Document:

<PAGE>   1

                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.36.2

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                        RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

                                [Conformed Copy]

To: Robert Gibbs    Date of Grant: October 30, 2000   Number of Shares: 245,000

         You and Aperian, Inc., a Delaware company (the "Company"), are parties
to a Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated October 30, 2000 (the "Prior
Agreement") under which the Company granted you an award (the "Award")
consisting of an aggregate of 245,000 shares (the "Restricted Shares") of the
Company's authorized Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Prior Agreement and the Aperian, Inc. 2000
Stock Option Plan as restated (the "Plan"). You and the Company have agreed to
certain modifications to the Award, and are entering into this Agreement (this
"Agreement") with respect thereto. Simultaneously with, and as an additional
inducement to, your entering into this Agreement, the Company is awarding you an
option to purchase 350,000 shares of the Company's authorized Common Stock.

         This Agreement sets forth the terms of the agreement between you and
the Company with respect to the Restricted Shares and amends, supercedes and
restates the Prior Agreement. By accepting this Agreement, you agree to be bound
by all of the terms hereof.

         1. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the
meanings set forth below:

              (a) "Award" has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of
this Agreement.

              (b) "Board of Directors" means the board of directors of the
Company.

              (c) "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday
or a day on which banking institutions in the State of Texas are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close.

              (d) "Cause" means any of the following: (i) your willful failure
to substantially perform your duties under the employment agreement, if any,
entered into between you and the Company (the "Employment Agreement") without
legal cause, other than any such failure resulting from your incapacity due to
physical or mental illness or Disability; (ii) your engaging willfully in any
action which, or omitting to engage in any action the omission of which, you
know or should know is, or is reasonably expected to be, substantially injurious
(monetarily or otherwise) to the Company or its business or reputation; (iii)
your performance of any illegal conduct or act or omission constituting serious
dishonesty that results, directly or indirectly, in significant gain or
enrichment of your or your affiliates at the expense of the Company or which
adversely affects, or reasonably could in the future adversely affect, your
value, reliability, or performance in a material manner; or (iv) any deliberate
breach by you of any material obligation under your employment agreement which
relates to the preservation of

<PAGE>   2

confidential information, disclosure of Company contact information, the
nonsolicitation of Company employees or consultants, or the disclosure or
assignment of the acquisition or development of intellectual property. Whether
an event or circumstance constituting Cause exists will be determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors, but only if such determination is approved by
at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors, after you have
been given written notice by the Company of the specific reason for such
termination and an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the
Board of Directors. A member of the Board of Directors may participate in any
hearing that is required pursuant to Section 1 of this Agreement by means of
conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all
persons participating in the hearing can hear and speak to each other; provided,
however, that at least one-half of the members of the Board of Directors (in
addition to you) shall attend the hearing in person. If the Company determines
that Cause for termination exists pursuant to Section 1(d)(i) of this Agreement,
the Company shall notify you of that belief, and that notice shall describe the
event or circumstance believed to constitute Cause for termination. If that
event or circumstance may reasonably be remedied or corrected, you shall have
thirty (30) days to effect that correction or remedy. If not corrected or
remedied within that thirty (30) day period (as determined by at least
two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors after opportunity for a
hearing as described in this Section 1), Cause for termination shall immediately
be deemed to exist and your employment shall be terminated. If the Company
determines, as provided above, that Cause for termination exists under Sections
1(d)(ii)-(iv) of this Agreement, the Company shall notify you of that belief and
that notice shall constitute immediate termination of your employment.

              (e) "Change in Control" shall mean the first to occur of the
following events: (i) any sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer (in one
transaction or series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company to any Person or group of related Persons for purposes
of section 13(d) of the Exchange Act; (ii) a majority of the Board of Directors
shall consist of Persons who are not Continuing Directors; (iii) the acquisition
after the date of this Agreement by any Person or group of Persons of the power,
directly or indirectly, to vote or direct the voting of securities having more
than 50% of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the
Company; or (iv) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a merger or
consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or
consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity or such surviving entity's parent) at least fifty percent (50%)
of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or
such surviving entity or such surviving entity's parent outstanding immediately
after such merger or consolidation.

              (f) "Change in Control Price" means the Common Stock price
established, in connection with a Change in Control, under an applicable
following scenario: (i) the per share price offered to holders of the Common
Stock of the Company in any such merger or consolidation; (ii) the per share
value of the Common Stock immediately before the Change in Control without
regard to assets sold in the Change in Control and assuming the Company has
received the consideration paid for the assets in the case of a sale of the
assets; (iii) the amount distributed per share of Common Stock in a dissolution
transaction; or (iv) the price per share offered to holders of the Common Stock
of the Company in any tender offer or exchange offer

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

whereby a Change in Control takes place. In the event that the consideration
offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction described in this
Section 1(f) consists of anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine
the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered which is
other than cash.

              (g) "Committee" shall mean the committee or sub-committee
established by the Board of Directors to administer part or all of the Plan.

              (h) "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $.01 per
share, of the Company.

              (i) "Continuing Director" shall mean, as of the date of
determination, any Person who (i) was a member of the Board of Directors on the
date of this Agreement, or (ii) was nominated for election or elected to the
Board of Directors with the affirmative vote of a majority of the Continuing
Directors who were members of the Board of Directors at the time of such
nomination or election.

              (j) "Date of Grant" means October 30, 2000.

              (k) "Disability" shall have the meaning given it in any employment
agreement between you and the Company; provided, however, that if you do not
have an employment agreement, "Disability" shall mean your permanent and total
disability, which shall be deemed to exist if you are reasonably unable to
perform your employment duties because of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted
or can be expected to last for at least ninety (90) consecutive days; provided
that, the existence of any Disability shall be determined by the Board of
Directors or an authorized committee or representative thereof
("Representative"), in its sole and absolute discretion, upon receipt of
competent medical advice from a qualified physician selected by or acceptable to
the Board of Directors or its Representative; provided, further that, you shall,
if there is any question about your Disability, submit to a physical examination
by a qualified physician selected by the Board of Directors or its
Representative.

              (l) "Employee" means any employee of the Company or of any of its
Subsidiaries, including officers and directors of the Company who are also
employees of the Company or of any of its Subsidiaries.

