25 Years of Orbis: In the Words of Our Team

This year marks 25 years since Orbis began as a small mapping startup. Since then, we’ve grown into an industry leader in forest technology and land asset management. We’ve built tools, launched services, solved problems, and most importantly—built a team and community that continues to shape our story every day.

To celebrate, we asked a few longtime Orbis team members to reflect on what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what they’re proud of. What follows is a story of growth, innovation, teamwork, and trust—in their own words.

From Startup Roots to Industry Leader

Joe Stark, Director of Operations (15 years at Orbis):
“When I started, there were seven of us. We worked out of a tiny office, managing our own data center. Now we’ve grown into a 25-person operation running on the cloud.”

Madeline Feltman, Account Manager (12 years at Orbis):
“We’ve evolved into a company that’s highly respected in the industry. We set new standards in timberland investment technology, but we’ve kept our family-like culture.”

Stefan Czerwinski, GIS Senior Technical Architect, Data Engineer (18 years at Orbis):
“We went from a small office and a business cable modem to a gigabit fiber network and a cloud-based, work-from-anywhere model.”

Corey Turner, Director of GIS Services (14 years at Orbis):
“We went from one person wearing five hats to having real departments—like our GIS production team. That growth has been exciting.”

The Tech That Transformed Us

Joe:
“Software as a service changed everything.”

Stefan:
“GIS software moved from desktop to server-based to cloud-hosted. Now data is available instantly—anywhere.”

Corey:
“We’ve changed not only the tools we use, but how we support clients, manage projects, and make strategic decisions. Tech has driven that transformation.”

Why We Stay

Joe:
“The people. Our team and our clients make it worthwhile.”

Madeline:
“The culture has always felt like family. We’re helping people do meaningful work.”

Stefan:
“Our team is dedicated. I’ve loved helping newer employees come up in this tech-forward space.”

Corey:
“Great coworkers, great clients, and an industry full of genuinely good people. That’s what keeps me here.”

Stories Worth Repeating

Joe:
“One of my favorite memories is getting snowed in during a business trip to Marquette, MI. We had to drive five hours south in a snowstorm just to catch a flight.”

Stefan:
“I once had to carry a 30 lb. tower server through downtown for a project. Also—there were actual animals in the ceiling at our first office.”

Corey:
“I still laugh thinking about the Fruehauf Building breakroom. Also, the Cold House. And Orbis softball—can’t forget that.”

Proud Moments

Joe:
“I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built and the success of so many different projects.”

Madeline:
“Helping clients streamline operations and improve strategy—that’s the most rewarding part of my job.”

Stefan:
“I’ve worn a lot of hats here, and I’m proud of how far I’ve grown and the trust I’ve earned.”

Corey:
“Being someone my team relies on—that’s huge for me. Having my input shape the company’s direction is something I take seriously.”

Looking Ahead

Joe:
“Onward and upward! I’ll be retired, but I trust the next generation to carry it forward.”

Stefan:
“AI, automation, and everything cloud-based—that’s where we’re headed. Our role will be to ensure it all works, with integrity.”

Corey:
“We’ll keep supporting land asset management, but we’ll expand into new industries too. And maybe…property taxes. (Hehe. Half kidding!)”

As we step into the next 25 years, we’re carrying with us the lessons, people, and passion that built Orbis. To our team, our clients, and our partners—thank you for being part of the journey.

We can’t wait to see what’s next.