The Surrender Experiment

In 1978, Singer visits a Radio Shack store and comes across a TRS-80 personal computer. Though he’s never worked with computers before, he’s instantly captivated by the machine. The experience of interacting with the computer feels natural to him, like an extension of his spiritual practice. Despite having no clear idea of how he will use it, he surrenders to the pull he feels and purchases the device.

Singer, already managing two full-time roles with the Temple of the Universe and Built with Love, finds himself dedicating late nights to learning how to program. His first real project is writing an accounting system for his construction company, and from there, things escalate quickly. Word spreads about his programming skills, and Singer soon finds himself receiving requests for custom software development from local businesses. Without seeking it, a new business, Personalized Programming, is born, and he becomes a professional programmer.

What started as a hobby evolves into a thriving software company. Committed to his spiritual practices, Singer initially turns down out-of-town business trips, unwilling to compromise his attendance at morning and evening services. But when James Pierson, a Temple resident and pilot, offers to fly him to clients, Singer expands his services.