              (m) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

              (n) "Fair Market Value" shall, as it relates to the Common Stock,
mean, notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the closing price of
such shares of Common Stock as reported on the principal national securities
exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are then listed or the NASDAQ
National Market, as applicable, on the Business Day preceding the date specified
herein for such a determination, or if there were no sales on such preceding
date, on the prior immediately preceding day on which there were sales, or if
such Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ
National Market, the last reported bid price in the over-the-counter market, or
if such shares are not traded in the over-the-counter market, the per share cash
price for which all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock could be sold to a
willing purchaser in an arms length transaction (without

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

regard to minority discount, absence of liquidity, or transfer restrictions
imposed by any applicable law or agreement) as of the Business Day preceding the
date of the event giving rise to a need for a determination.

              (o) "Good Reason" means any of the following: (i) a significant
reduction in the nature or scope of your authorities or duties from those
customarily performed by persons acting in your capacity; (ii) a change in your
reporting relationship so that you report to anyone other than the Board of
Directors of the Company; (iii) a reduction in your annual base salary or target
opportunity under any applicable bonus or incentive compensation plan or
arrangement; (iv) a diminution in your eligibility to participate in bonus,
stock option, incentive award and other compensation plans which provide
opportunities for compensation which are at least equivalent to the
opportunities afforded by the Company (including its Subsidiaries) to its most
senior executives; (v) a diminution in employee benefits (including but not
limited to medical, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability plans) and
perquisites applicable to you from the employee benefits and perquisites
provided by the Company (including its Subsidiaries) to its most senior
executives; or (vi) a change, without your consent, in the location of your
principal place of employment by the Company by more than 50 miles from the
location where you were principally employed prior to such change. If you
determine that an event constituting Good Reason has occurred, you shall notify
the Company and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of that belief, which notice shall set forth the bases for that
belief. The Company shall have 30 days after receipt of such notice in which to
either rectify such event to your reasonable satisfaction or determine that an
event constituting Cause exists. If the Company does not take either of such
actions within such 30-day period, you may terminate your employment for Good
Reason immediately by giving written notice to the Company.

              (p) "Non-Surviving Event" means the occurrence of one or both of
the following:

                            (i) the merger or consolidation of the Company with
              any Person, whether effected as a single transaction or a series
              of related transactions, with (A) the Company not being the
              continuing or surviving entity of that merger or consolidation or
              (B) the Company remaining the continuing or surviving entity of
              that merger or consolidation but all or a part of the outstanding
              shares of stock are changed into or exchanged for stock or other
              securities of any other Person or the Company, cash, or other
              property; or

                            (ii) the transfer, directly or indirectly, of all or
              substantially all of the assets of the Company (whether by sale,
              merger, consolidation, liquidation, or otherwise) to any Person,
              whether effected as a single transaction or a series of related
              transactions.

              (q) "Person" means any person or entity of any nature, whatsoever,
specifically including an individual, a firm, a company, a partnership, a trust,
or other entity.

              (r) "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any company,
limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which a
majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest
is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

         2. ESCROW OF RESTRICTED SHARES. The Company shall issue in your name a
certificate or certificates representing the Restricted Shares and retain that
certificate or those certificates until the restrictions on such Restricted
Shares expire as described in Sections 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement or
the Restricted Shares are forfeited as contemplated in Sections 4 and 8 of this
Agreement. You shall execute one or more stock powers in blank for those
certificates and deliver those stock powers to the Company. You hereby agree
that the Company shall hold the certificate or certificates representing the
Restricted Shares and the related stock powers pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement until such time as such certificate or certificates are either
delivered to you or canceled pursuant to this Agreement.

         3. OWNERSHIP OF RESTRICTED SHARES. From and after the time that a
certificate or certificates representing the Restricted Shares has been issued
in your name, you will be entitled to all the rights of absolute ownership of
the Restricted Shares, including the right to vote those shares and to receive
dividends thereon if, as, and when declared by the Board of Directors, subject,
however, to the terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in this Agreement.

         4. RESTRICTIONS; FORFEITURE. The Restricted Shares are restricted in
that they may not be sold, transferred or otherwise alienated or hypothecated
until such restrictions are removed or expire as described in Section 5, 6, 8, 9
or 10 of this Agreement. The Restricted Shares are also subject to forfeiture at
the Company's election as set forth in this Agreement if your employment with
the Company is terminated on or prior to October 30, 2002 (either by you or by
the Company), subject to the provisions set forth in Sections 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10
of this Agreement. You hereby agree that if the Restricted Shares are forfeited
as provided in this Section 4, the Company shall have the right to deliver the
certificate(s) representing the Restricted Shares to the Company's transfer
agent for cancellation or, at the Company's election, for transfer to the
Company to be held by the Company in treasury or any designee of the Company.

         5. EXPIRATION OF RESTRICTIONS AND RISK OF FORFEITURE. The restrictions
on all of the Restricted Shares granted pursuant to this Agreement will expire
on October 30, 2002, provided, however, that such restrictions will expire on
that date only if you have been an Employee continuously from the Date of Grant
through October 30, 2002. The Company may, in its discretion, prospectively
reduce the restriction period applicable to the Restricted Shares and the period
during which the Restricted Shares may be forfeited as contemplated in Section 4
of this Agreement.

         6. PERFORMANCE TARGETS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, any portion of the Award which has not expired shall become
nonforfeitable according to the following schedule:

              (a) 20% of the Award shall be accelerated and become
nonforfeitable if the Common Stock attains a Fair Market Value of at least $4
per share for a period of no less than 30 consecutive days;

              (b) an additional 40% of the Award shall be accelerated and become
nonforfeitable if the Common Stock attains a Fair Market Value of at least $8
per share for a period of no less than 30 consecutive days; and

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

              (c) the final 40% of the Award shall be accelerated and become
nonforfeitable if the Common Stock attains a Fair Market Value of at least $12
per share for a period of not less than 30 consecutive days.

All Common Stock prices in this Section 6 shall be adjusted as provided in
Section 7.

         7. ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS.

