history


The epic software group was founded in 1990 by Vic Cherubini. It came as a result of a business plan he submitted while completing his MBA at the University of Houston in 1987. His Professor, Dr. Jon Goodman (who was also the Director of the Houston Small Business Development Council) challenged him to turn the plan into a business which he did. The Small Business Development Council played an instrumental role in taking the company from a concept to a real entity.


Trying to convince companies to invest in multimedia applications was difficult in the early years. As computers increased in both power and graphics capability, more companies began to see the possibilities of using the computer to boost sales. With the advent of the internet in the mid-1990's, epic saw a huge surge in business, and used these revenues to buy property and build its dream studio in 1999. On January 1, 2000, epic moved into the their new home at 701 Sawdust Road where they reside today. 

In early 2000, the Internet bubble burst, followed by a downturn in the energy industry and a recession brought on by the attacks of 9/11. Epic used these years to write a number of books on computer graphics, programming, and software applications. Those books include:


  • Flash 5 Design - From Concept to Creation - published by Prima Publishing in 2001, this was one of the first Flash 5 books on the market. This guide offers an introductory section to provide a foundation for understanding Flash. The rest of the book demonstrates the creation of more than 20 sample Web sites that use Flash to solve specific graphics challenges, such as designing a multimedia game. The CD-ROM contains the source code and numerous interactive multimedia sample applications.

  • Director 8.5 Interface Design - Published in 2003 by the New Riders division of Pearson Press, the book was written for programmers and designers to get the most out of using Macromedia's Shockwave Studio and Lingo. Over 15 interface samples are included along with step-by-step instructions on how to create them for yourself. The CD-ROM at the back of the book contains the source code along with digital versions of each interface.

  • Microsoft Excel 2002 Plain and Simple - Microsoft Press contracted with the epic software group, inc. to both write and package this book for distribution around the world. Written by Curtis Frye and edited by Rod Afshar, this no-nonsense guide uses numbered steps and concise, straightforward language to show the most expedient ways to learn a new skill or solve a problem. Over 80,000 copies of the book have been sold to date.

  • The Best of 3D Graphics - Published in 2004 by Rockport Press, this book contains over 250 cutting-edge images designed by 3D masters from around the world. This book celebrates the revolutionary achievements in 3D computer art and continues to inspire both artists and fans of this genre. Over 2000 entries were submitted for consideration. There were far more high quality entries than the printed book would allow, so a companion CD is included with the book that contains all of the entries sent to epic for review.

  • Lightwave Applied 6/5 - 7.0 - This book was written for users of all skill levels and was designed to teach animators how to master LightWave 6.5 through the development of actual projects. With more than 600 images, users will be treated to in-depth tutorials on using the software's features to build detailed and realistic objects like buildings, cars, and mountains. epic software group authored several chapters in the book along with developing the interactive CD-ROM which include objects, figures, and bonus material.

  • Advergaming Developers Guide - In 2004, Charles River Media, publisher of many of the world's best game development books, had epic write the first book on Advergaming, also known as "in-game advertising". Advergames immerse the user into a game environment for long periods of time and one that they may return to again and again. Companies such as Chrysler, Miller Brewing Company, Sony Pictures, and Mattel are using Advergames to reinforce their brand image and build a database of information about their customers.


In November 2002, AV Video & Multimedia Producer Magazine named Vic Cherubini as one of the top 100 Producers in the United States. Although the award went to Cherubini, he was quick to share the spotlight with his team. "When I launched the epic software group in 1990, the selection of the word "group" was most important. The large multimedia projects we worked on over the years required a variety of skills, and teamwork has always been a critical component of everything we have done."

In 2003, epic software group was named as an Honoree for the 7th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Association Dinner. Jack Stibbs, Chairman for the event said, "Vic and his team at the epic software group have helped the parents, families, doctors, sponsors, caregivers, and the PH Association by creating a series of interactive CD-ROMs that are truly the Encarta of information about this disease. For their efforts we are truly grateful."


In 2004, epic software group partnered with Human Kinetics (North America's largest sports book publisher) to create a series of interactive training lessons for High School officials. At the same time, epic created similar training materials for the NCAA and other regional sports organizations. 


In October of 2006, Vic Cherubini received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Houston Chapter of the Business Marketing Association; their highest honor. Vic has worked on the BMA Houston Board of Directors and served as a volunteer for the organization for over 14 years. He started the BMA Houston Student Assistance Program which has awarded out over $150,000 in scholarships since 1993, and was recognized by BMA National as the most innovative program among the organizations 26 regional chapters. 

In 2006, epic was named as a finalist for the Small Business of the Year Award by The Small Business Development Council - the organization that helped him launch the company. Although epic did not win the award, it was selected as one of the top three among 147 peer companies.



In 2009, epic started construction on a 5000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art video production studio. It was completed in 2011. The studio features cyclorama walls, 18' high ceilings, a retractable lighting grid, an elevated shooting platform, and special insulation designed to keep sound out while the room remains comfortable all year round. 

In 2014, epic was selected from 11,000 vendors as the "Siemens Supplier Of The Year" for our work on a series of interactive trade show presentations and videos.

From the start, the epic software group worked with student interns to help create the software and graphics needed for the work at hand. Many of these interns have become business owners, and highly valued employees. At epic, we take internships seriously, and are proud of our students and of the program which has grown stronger over the years.

As epic approaches its 27th anniversary in 2017, it would like to thank all of the employees, customers, interns, and friends who have helped us grow and prosper. Our goal is to do business with our friends, or those who will soon be friends. We think our best days are ahead of us.


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