel online since 1997 · One-on-one desktop-sharing training · Based in eastern South Dakota.

Brian

Server Technologies

Virtual machines, databases, and web services · Full-stack performance tuning · Keeps every server running like clockwork · Based in Placerville, CA.

Bill

Excel Automation

CPA/MBA · More than 25 years intense MS Office (later 365) development experience including at a Fortune 100 company and two of the Big Four public accounting firms.