              (a) ADJUSTMENT OF AWARD. Except as otherwise contemplated in
Section 7(b), in the event that, by reason of any merger, consolidation,
combination, liquidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend,
stock split, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of
shares or other like change in capital structure of the Company (collectively, a
"Reorganization"), the Common Stock is substituted, combined, or changed into
cash, property, or other securities, or the shares of Common Stock is
substituted, combined, or changed into a greater or lesser number of shares of
Common Stock, the number and/or kind of shares and/or interests subject to the
Award and the per share price or value thereof shall be appropriately adjusted
by the Committee to give appropriate effect to such Reorganization. Any
fractional shares or interests resulting from such adjustment shall be
eliminated.

              (b) CERTAIN CHANGES IN CONTROL. If a Change in Control shall occur
and such Change in Control constitutes a Non-Surviving Event, the Committee
shall (i) accelerate, to the Change in Control date, the time at which the Award
will become nonforfeitable and shall cause the Company to purchase the
accelerated portion of the Award at a price equal to the Change in Control Price
multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Award,
provided that in connection with the Change in Control shares of a Person
subject to 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act (a "Public Entity") are not
issuable or deliverable in exchange for Common Stock in whole or in part or (ii)
if a Public Entity remains following the Change in Control and as part of such
Non-Surviving Event shares of the Public Entity are issuable or deliverable, in
whole or in part, in exchange for Common Stock, then the Award shall thereafter
entitle you to that number of shares of stock of the Public Entity, other
securities, cash or property which a holder of the number of shares of Common
Stock subject to the Award would be entitled to in connection with the Change in
Control.

         8. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

              (a) VOLUNTARY TERMINATION OTHER THAN FOR GOOD REASON AND
TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. Subject to Sections 5 and 6, if your employment
relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is terminated
voluntarily, except in the case of termination for Good Reason, or is terminated
by the Company for Cause, then that portion, if any, of this Award for which
restrictions have not lapsed as of the date of termination shall become null and
void; provided, however, that the portion, if any, of this Award for which
restrictions have expired as of the date of such termination shall survive such
termination.

              (b) VOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOR GOOD REASON OR INVOLUNTARY OTHER
THAN TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. Subject to Sections 5 and 6, if your employment
relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is voluntarily
terminated

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

for Good Reason or is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, then the
restriction period for the Restricted Shares shall immediately be accelerated
and the restrictions shall expire.

         9. DEATH. Upon your death, the restriction period of the Restricted
Shares shall immediately be accelerated and the restrictions shall expire.

         10. DISABILITY. If your employment relationship is terminated by reason
of your Disability, then the restriction period of the Restricted Shares shall
immediately be accelerated and the restrictions shall expire.

         11. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. With respect to the Award, the Company may, in
its sole discretion, determine that if you are on leave of absence for any
reason you will be considered to still be in the employ of the Company, provided
that rights to the Restricted Shares during a leave of absence will be limited
to the extent to which those rights were earned or vested when the leave of
absence began.

         12. DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES OF STOCK. Promptly following the
expiration of the restrictions on the Restricted Shares as contemplated in
Sections 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement, the Company shall cause to be
issued and delivered to you or your designee a certificate representing the
number of Restricted Shares as to which restrictions have lapsed, free of any
restrictive legend relating to the lapsed restrictions, upon receipt by the
Company of any tax withholding as may be requested. The value of such Restricted
Shares shall not bear any interest owing to the passage of time.

         13. CONDITIONS TO DELIVERY OF STOCK. Nothing herein shall require the
Company to issue any shares with respect to the Award if (a) that issuance
would, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, constitute a violation of the
Securities Act of 1933 or any similar or superseding statute or statutes, any
other applicable statute or regulation, or the rules of any applicable
securities exchange or securities association, as then in effect or (b) the
withholding obligation as provided in Section 19 has not been satisfied.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

         14. LEGEND REGARDING RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER. Each certificate
representing shares issued to you pursuant to this Agreement shall bear the
following legend with respect to the restrictions on transferability contained
in this Agreement:

         THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
         RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY IMPOSED BY THAT CERTAIN AMENDED AND
         RESTATED RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REGISTERED OWNER
         HEREOF AND APERIAN, INC. DATED AS OF OCTOBER 30, 2000, AND MAY NOT BE
         SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE ALIENATED OR HYPOTHECATED EXCEPT AS
         THEREIN PROVIDED. THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT TO
         THE RECORD HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE WITHOUT CHARGE ON REQUEST TO THE
         COMPANY AT ITS PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS OR REGISTERED OFFICE.

         15. FURNISH INFORMATION. You agree to furnish to the Company all
information requested by the Company to enable it to comply with any reporting
or other requirement imposed upon the Company by or under any applicable statute
or regulation.

         16. REMEDIES. The parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to
recover from each other reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in connection with
the enforcement of the terms and provisions of this Agreement whether by an
action to enforce specific performance or for damages for its breach or
otherwise.

         17. INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL. As partial consideration for the granting
of the Award hereunder, you hereby agree with the Company that you will keep
confidential all information and knowledge, except that which has been disclosed
in any public filings required by law, that you have relating to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such information may be
disclosed as required by law and may be given in confidence to your spouse, tax
and financial advisors, or to a financial institution to the extent that such
information is necessary to secure a loan. In the event any breach of this
promise comes to the attention of the Company, it shall take into consideration
that breach in determining whether to recommend the grant of any future similar
award to you, as a factor militating against the advisability of granting any
such future award to you.

         18. CONSIDERATION. No restriction on the Restricted Shares shall lapse
unless and until you have performed services for the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries that the Company believes is equal to or greater in value than the
par value of the Common Stock subject to this Award.

         19. PAYMENT OF TAXES. The Company may from time to time, in its
discretion, require you to pay to the Company (or the Company's Subsidiary if
you are an employee of a Subsidiary of the Company), the amount that the Company
deems necessary to satisfy the Company's or its Subsidiary's current or future
obligation to withhold federal, state or local income or other taxes that you
incur as a result of the Award. With respect to any required tax withholding,
you may (a) direct the Company to withhold from the shares of Common Stock to

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

be issued to you the number of shares necessary to satisfy the Company's
obligation to withhold taxes, that determination to be based on the shares' Fair
Market Value at the time as of which such determination is made; (b) deliver to
the Company sufficient shares of Common Stock to satisfy the Company's tax
withholding obligations, based on the shares' Fair Market Value at the time as
of which such determination is made; or (c) deliver sufficient cash to the
Company to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. If you elect to use such a
stock withholding feature, you must make the election at the time and in the
manner that the Company prescribes. The Company may, at its sole option, deny
your request to satisfy withholding obligations through Common Stock instead of
cash. In the event the Company subsequently determines that the aggregate Fair
Market Value (as determined above) of any shares of Common Stock withheld as
payment of any tax withholding obligation is insufficient to discharge that tax
withholding obligation, then you shall pay to the Company, immediately upon the
Company's request, the amount of that deficiency.

