Bruce A. Bott, the founder of technology firm ADD Systems, died surrounded by his family on Feb. 2 after a long illness.
Bott, 81, was an entrepreneur who pioneered software for the energy distribution industry, building ADD Systems from a one-person operation to a corporation that employs more than 150 people across the United States and Canada.
Bott (pictured above) was a graduate of Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where he studied civil engineering and earned his bachelor and master's degrees. Throughout college, Bott worked for engineering and oil-delivery companies. It was these experiences that led him to partner with Bill Dixon of Dixon Oil to create ADD Systems in 1973, developing fuel-management software that automated the process of predicting fuel deliveries.
Today, as it celebrates 50 years in business, ADD Systems serves more than 500 clients in North America, according to the company.
The company is now led by Bott's son, Bruce C. Bott, who has been president since 2010, working with Rob Culbertson, senior vice president and chief operating officer, to maintain ADD’s commitment to innovation.
“Dad will be missed at home and at work," said Bruce C. Bott. "I trust that he’ll continue to give me the guidance, from above, needed to carry on his legacy of this wonderful company.”
Culbertson added, “Bruce was an amazing man. He was the epitome of an entrepreneur, focused on his customers, his employees and products. His vision and enthusiasm were unmatched. Bruce’s leadership of ADD Systems was one of his greatest accomplishments. We will all miss him.”
A service for Bott was held Feb. 6. Donations in Bott's memory may be made to the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Chicago, or Smile Train, New York.
ADD Systems (Advanced Digital Data Inc.), Flanders, New Jersey, is a provider of software for the petroleum distribution, HVAC and convenience-store industries.
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