August 12, 2025

A 25-Year Journey: The People Who Shaped XAPT’s Story

Twenty-five years ago, a small group of professionals set out to carve a new path in the world of enterprise resource planning systems. In what was still a modest-sized company, something akin to a garage startup, no one could have predicted that this team, working on a flexible and innovative ERP platform called Axapta, would soon become the foundation of a global success story. In the early days, they sold the system themselves, wrote the code, implemented it at client sites, often late into the night. Currently, the NAXT solution based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 is utilized by equipment dealers in more than 30 countries.  

But this is not just the story of a software company growing up, it is also about a community of people who believed it was worth building something that did not exist before. To celebrate XAPT’s 25th anniversary, we spoke with colleagues who have dedicated a defining part of their careers to this journey. They were there in the early days, and they are still shaping the company today as technical product managers, senior developers, consultants, or key players in international support. They shared with us their personal paths, challenges, turning points, and what XAPT means to them, even after twenty-five years.

“Back then, we all fit around one big table” – Gábor Sipos, Developer

When Gábor Sipos joined XAPT as a software developer on May 1, 2002, the company was still a small team of fewer than ten people. “At our first Christmas party, we could still all sit around one big table,” he recalls with a smile. The atmosphere was warm and close-knit, and the work was diverse. At the time, the team was working on the Navision Axapta 2.5 version, and Gábor, a fresh graduate, was thrown into the deep end from the start—reviewing and documenting external fixed asset modules. “I was hired as a developer, but back then everyone did everything. We taught, consulted, and visited clients. That helped me gain a comprehensive understanding of Axapta.”

Today, Gábor is 48, a proud father of two teenagers, and one of the longest-serving developers at XAPT, having been with the company for over two decades. He has witnessed the evolution of software from DOS-based systems to the D365 cloud platform, and he has been a key figure in the NAXT journey from the very beginning. His first major project was helping to shape what would become the NAXT product on Dynamics AX 4.0, starting with its implementation at Kelly Tractor in the U.S. “Development is what I’ve always done, and what I enjoy most,” he says. He personally designed and built the equipment module’s financial features. He still works in finance, where he is credited with key functions, most notably the equipment financial summary, which he found challenging and is proud of.

Throughout his career, he has spent numerous weekends and nights ensuring system upgrades were completed on time. “There wasn’t really anyone else I could trust to do it, so I took it on myself. The recognition always meant a lot.” Gábor says he feels deeply valued, both professionally and personally: “It means a lot to me that people have trusted me and that my work has been appreciated for all these years. I hope it stays that way for a long time.”

“I consider myself lucky to have joined XAPT right after college. I found a job that truly fits my skills—and the right company to go with it.” While few of his original colleagues remain, Gábor is still going strong and believes in the value of long-term commitment. “The longer you work on the same product, the more knowledge and experience you gain, day by day. That’s what makes a person truly stand out.”

He also has a message for new developers, or consultants just starting their journey: “Don’t just aim to complete a task, try to understand the underlying processes. That’s how you learn best and start to see the bigger picture.

“This isn’t just a professional journey” – László Földi, Technical Product Manager

László Földi has been with XAPT for sixteen years. During this time, he has not only climbed the professional ladder but also explored the world. He lived in the United States, collaborated on-site with major clients in Australia, and now supports the international team from Hungary. When asked what three words come to mind when he thinks of XAPT, he says: challenge, evolution, and adventure. “Challenge, because I’ve always found something new here, professionally, and personally, that kept me engaged and growing. Evolution, because I witnessed how the company transformed from a garage-style operation into a professional global player. And adventure, because I had the chance to work with clients in multiple countries, and my role changed every three years,” he explains.

He started as a developer, but his passion for continuous learning and innovative technologies led him to roles in technical consulting and eventually product management. Today, his position requires not only deep technological knowledge but also strong business insight. “Looking back, I am grateful for how much support I received in my early days. I was mentored and guided through the systems and the working culture,” he recalls.

Over the years, he has participated in implementation projects in Canada, the United States, and Australia. Each location brought unique challenges and learnings. His journey did not stop at the office doors, he also explored the Great Barrier Reef and experienced the golden hues of a New England autumn. “Although I’m not in a traditional customer service role, I work closely with many departments and maintain strong client relationships.”

The product, built on Microsoft Dynamics, evolved from a compact, agile framework into a complex, industry-specific vertical solution. László was responsible for integration and the technical side of product strategy during this transition. Gradually, the business side of the product opened to him as well. “Product management is about connecting client needs with feasible technological solutions… One of the biggest lessons was learning the value of cultural openness and seeing how welcoming American clients can be when they feel we treat them as partners.”

“This is the kind of workplace where you never get bored. There’s always a new challenge, always a new technology to explore,” he says. The constant evolution and implementation of new directions have become part of his daily routine. To him, XAPT is not just a workplace, it is a professional adventure, one he has been actively shaping for the past sixteen years.