         20. PARACHUTE PAYMENTS. In the event that any payments to you pursuant
to this Agreement or any payment received by you or paid by the Company on your
behalf is treated as contingent on a change of ownership or control of the
Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the
Company or any Person affiliated with the Company (but only if such payment or
other benefit is in connection with your employment relationship with the
Company) (collectively, the "Total Value") shall result in you becoming liable
for the payment of any excise taxes pursuant to section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") ("Excise Tax"), you shall be
entitled to an additional payment equal to the amount of any Excise Taxes
payable by you pursuant to section 4999 of the Code as a result of such payments
plus all federal, state and local taxes applicable to the Company's payment of
such Excise Taxes, including any additional taxes due under section 4999 of the
Code with respect to payments made pursuant to this provision. The intent of
this Section 20 is to provide that the Company shall pay you an additional
amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") such that the net amount retained by you after
deduction: (a) of any Excise Tax imposed on the Total Value; and (b) of any
excess tax, federal, state or local income, payroll, and/or other taxes, imposed
on the Gross-Up Payment, shall equal the Total Value.

         If you determine that you are liable for an Excise Tax with respect to
a payment or other benefit, you must promptly so notify the Company in writing.
Upon receipt of such notice from you, the Company must, within twenty (20) days
thereafter, either (i) notify you, in writing, that the Company agrees with your
determination of Excise Tax liability, in which case the Company shall become
obligated to immediately pay to you the Gross-Up Payment, or (ii) submit to you
an opinion, prepared by counsel of the Company's choice which counsel is
reasonably satisfactory to you, that you are not liable for the Excise Tax (the
"Tax Opinion"). If the Tax Opinion is provided to you and you nevertheless
choose not to contest the assertion of the Excise Tax, the Company shall be
relieved of its obligation to make the Gross-Up Payment specified hereunder. If
you choose to contest the assertion of the Excise Tax after receipt of the Tax
Opinion, you may do so with counsel of your choice that is reasonably
satisfactory to the Company and the reasonable legal fees and expenses of such
contest shall be paid by the Company, on a monthly basis, subject to the
Company's receipt of proper documentation therefore. If the Excise Tax is so
contested, then the Company shall pay to you the Gross-Up Payment upon the
earlier of ten (10) days after (A) the entry of a final judgment, decree, or
other order by a court of competent jurisdiction that you are liable for the
Excise Tax, or (B) a mutual

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

determination of you and the Company not to proceed further with the contest.
The Company also shall reimburse you at that time for any penalties and interest
attributable to any delay in payment of the Excise Tax that results from a
decision by you not to pay the Excise Tax liability based upon the Tax Opinion.

         If the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") notifies you in writing that
the Excise Tax will or may be assessed against you, if the Company provides you
with the Tax Opinion specified herein, and if you choose to contest the
assertion of the Excise Tax, then the Company shall obtain and deliver to you an
irrevocable standby letter of credit (the "Letter of Credit") issued by a bank
acceptable to you and the Company in an amount equal to the amount of the
Company's potential payment obligation herein, computed as if the Excise Tax
were paid to the IRS on the date the Letter of Credit was obtained. Immediately
upon the earlier of (1) a determination letter (within the meaning of section
1313 of the Code) that you are not liable for the Excise Tax, or (2) the
Company's payment to you of the full amount of its obligation herein, you shall
mark the Letter of Credit "canceled" and return it to the Company. In lieu of
such a Letter of Credit, the Company may choose to secure its obligations
hereunder by establishing an appropriate escrow account with terms reasonably
satisfactory to you, and by depositing therein the same amount as would be
required for the Letter of Credit. The obligations contained in this Section 21
shall survive the termination or expiration of your employment with the Company
and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.

         21. RIGHT OF THE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall confer upon you the right to continue
in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary, or interfere in any way with the
rights of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate your employment at any
time.

         22. NO LIABILITY FOR GOOD FAITH DETERMINATIONS. The Company and the
members of the Board of Directors shall not be liable for any act, omission or
determination taken or made in good faith with respect to this Agreement or the
Restricted Shares granted hereunder.

         23. NO GUARANTEE OF INTERESTS. The Board of Directors and the Company
do not guarantee the Common Stock of the Company from loss or depreciation.

         24. COMPANY RECORDS. Records of the Company or its Subsidiaries
regarding your period of employment, termination of employment and the reason
therefor, leaves of absence, re-employment, and other matters shall be
conclusive for all purposes hereunder, unless determined by the Company to be
incorrect.

         25. COMPANY ACTION. Any action required of the Company shall be by
resolution of its Board of Directors or by a person authorized to act by
resolution of the Board of Directors.

         26. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be
illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect
the remaining provisions hereof, but such provision shall be fully severable and
this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid
provision had never been included herein.

         27. NOTICES. Whenever any notice is required or permitted hereunder,
such notice must be in writing and personally delivered or sent by mail. Any
such notice required or

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered on the date
on which it is personally delivered, or, whether actually received or not, on
the third Business Day after it is deposited in the United States mail,
certified or registered, postage prepaid, addressed to the person who is to
receive it at the address which such person has theretofore specified by written
notice delivered in accordance herewith. The Company or you may change, at any
time and from time to time, by written notice to the other, the address which it
or he had previously specified for receiving notices.

         The Company and you agree that any notices shall be given to the
Company or to you at the following addresses:

         Company or Board of Directors:
                                    Aperian, Inc.
                                    1121 East 7th Street
                                    Austin, Texas  78702
                                    Attn:  Corporate Secretary

         Holder:  At your current address as shown in the Company's records.

         28. WAIVER OF NOTICE. Any person entitled to notice hereunder may waive
such notice.

         29. SUCCESSORS. This Agreement shall be binding upon you, your legal
representatives, heirs, legatees and distributees, and upon the Company, its
successors and assigns.

