The company was founded in 1980 by is current chairman and chief executive officer (CEO),Doug Carlston , and his brother, Gary, when the personal computer software industry was still in its infancy . The brothers chose the name Broderbund from Broder a blend of the Swedish and Danish words for brother, and bund, German for alliance.The name originated from Gary Carlston’s travels toand employment in Sweden. Today, you can find the word s Broder and Soster on the doors to the restrooms in the corporate lobby.