#154: 2nd-Generation CEO Modernizes Mom's Legacy Software Business - Brian Forbis

Jul 25, 2025

Brian Forbis, CEO of Blood Bank Computer Systems, Inc., shares his journey of modernizing his mother's legacy software firm. He discusses the critical transition from outdated systems to cloud-based ERP solutions in the blood bank industry. Challenges such as regulatory compliance, data migration, and customer relationships are tackled head-on. Brian emphasizes the unique collaboration within the blood donation sector and the transformative role of AI in enhancing operations. His commitment to saving lives while navigating the complexities of the business shines through.

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ANECDOTE

Founding Story by Brian's Mom

The business BBCS was founded by Brian Forbis's mother when she was hired as an early developer for a blood center's software need.
She spun this project into a company serving a large part of the U.S. blood supply with software solutions.

INSIGHT

Complexity of Blood Bank ERP Migrations

Blood bank ERP implementations are massive, regulated projects involving every department and FDA validation.
Data migration from legacy systems must preserve all data with zero loss, making switchovers complex and long.

ANECDOTE

Legacy Green Screen Story

The legacy system was an IBM mini mainframe with a green screen interface, which turned off many potential customers.
Moving to a browser-based emulation overlay improved user experience and helped sales and modernization.

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Brian Forbis is the CEO and president of Blood Bank Computer Systems, Inc. (BBCS), a business his mother created in the 1980s to serve the non-profit blood bank industry in the US. Brian started in sales, then transitioned to run development, and assumed the role of CEO in 2019 when he bought the company.

BBCS rebuilt its entire mission-critical ERP software as a modern cloud solution over the last five years and is actively converting customers from legacy on-premise systems. With 40 employees and nearly $10 million in revenue, BBCS serves the blood banks that supply 20% of the blood products in the U.S.

Their industry presents numerous unique challenges, including negotiating co-op pricing, complying with FDA regulations, and managing partner-based relationships with customers. Brian is running this as a private, long-term business that will support the important blood bank industry for decades to come.

Quote from Brian Forbis, CEO and president of BBCS

“We don't have churn in customers, and we don't have churn in employees either. The people we attract to our blood bank software business really get bought in that we're helping people. We tell our team that you are affecting the lives of tens of thousands of people every day

“There's a reason we're regulated because we make decisions on the safety and efficacy of blood. And that's a big deal. We're committed to what we’re doing. We build a key component of saving lives.

“I drive that home every time I can talk about it. Making quality personal is one of our key values that we emphasize and discuss frequently.”

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