         30. HEADINGS. The titles and headings of Sections are included for
convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construction of
the provisions hereof.

         31. GOVERNING LAW. All questions arising with respect to the provisions
of this Agreement shall be determined by application of the laws of the State of
Texas except to the extent Texas law is preempted by federal law. The obligation
of the Company to sell and deliver Common Stock hereunder is subject to
applicable laws and to the approval of any governmental authority required in
connection with the authorization, issuance, sale, or delivery of such Common
Stock.

         32. WORD USAGE. Words used in the masculine shall apply to the feminine
where applicable, and wherever the context of this Agreement dictates, the
plural shall be read as the singular and the singular as the plural.

         33. THE PLAN. This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions,
limitations and restrictions contained in the Plan. In the event of any conflict
or inconsistency between the terms hereof and the terms of the Plan, the terms
of the Plan shall be controlling.

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be
executed by its duly authorized officer on January 22, 2001 to be effective as
of the Date of Grant first above written.

                                           APERIAN, INC.

                                           By:    /s/ Peter E. Lorenzen
                                               -------------------------------
                                           Name:  Peter E. Lorenzen
                                           Title: Vice President and Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:

By:    /s/ Robert J. Gibbs
    ----------------------
Name:  Robert J. Gibbs

                                       12<PAGE>   1

                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.37.1

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                                [Conformed copy]

 THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), effective as of October 30, 2000
(the "Effective Date"), is between APERIAN, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and WAYNE A. IRWIN ("Irwin"). The Company and Irwin are collectively
referred to in this Agreement as the "Parties."

                                   BACKGROUND

The Company wishes to employ Irwin as its President and Chief Operating Officer.
The Company and Irwin wish to set the terms and conditions of the employment of
Irwin commencing on the Effective Date in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement.

                               TERMS OF AGREEMENT

The Parties agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT. The Company hereby employs Irwin to devote his personal services
to the business and affairs of the Company, and Irwin hereby accepts such
employment, on the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement.

         1.1. DUTIES. Irwin's title and position shall be President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company. Irwin's duties will be those customarily
performed by persons acting in that capacity and those that may be designated by
the Board of Directors of the Company consistent with the titles and positions
of President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Irwin shall report
directly to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Irwin shall
also serve, upon request and without additional compensation, as a director of
the Company or as an officer or a director, or both, of any subsidiary,
division, or affiliate of the Company or any other entity in which the Company
holds an equity interest or which it sponsors. 1.2. FULL-TIME EMPLOYEe. Irwin
shall devote his full time (except for reasonable vacation time and absence for
any disability), attention, and best efforts to the performance of his duties
described in Article 1.1.

2. TERM. The term of Irwin's employment under this Agreement (the "Term") shall
be as follows:

         2.1. INITIAL TERM. The initial term shall commence on the date of this
Agreement and shall expire at 11:59:59 p.m., Central Time, on the day preceding
the third anniversary of the date of this Agreement, unless terminated earlier
pursuant to Article 5.

         2.2. EXTENDED TERMS. Beginning with the third anniversary of the date
of this Agreement, the Term shall be extended automatically for an additional
successive one-year period as of each anniversary date of the date of this
Agreement that occurs while this Agreement is in effect; provided, however, that
if either party shall give written notice to the other not less than ninety
days' prior any such anniversary the that no such automatic extension shall
occur, then Irwin's employment shall terminate on the anniversary date of the
date of this Agreement that next occurs after such notice is given.

<PAGE>   2

3. COMPENSATION. As compensation for the services rendered by Irwin under this
Agreement, the Company shall, during the Term, pay or provide Irwin during the
Term the following:

         3.1. BASE SALARY. The Company shall pay Irwin during the Term an annual
base salary equal to at least Two Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($230,000)
during the remainder of the current fiscal year, Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
($250,000) during the next fiscal year and Three Hundred Thousand (300,000)
during the remainder of the Term, including any extension of the Term described
in Article 2.2, unless the Parties otherwise agree. The annual amount of base
salary in effect at the time is referred to in this Agreement as "Base Salary."
The Base Salary shall be paid in equal installments semi-monthly, in arrears, at
the Company's regular and routine payroll dates, or at such intervals as may
otherwise be agreed upon by the Parties, and in accordance with any other
payroll procedures of the Company. The Base Salary shall be prorated (on a daily
basis) for any partial payroll period of employment under this Agreement.

         3.2. ANNUAL BONUS OPPORTUNITY. During the Term, Irwin shall be eligible
to earn and receive from the Company an annual incentive bonus based upon
satisfaction of goals established by the Compensation Committee. Bonuses shall
be determined with respect to during each fiscal year of the Company during the
Term, with the first bonus period being the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001.
Irwin target bonus for each fiscal year shall be 60% of Irwin's salary during
that fiscal year, based on revenue, EBITA and such other metrics of Company
operating performance for the fiscal year as the Compensation Committee, in
consultation with Irwin and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, shall
determine at or about the beginning of each fiscal year of the Company during
the Term (or as expeditiously as is practicable in the case of the current
fiscal year). The bonus, if any, with respect to a fiscal year will be payable
to Irwin no later than thirty (30) days after completion of the audit for that
fiscal year. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee of the
Board or as provided in this Agreement, no annual incentive bonus shall be
payable to Irwin unless he is employed by the Company on the day the bonus is
paid.

         3.3. INCENTIVE PLANS AND RESTRICTED STOCK. Irwin shall participate in
any stock option, performance share, phantom stock, or similar long-term
stock-based incentive plan adopted by the Company for its executive employees in
effect during the Term, including the Company's 2000 Stock Option Plan (the
"Option Plan"). Except as described in the remainder of this paragraph, the
extent to which Irwin shall participate in any such plan will be determined by
the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board, but in no event shall
Irwin's participation be less than that of any Vice President of the Company. On
the date of this Agreement, Irwin will be granted 170,000 shares of restricted
stock in accordance with the Option Plan and the Restricted Stock Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit A.

         3.4. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLANS. Irwin shall be eligible to
participate in any long-term bonus, savings, deferred compensation, retirement
or pension, or death benefit plan adopted by the Company for its executive
employees generally in effect during the Term.