“From the Dealership to the Drawing Board” – Ken Chaiser, Product Manager, Parts

Ken Chaiser’s story with XAPT is unique: he spent three decades on the dealership side before stepping into product development. Born and raised in South Florida, Ken worked at Kelly Tractor, a major Caterpillar dealer, from 1985 to 2015. Since joining, he moved through the ranks from warehouse worker and parts counter rep to parts manager and product support sales manager. But it wasn’t just a career in operations: Ken was also at the center of major system implementations, including the launch of CAT DBS in the early ’90s and, later, the introduction of NAXT in 2010.

That last project changed everything. “Back then, many people thought it was impossible to move away from DBS. But we did it, and Kelly still uses NAXT today. That project was mine from start to finish,” Ken recalls. The experience left such a mark that, in 2015, he joined XAPT, first as Delivery Manager, then as Product Manager for Parts, a role he continues to hold today. “I started out by working closely with on-site consultants, supporting them through implementation projects. A couple of years later, I moved into product management, which I still enjoy immensely.”

“I feel proud to have contributed to it and to have turned three decades of dealership experience into something that helps other dealers do their jobs better.”

At XAPT, Ken brings a dealership mindset into every decision. “My job is to guide the evolution of the Parts product. I work with clients, listen to their needs, and collaborate with our Budapest team to turn those ideas into real, working features. I basically own the Parts part of NAXT.” From prioritizing new features to aligning development with customer feedback, Ken oversees the full product lifecycle of the Parts module. His impact is clear. “After 30 years at a dealership, I finally get to build the system I always wished I had. Seeing customers light up when their suggestions become reality, that’s one of the best parts of my job.”

What makes Ken especially proud is that NAXT has grown into what he considers “a world-class parts solution: we’re no longer just replacing systems. We are building and maintaining a world-class ERP that enables dealers to better serve their customers. Each project adds a new layer of evolution. And although he is not involved in daily delivery, he still follows go-lives closely. “Each one is a special moment. You see the whole team’s effort come to life.”

He describes XAPT as innovative, dealer-centric and, with a smile, adds that it also comes with its fair share of meetings. But beyond the lighthearted remark, he emphasizes how profound the company’s transformation has been. “When I first worked with XAPT as a customer, it was a small company just trying to patch gaps. Today, we are delivering a full cloud-based solution, integrating AI and Microsoft Copilot, with structured, repeatable methodologies like SEAL. It’s a different world.”

What does it take to thrive at XAPT? “Listen to customers. Deliver quality, even if it takes time that builds trust. And stay ready for change because the work is never really done.” Ken’s journey, spanning both sides of the product, perfectly embodies XAPT’s core strength: turning real-world experience into digital solutions that move the industry forward.

“Adventure. People and Creativity” – Evelina Andrei, Delivery Manager

For Evelina Andrei, XAPT has meant more than just a workplace. “It’s been a real adventure in my life,” she says, reflecting on twelve years with the company. Originally from Romania, Evelina started her XAPT journey in Budapest as a business analyst. In her own words, it was the beginning of a professional transformation that brought her into the heart of the dealership business and across the globe.

“I remember those early days vividly,” she recalls. “We were only about twenty people on the equipment team. I felt like a detective, trying to figure out how the system worked. But everyone was supportive and welcoming, and I felt like I belonged.” Evelina quickly found her way into the world of NAXT, learning its structure, configurations, and the connections between functions.

Years later, she moved to the U.S. and participated in major customer implementations.  “I had the opportunity to work with some of our largest U.S. clients, Gregory Poole, Thompson Tractor, Ziegler, Foley. Each of them had their own unique way of working, and I loved the challenge of adapting to that. There is an art to it,” she explains. Her time in the U.S. also included presales activities and customer demos, experiences she credits for helping her connect the technical side of NAXT with real-life business scenarios. “It’s a different perspective when you see how the system supports the full lifecycle, from ordering a machine to delivering or renting it.”

Eventually, Evelina became a Delivery Manager, leading consultants across key business areas including Sales, Rental, Product Support, and CE. “This role gave me the chance to focus on team building, mentorship, and collaboration. I truly believe that the more we invest in our people, the more successful our clients will be. Our relationships with customers are built by strong, supported teams.”

Over the years, she has seen XAPT grow dramatically, not just in headcount but in mindset.Technologically, she is proud of the shift from on-premises AX2009 to modern, cloud-based solutions. “We are also exploring AI and how it can improve decision-making. It’s an exciting time.”

Looking back, Evelina sees her own story as an example of how XAPT enables people to grow. “Professionally, I have gained knowledge, skills, and a sense of purpose. Personally, I’ve experienced adventure. I have lived in different countries, met amazing people, and discovered that I never quite know what each day will bring, and I love that.”

Her advice for new colleagues: “Take one day at a time. Be yourself, use your strengths, and always give thoughtful answers, even if it takes time. Clients value honesty and reliability.”

What emerges from these reflections is a shared story, shaped by people who didn’t just grow into their roles, but helped shape the company itself. These twenty-five years are a story of continuous learning, adaptation, and building, where personal commitment and technological precision went hand in hand. From the very beginning, the company’s motto has been a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Don’t go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path… and leave a trail.” This mindset has guided our success—first in Hungary, then around the world. XAPT’s journey is not just about where it started, but how far it has come—and where it may still go. If the past has taught us anything, it is that a good team, a solid idea, and persistent effort can take you places you never imagined at the outset.