If you’ve ever searched online for help with IBM i programming, chances are you’ve landed on RPGPGM.COM; Simon Hutchinson’s blog that just hit an impressive 12-year milestone! Simon is the founder, author, and engine behind the site, which now features over 1,000 posts full of tutorials, tips, and insights on the IBM i platform. He had one simple goal: help others learn RPG after realizing how few resources existed online. That goal snowballed into a global presence, speaking engagements, and, five years ago, the honor of becoming an IBM Champion. Now affectionately known as “Simon the RPGPGM guy,” he continues to make an impact on the IBM i community every day.

Simon’s passion for the IBM i operating system runs deep. He describes it as the most reliable, flexible, and business-ready platform out there—scaling easily from small family-run companies to massive global enterprises. And his enthusiasm doesn’t stop at writing. Simon has presented at 64 events (and counting!) across seven countries, always bringing energy, clarity, and encouragement to his audiences. But what he loves most is the IBM i community itself, a space with strog collaboration, and it’s not uncommon to casually chat tech over dinner with top IBM leaders. “Where else can you geek out like that?” he says with a smile.

At his core, Simon is a teacher. Before working in IT, he actually taught professionally, and that love for helping others has never left him. Whether he’s answering reader questions, mentoring up-and-coming developers, or speaking on stage, Simon brings the same energy and generosity that define great educators. His advice for future IBM Champions? Get involved. Speak up. Share what you know. The community is ready to hear from you. And if you ever need a place to start learning, or just want to brush up on your RPG skills, bookmark RPGPGM.COM. It’s more than a blog; it’s a pillar of the IBM i community.

Lightning Round:

•         What would be your superpower and why?

Time travel - I'm a huge history buff.

•         Ice cream or cake?

Ice cream.

•         Cats or dogs?

Dogs.

•         Summer or winter?

Summer - I don't "do" cold.

•         Morning or evening?

Morning. I love getting things done before the world wakes up.

•         eBook or paper book?

Paper book - feeling the pages is part of the experience.

•         TV shows or movies?

TV shows, though I don't watch much.

•         A night out or a night in?

Night in.

•         Cannonball or toe-dip into the pool?

Cannonball.

•         Go-to karaoke song?

None - I don't sing in public.

•         Drive or fly?

Drive. The journey is part of the adventure.