         3.5. WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS. Irwin shall be eligible to participate in
any life insurance, medical, dental, and hospitalization insurance, disability
insurance benefit, or other similar employee welfare benefit plan or program
adopted by the Company covering its executive employees generally in effect
during the Term.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

         3.6. VACATION. Irwin shall be entitled to twenty (20) days of paid
vacation per fiscal year. Such vacation time shall, however, be prorated in any
fiscal year during which Irwin is employed by the Company for less than the
entire fiscal year, in accordance with the number of days in that fiscal year
during which Irwin is so employed. Such vacation time shall be in addition to
any paid time off ("PTO") to which Irwin may be entitled under the Company's PTO
policy in effect during the Term.

         3.7. TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCE. During the Term, the Company shall pay
Irwin a transportation allowance equal to Seven Hundred Dollars ($700.00) per
month ("Transportation Allowance"). The Transportation Allowance shall be
payable in equal installments together with the payments of Base Salary.

         3.8. TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company may deduct from any compensation or
other amount payable to Irwin under this Agreement (including under Article 5)
social security (FICA) taxes and all federal, state, municipal, and other taxes
or governmental charges as may, in the Company's judgment, be required. The
Company will consult with Irwin as to amounts to be withheld in this regard.

         3.9. PARTICIPATION IN COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS. Irwin's
participation during the Term in any or all of the plans or programs adopted by
the Company described in Articles 3.3 through 3.6 ("Compensation and Benefit
Plans") will be subject to the terms and conditions of those Compensation and
Benefit Plans as they now exist or may hereafter be adopted, amended, restated,
or discontinued by the Company, including the satisfaction of all applicable
eligibility requirements and vesting provisions of those Compensation and
Benefit Plans. The Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to
continue any or all of the Compensation and Benefit Plans that now exist or are
hereafter adopted. To the extent that Irwin is eligible to participate in any
Compensation and Benefit Plan existing on the date of this Agreement for which a
plan description or plan materials are available, the Company has provided to
Irwin.

4. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. During the Term, Irwin may incur, and shall be
reimbursed by the Company for, reasonable, ordinary and necessary, and
documented business expenses to the extent that Irwin complies with, and
reimbursement is permitted by, the Company's policies, practices, and
procedures.

5. EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION. Either Party may terminate Irwin's employment under
this Agreement by giving written notice of termination to the other Party. If
the Company is terminating, it shall include in that notice a statement whether
the termination is because of Disability or for Cause or without Cause. The
Parties' respective rights and obligations upon the termination of Irwin's
employment under this Agreement are as follows:

         5.1. TERMINATION GENERALLY. Upon any termination of Irwin's employment
under this Agreement, the Company shall pay or provide Irwin the following:

                  5.1.a. Any amount of Base Salary and Transportation Allowance
         earned by, but not yet paid to, Irwin through the effective date of
         termination of employment, as further described below (the "Termination
         Date");

                  5.1.b. All benefits that have been earned by or vested in, and
         are payable to, Irwin under, and subject to the terms (including all
         eligibility requirements) of, the Compensation and Benefit Plans in
         which Irwin participated through the Termination Date;

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                  5.1.c. All reimbursable expenses due, but not yet paid, to
         Irwin as of the Termination Date under Article 4; and

                  5.1.d. An amount equal to all accrued and unused PTO,
         calculated in accordance with the Company's PTO policies, practices,
         and procedures (including authorized deductions and the deductions
         required by law), through the Termination Date.

         The amount of Base Salary and Transportation Allowance due under
Section 5.1.a shall be paid no later than thirty (30) business days after the
Termination Date; the amounts or benefits due under Section 5.1.b shall be paid
or provided in accordance with the terms of the Compensation and Benefit Plans
under which such amounts or benefits are due to Irwin; and the amounts due under
Sections 5.1.c and 5.1.d shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the
Company's policies, practices, and procedures regarding reimbursable expenses
and PTO, respectively. Except as expressly provided below in this Article 5,
upon paying or providing Irwin the preceding amounts or benefits, the Company
shall have no further obligation or liability under this Agreement for Base
Salary or any other cash compensation or for any benefits under any of the
Compensation and Benefit Plans. Upon termination of Irwin's employment, Irwin
shall be deemed to have resigned from any position as a director of the Company
or as an officer or director, or both, of any subsidiary, division, or affiliate
of the Company or any other entity in which the Company holds an equity interest
or which it sponsors that Irwin then holds; no written resignation need be given
or delivered to the Company.

         In this Agreement, the Termination Date shall be (i) the date of
Irwin's death, (ii) the third business day after the date on which the Company
gives notice of termination because of Disability, or (iii) the date of
termination specified in any other notice of termination, or if not specified in
the notice of termination, the date that notice of termination is given.

         In this Agreement, "Disability" means Irwin's permanent and total
disability, which shall be deemed to exist if he is unable reasonably to perform
his duties under this Agreement because of any medically determinable physical
or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has
lasted or can be expected to last for at least ninety (90) consecutive days. Any
Disability shall be determined by the Board or an authorized committee or
representative thereof ("Representative"), in its sole and absolute discretion,
upon receipt of competent medical advice from a qualified physician selected by
or acceptable to the Board or its Representative. Irwin shall, if there is any
question about his Disability, submit to a physical examination by a qualified
physician selected by the Board or its Representative.

         In this Agreement, "Cause" means any of the following: (i) Irwin's
willful failure to substantially perform his duties under this Agreement without
legal cause, other than any such failure resulting from his incapacity due to
physical or mental illness or Disability; (ii) Irwin's engaging willfully in any
action which, or omitting to engage in any action the omission of which, he
knows or should know is, or is reasonably expected to be substantially injurious
(monetarily or otherwise) to the Company or its business or reputation; (iii)
Irwin's performance of any illegal conduct or act or omission constituting
serious dishonesty that results, directly or indirectly, in significant gain or
enrichment of Irwin or his family or affiliates at the expense of the Company or
which adversely affects, or reasonably could in the future adversely affect,
Irwin's value, reliability, or performance in a material manner; or (iv) any
deliberate breach by Irwin of any material obligation under any of Articles 6,
7, 8 or 9. Whether an event or circumstance constituting Cause exists will be
determined in good faith the Board of Directors but only if such termination is
approved by at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

Directors after Irwin has been given written notice by Company of the specific
reason for such termination and an opportunity, together with his counsel, to be
heard before the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors may
participate in any hearing that is required pursuant to this paragraph by means
of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which
all persons participating in the hearing can hear and speak to each other;
provided, however, that at least one-half of the members of the Board of
Directors (in addition to Irwin) shall attend the hearing in person. If the
Company determines that Cause for termination exists under clause (i) above in
this paragraph, the Company shall notify Irwin of that belief, and that notice
shall describe the event or circumstance believed to constitute Cause for
termination. If that event or circumstance may reasonably be remedied or
corrected, Irwin shall have thirty (30) days to effect that correction or
remedy. If not corrected or remedied within that thirty (30) day period (as
determined by at least two-thirds the members of the Board after opportunity for
a hearing as described above), Cause for termination shall immediately be deemed
to exist, and Irwin's employment shall be deemed terminated. If the Company
determines, as provided above, that Cause for termination exists under any of
clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) above in this paragraph, the Company shall notify
Irwin of that belief, and that notice shall constitute immediate termination of
Irwin's employment.

