Our Story
Wombat Safety Software was founded in 2021 by Ron deBruyne, a veteran software builder with deep roots in safety. Before Wombat, Ron spent 25 years building Helm Operations, which became the leading maritime software provider in North America. Helm’s focus on safety gave him unique insight: end users aren’t software experts. They need something simple that fits into their day because the easier it is, the more likely it actually gets used.
When Ron tried retirement, it didn’t stick. He knew there was more to do, this time with a mission to bring safety software to more industries: construction, municipalities, manufacturing, oil & gas, and beyond. That’s how Wombat was born: software that makes safety simple, practical, and human.
The 12 Second Rule™
Our Core Values
Meet the Team

Ron deBruyne – The Big Cheese
Ron has spent more than 25 years building software that helps people work safer. He founded Helm Operations, which became the leading maritime software provider in North America, before starting Wombat to bring safety software to more industries. When he’s not dreaming up ways to make safety simple, you’ll find him outdoors, enjoying life on the water, or planning the next big idea.

Ashley Dueck – The Ringmaster
Ashley keeps Wombat running smoothly; part strategist, part problem-solver, and full-time champion of customers. She makes sure the details never get lost while keeping the big picture in sight. Known for her energy and creativity, Ashley brings both structure and spark to the team (and usually has the best snacks).

Chrystie Benson – Sales Extraordinaire
Chrystie is the voice you’ll probably hear when you call us, and the person who makes sure you feel supported from day one. She thrives on building real relationships with customers and loves helping people see that safety software doesn’t have to be complicated. Her superpower? Turning a tricky setup into an easy win, and doing it with a laugh.
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Garrett Kulos – Development Wizard
Garrett is the builder behind Wombat. He translates customer needs into smart, practical features that pass the 12 Second Rule™. With a knack for simplifying the complex, Garrett ensures Wombat feels natural for workers in the field and powerful for managers in the office. Off the clock, he’s usually tinkering with his 3D printer making something that’ll impress the masses.
Ron deBruyne
The Big Cheese
Ron has spent more than 25 years building software that helps people work safer. He founded Helm Operations, which became the leading maritime software provider in North America, before starting Wombat to bring safety software to more industries. When he’s not dreaming up ways to make safety simple, you’ll find him outdoors, enjoying life on the water, or planning the next big idea.
Ashley Dueck
The Ringmaster
Ashley keeps Wombat running smoothly; part strategist, part problem-solver, and full-time champion of customers. She makes sure the details never get lost while keeping the big picture in sight. Known for her energy and creativity, Ashley brings both structure and spark to the team (and usually has the best snacks).
Garrett Culos
The Development Wizard
Garrett is the builder behind Wombat. He translates customer needs into smart, practical features that pass the 12 Second Rule™. With a knack for simplifying the complex, Garrett ensures Wombat feels natural for workers in the field and powerful for managers in the office. Off the clock, he’s usually tinkering with his 3D printer making something that’ll impress the masses.
Chrystie Benson
The Relationship Queen
Chrystie is the voice you’ll probably hear when you call us, and the person who makes sure you feel supported from day one. She thrives on building real relationships with customers and loves helping people see that safety software doesn’t have to be complicated. Her superpower? Turning a tricky setup into an easy win,and doing it with a laugh.
Sami Fayoumi
The Thoughtful Coder
Sami brings Wombat to life one clever line of code at a time. When he’s not building features, he’s diving into philosophy, debating current events, or discovering great food spots. He’s also our resident cat enthusiast and unofficial plant preservationist. Smart, steady, and endlessly curious, Sami keeps Wombat sharp.
Prabhjot Kaur
The Explorer Engineer
Prabhjot brings curiosity and creativity to every part of development. She loves great food, good music, and any excuse to dance and that sense of energy shows up in her work. Whether she’s solving a tricky problem or exploring a new idea, Prabhjot approaches everything with enthusiasm and a fresh perspective.
Monica Fuerte
The Fixer of All Things
Monica is the engine behind every smooth Wombat launch. As our Implementation Specialist, she turns complex setups into simple, stress-free rollouts and somehow makes it look effortless (even though we promised never to use that word). A true wizard of customer success, Monica keeps projects on track, people supported, and chaos firmly in its place.
Zarah Muñez
The Creative Spark
Zarah is the branding extraordinaire behind Wombat’s look and feel. She supports sales with materials that turn heads and transforms even the driest document into something you’d actually want to read. When she’s not adding flair to the brand, she’s soaking up the music scene and finding inspiration everywhere. With Zarah around, things are never boring.