JOSEPH CUPP JR

Passed: December 2011

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Why Joseph Cupp Jr. Mattered

Joseph Cupp Jr. devoted his career to ensuring the success of the MultiValue community and the businesses that depended upon it. Through Orion Pacific Technologies and later as Co-founder and Vice President of Zumasys, Joe helped thousands of organizations deploy, support, and modernize their MultiValue systems. His leadership strengthened one of the largest MultiValue reseller and support networks in North America, while his unwavering commitment to customer success demonstrated that the long-term value of MultiValue technology depends as much on the people who support it as on the technology itself.

In Memoriam

The MultiValue community lost one of its most dedicated advocates with the passing of Joseph Cupp Jr. His career was defined not only by his business accomplishments, but also by his commitment to the people who relied on MultiValue technology every day. To customers, partners, and colleagues alike, Joe became known as someone who genuinely cared about helping others succeed.

Joe's introduction to MultiValue technology came in the early 1980s while working as a night janitor for Sunmo, a timeshare company. What began as the simple task of rotating 9-track backup tapes soon became a passion for computing. Under the mentorship of Tom McTeer, Joe became the system administrator for the company's Evolution minicomputer, one of the earliest Pick licensees. Inspired by the possibilities of the technology, he left his career as a teacher and football coach to devote himself full time to the MultiValue industry.

In 1993, Joe co-founded Orion Pacific Technologies, helping build it into Pick Systems' largest distributor with more than 400 resellers throughout North America. Following its acquisition by Jones Business Systems, he continued expanding the company's Enterprise Systems Division before co-founding Zumasys in 2000 alongside Paul Giobbi.

Starting with only a modest investment, Joe helped transform Zumasys into one of the industry's premier providers of MultiValue infrastructure, cloud computing, and support services. Under his leadership, the company achieved sustained growth while serving more than 10,000 MultiValue users across North America. His vision helped position MultiValue technology to remain relevant in an evolving computing landscape.

Despite his many business accomplishments, Joe was perhaps best known for the relationships he built. Customers often remarked that no matter the hour, Joe was willing to help solve a problem or offer guidance. His dedication earned the respect of countless organizations, many of whom viewed him not simply as a vendor, but as a trusted advisor and friend. As one customer expressed it so simply, "Joe cared."

Joe also believed in investing in people. He mentored young professionals entering the industry, including Zumasys engineer Jay Otto, whose memory remained close to Joe's heart after his passing. The culture of mentorship, teamwork, and personal commitment that Joe fostered continues to define Zumasys and serves as a lasting reflection of his character.

Joseph Cupp Jr.'s legacy is found not only in the companies he helped build, but also in the thousands of businesses that continue to rely on MultiValue technology because of his dedication, leadership, and belief in the community. He demonstrated that technology alone does not build an industry; it is the people who support one another, earn trust, and invest in lasting relationships who ensure its continued success.

The MultiValue community extends its deepest sympathies to Joe's wife Betty, his family, friends, colleagues, and the many customers whose lives he touched. His example of leadership, integrity, and genuine care for others will continue to inspire the MultiValue community for years to come.

This memorial will be updated as additional verified biographical and historical information becomes available.