         In this Agreement, "Good Reason" means any of the following: (i) a
significant reduction in the nature or scope of Irwin authorities or duties from
those customarily performed by persons acting in the capacity of chief operating
officer, (ii) a change in Irwin's reporting relationship so that Irwin reports
to anyone other than the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer of
the Company, (iii) a reduction in Irwin's annual base salary or target
opportunity under any applicable bonus or incentive compensation plan or
arrangement, (iv) a diminution in Irwin's eligibility to participate in bonus,
stock option, incentive award and other compensation plans which provide
opportunities for compensation which are at least equivalent to the
opportunities afforded by the Company (including its subsidiaries) to its senior
executives; (v) a diminution in employee benefits (including but not limited to
medical, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability plans) and perquisites
applicable to Irwin from the employee benefits and perquisites provided by the
Company (including its subsidiaries) to its most senior executives; or (ii) a
change, without Irwin's consent, in the location of Irwin's principal place of
employment by the Company by more than 50 miles from the location where Irwin
was principally employed prior to such change. If Irwin determines that an event
constituting Good Reason has occurred, Irwin shall notify the Company and the
Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of that belief,
which notice shall set forth the bases for that belief. The Company shall have
30 days after receipt of such notice in which to either (a) rectify such event
to Irwin's reasonable satisfaction or (b) determine, in accordance with the
standards and procedures described in the preceding sentence that an event
constituting Cause exists. If the Company does not take either of such actions
within such 30-day period, Irwin may terminate his employment for Good Reason
immediately by giving written notice to the Company. Any termination by Irwin
under this paragraph shall for all purposes of this Agreement be deemed a
termination of Irwin's employment by the Company without Cause.

         In this Agreement "Change of Control" means the first to occur of the
following events: (i) any sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer (in one
transaction or series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company to any person or group of related persons for purposes
of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, (ii) a majority of the Board of Directors
of the Company shall consist of persons who are not Continuing Directors (as
defined below); (iii) the acquisition after the date of this Agreement by any
person or group of related persons of the power, directly or indirectly, to vote
or direct the voting of securities having more than 50% of the ordinary voting
power for the election of directors of the Company, or (iv) the approval by the

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

stockholders of the Company of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any
other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the
voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto
continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted
into voting securities of the surviving entity or such surviving entity's
parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by
the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or such surviving
entity's parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation. A
"Continuing Director" means, as of the date of determination, any person who (i)
was a member of the Board of Directors of the Company on the date of this
Agreement or (ii) was nominated for election or elected to the Board of
Directors of the Company with the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of
such nomination or election.

         Irwin may voluntarily terminate his employment under this Agreement
only by giving at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the Company.
Irwin shall not be liable to the Company for breach of this Agreement because of
his termination of employment in accordance with the preceding sentence.

         5.2. TERMINATION UPON DEATH OR DISABILITY. If Irwin's employment is
terminated by death or by the Company because of Disability, Irwin (or his legal
representative, estate, or heirs) shall be entitled to receive from the Company:

                  5.2.a. The payment of a total Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
         Dollars ($250,000.00), in a lump sum (the "Termination Payment"); and

                  5.2.b. if Irwin elects and maintains continued coverage under
         the Consolidated Omnibus Benefits Reconciliation Act of 1985 and
         corresponding regulations ("COBRA"), then for up to the twelve (12)
         consecutive months immediately after the Termination Date, payments in
         an amount equal to the difference between (i) the premiums paid or
         payable by Irwin for coverage under COBRA for himself and his
         dependents (if any) and (ii) the premiums that he would have paid for
         comparable coverage under the Company's then current group insurance
         plan or plans if his employment under this Agreement had not ceased
         (the "Insurance Payments"); except that the Insurance Payments shall
         expire or terminate immediately upon Irwin's becoming eligible for
         coverage under another employer's plan or policy.

         In addition, subject to and upon the release executed and delivered
pursuant to Article 5.4 becoming irrevocable, (a) all shares of restricted stock
granted to Irwin as described in Section 3.4 will vest and become
non-forfeitable and (b) each stock option granted to Irwin, whether now
outstanding or granted in the future, shall vest and shall be exercisable until
the earlier of (x) one year from the date of such termination or (y) the
expiration of the option in accordance with its terms .

         The Company will make the Termination Payment and commence the
Insurance Payments within ten (10) business days after the first business day on
which the release executed and delivered in accordance with Section 5.4.a
becomes irrevocable by Irwin (or his legal representative, estate, or heirs).
The Company's obligations for the Insurance Payments are not intended to negate
or impair any obligation of the Company or right of Irwin under COBRA. The
Severance Payment and the Insurance Payments shall be in addition to the amounts
or benefits to which Irwin is entitled under Article 5.1. Any Severance Payment
or Insurance Payments (or

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

both) under this Article 5.2 shall not be deemed the continuation of Irwin's
employment for any purpose.

