Connie Driscoll Burmaster, a senior industry advisor at GK Software SE in Fort Myers, Florida, has navigated an impressive career in information technology for five decades. Laying the foundation by earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Florida State University in 1963, her journey began when opportunities for women were limited. Yet, Ms. Burmaster’s perseverance and talent would allow her to break barriers in the traditionally male technology and retail sectors.
Ms. Burmaster started out at National Cash Register, known as NCR, as an “installation girl,” placing and programming counting machines for various businesses. Despite the challenging environment for women in the tech space at the time, her mathematical expertise was quickly recognized by NCR, which became one of the few companies to acknowledge her potential. Her dedication led to significant achievements, including becoming the first woman to attend NCR’s National Sales Quota Convention in 1969, a milestone that exemplified her success in sales and marketing. During her decade with NCR, Ms. Burmaster cultivated a deep knowledge of the industry, which paved the way for her future business development and consulting ventures.
A hallmark of Ms. Burmaster’s work is her entrepreneurial spirit, visible through her ability to start and sell successful businesses. Her ventures have been profitable and impactful in shaping the landscape of retail technology. She prides herself on her ability to understand the needs of her clients, offer tailored solutions, and maintain long-term relationships. This approach has earned her the respect and trust of colleagues and clients. In this vein, Ms. Burmaster has founded multiple companies, including Retail Resources and Connie Driscoll Associates. She spent 11 years running Retail Resources, a successful enterprise that earned a coveted magazine spot on the Inc. list of America’s 500 fastest-growing companies in the 1990s. She also co-founded 4690 World, demonstrating her commitment to innovation and leadership in the technology field. As owner of Connie Driscoll Associates, she has been a consultant for more than 25 years and continues to advise businesses and provide strategic solutions in the rapidly evolving retail technology sector.
At GK Software SE, Ms. Burmaster has a multifaceted role as a senior industry advisor responsible for market research, business development, project management, and mentoring young salespeople. Often referred to as the “Swiss army knife” of her team, Ms. Burmaster handles various tasks, including organizing major events such as the customer summit in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her vast experience allows her to provide valuable insights to retail managers and business owners, meeting their needs with innovative software solutions. While working for GK Software, she operates as a contractor through her consulting firm, continuing to work independently while supporting the company’s goals.
Ms. Burmaster credits much of her success to her emotional intelligence, a key asset in building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and mentees. She emphasizes listening and empathy as essential qualities allowing her to understand others’ perspectives and create win-win outcomes in business transactions. These skills, combined with her technical expertise and experience, have distinguished her as a leader in the information technology industry. Further, Ms. Burmaster’s career has been shaped by the guidance of mentors who played significant roles in her professional development. At NCR, she received invaluable advice from Tom Hannon and Ship Shipman, who supported her rise within the company. Her stepfather, Robert G. Cochran, also helped to shape her ambitions, encouraging her to pursue any desired goal. As one of their resellers, Ms. Burmaster’s association with IBM provided her with numerous growth opportunities, while peers such as Debbie Nemesi, Beth Ann Vaughn, and Kathy Pavlik offered mentorship and support along the way.
A defining moment in Ms. Burmaster’s life occurred when she qualified for NCR’s prestigious 100-Point Club, an honor awarded to employees who surpassed their sales quota. Initially, she was told she would not be allowed to attend the celebratory event, with an executive offering her a different trip instead. Unwilling to accept this decision, she demanded an audience with those involved and insisted on her right to attend. Her determination led to a personal victory when she received a standing ovation at the event, and her participation marked the beginning of increased female representation at future conventions. Moreover, Ms. Burmaster has witnessed significant technological advancements and changes within her industry. These developments have kept her engaged and motivated, as she stays current with modern innovations. Her ability to adapt to new technologies while maintaining a deep understanding of the human element in business interactions has ensured her continued success and longevity in the field.
As she continues her work at GK Software, Ms. Burmaster is committed to mentoring younger professionals in the field. She believes that passing on knowledge and providing guidance to the next generation is one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. Her advice to aspiring professionals is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to remain open to new challenges and experiences. She often shares the story of her sister, who, despite beginning in an unexpected role at Tupperware, eventually used her language skills to secure a significant position when the company opened an office in St. Petersburg, Russia. This story highlights the importance of being visible and ready for unexpected opportunities and shows how perseverance and adaptability can lead to remarkable outcomes.
With an impressive legacy already established, Ms. Burmaster inspires others, particularly women in the technology and retail sectors. Her achievements mirror her technical skills, business acumen, and dedication to helping others succeed. As she continues to thrive in her advisory role, Ms. Burmaster looks forward to expanded opportunities and challenges. Alongside her profession, she is focused on enhancing her quality of life and continuing to connect with new people. Proud that her professional and personal endeavors have positively influenced her relationships, Ms. Burmaster remains close to her family—including but not limited to her siblings, stepchildren, and brother Tony Cochran, a prominent attorney in Atlanta, who has been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout her life. In her leisure time, she enjoys connecting with friends, golf, tennis, pickleball, book club participation, dancing, and theater performances.