                  5.3 TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. If Irwin's employment is
terminated by the Company without Cause or by Irwin for Good Reason, Irwin (or
his legal representative, estate, or heirs) shall be entitled to receive from
the Company (except if and to the extent waived by Irwin in accordance with
Article 7), as liquidated damages:

                  5.3.a. The payment, in the manner provided below, of all
         remaining amounts of salary under Section 3.1 hereof and bonus (based
         on targeted amounts) under Section 3.2 hereof payable during the
         remainder of the Term (including the pro rata portion of the fiscal
         year in which the Term ends), provided that the Company shall pay at
         least one year's salary and provided further that if such termination
         shall occur on or within two years following the date of a Change of
         Control, the payment shall not be less than the amount of salary and
         bonus (based on targeted amounts) that would have been payable
         hereunder for the two years following the date of such termination had
         this Agreement continued in effect throughout such period (the
         "Severance Payment"); and

                  5.3.b. if Irwin elects and maintains continued coverage under
         the Consolidated Omnibus Benefits Reconciliation Act of 1985 and
         corresponding regulations ("COBRA"), then for up to the twenty-four
         (24) consecutive months immediately after the Termination Date,
         payments in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the premiums
         paid or payable by Irwin for coverage under COBRA for himself and his
         dependents (if any) and (ii) the premiums that he would have paid for
         comparable coverage under the Company's then current group insurance
         plan or plans if his employment under this Agreement had not ceased
         (the "Insurance Payments"); except that the Insurance Payments shall
         expire or terminate immediately upon Irwin's becoming eligible for
         coverage under another employer's plan or policy.

One-half the Severance Payment shall be paid in a lump sum, and shall pay the
remaining one-half of the Severance Payment in equal semi-monthly installments
over a period not greater than the remainder of the Term.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if prior to April 1, 2001 (and only if a Change
of Control has not occurred) every member of the Board of Directors of the
Company who is not also an employee of the Company votes to terminate Irwin's
employment without Cause then the amount of the Severance Payment the Company
shall be required to pay Irwin pursuant to Section 5.3.a shall be one-half the
amount provided in such Section, which amount shall be paid in a lump sum within
ten (10) business days after the first business day on which the release
executed and delivered in accordance with Section 5.4.a becomes irrevocable by
Irwin. Any vote under this paragraph shall take place at a meeting of the Board
of Directors for which notice has been properly given to all directors
(including Irwin) stating the purpose of the meeting. Members of the Board of
Directors may participate in the meeting means of conference telephone or
similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in
the hearing can hear and speak to each other; provided, however, that at least
one-half of the members of the Board of Directors (in addition to Irwin) shall
attend the meeting in person.

         In addition, subject to and upon the release executed and delivered
pursuant to Article 5.4 becoming irrevocable, (a) all shares of restricted stock
granted to Irwin as described in Section 3.4 will vest and become
non-forfeitable and (b) each stock option granted to Irwin, whether now

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

outstanding or granted in the future, shall vest and shall be exercisable until
the earlier of (x) one year from the date of such termination or (y) the
expiration of the option in accordance with its terms.

         The Company will make the first payment of the Severance Payment (that
is, the amount payable in a lump sum) and commence the Insurance Payments within
ten (10) business days after the first business day on which the release
executed and delivered in accordance with Section 5.4.a becomes irrevocable by
Irwin (or his legal representative, estate, or heirs). The Company's obligations
for the Insurance Payments are not intended to negate or impair any obligation
of the Company or right of Irwin under COBRA. The Severance Payment and the
Insurance Payments shall be in addition to the amounts or benefits to which
Irwin is entitled under Article 5.1. Any Severance Payment or Insurance Payments
(or both) under this Article 5.3 shall not be deemed the continuation of Irwin's
employment for any purpose.

         5.4. CONDITIONS TO SEVERANCE BENEFITS. Except as provided in Section
5.2.b or 5.3.b, none of the Termination Payment, Severance Payment or the
Insurance Payments under Articles 5.2 and 5.3 will be subject to reduction as
the result of future compensation earned or received by Irwin (including by
self-employment), and Irwin shall have no duty to mitigate his damages. The
Severance Payment and the Insurance Payments and the vesting of restricted
stock, shall, however, be conditioned upon the Company's receipt of a Settlement
Agreement, General Release, and Covenant Not to Sue executed and performed by
Irwin (or his legal representative, estate, or heirs) in substantially the form
of Exhibit B to this Agreement (the "Release Agreement").

         5.5. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE OR BY IRWIN. If Irwin's employment is
terminated by the Company for Cause or is voluntarily terminated by Irwin, then
Irwin shall not be entitled to any payments under this Agreement other than the
amounts or benefits to which he is entitled under Article 5.1.

         5.6 FAILURE TO EXTEND. If at any time, the Company elects not to extend
the Term as described in Article 2.1, then Irwin shall continue to perform under
this Agreement until the expiration of the Term and shall then be entitled to
continued payment of the Base Salary then in effect for an additional six (6)
months after the expiration date. The obligation of the Company to make such
payments under this Article 5.6 shall be subject to the same conditions, and
shall have the same effect, as Severance Payment under this Agreement.

         5.7. POST-TERMINATION SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Article 5 shall
survive the termination of Irwin's employment by the Company and its
subsidiaries to the extent necessary to effect the post-termination payments or
benefits to which Irwin is entitled under the terms of this Article 5.

6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Company shall provide to Irwin, during the
Term, access to various trade secrets, confidential information, and proprietary
information of the Company (which, in this Article 6 as well as in Articles 7, 8
and 9, shall include the Company's subsidiaries and affiliates) which are
valuable and unique to the Company ("Confidential Information"). Confidential
Information includes the Company's plans, policies, and procedures relating to
its BBN Certification as well as the terms of, and the Company's plans,
policies, and procedures relating to, the Company's relationships with any
supplier of telecommunications services, network services or other services, and
other persons having relationships that are material to the Company's business
and affairs. Irwin shall not, either while in the employ of the

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

Company or at any time thereafter, (i) use any of the Confidential Information,
or (ii) disclose any of the Confidential Information to any person not an
employee of the Company or not engaged to render services to the Company, except
(in either case) to perform his duties under this Agreement or otherwise with
the Company's prior written consent. Nothing in this Article 6 shall preclude
Irwin from the use or disclosure of information generally known to the public or
not considered confidential by the Company or from any disclosure to the extent
required by law or court order (though Irwin must give the Company prior notice
of any such required disclosure and must cooperate with any reasonable requests
of the Company to obtain a protective order regarding, or to narrow the scope
of, the Confidential Information required to be disclosed). All files, records,
documents, information, data, and similar items relating to the business or
affairs of the Company, whether prepared by Irwin or otherwise coming into his
possession, shall remain the exclusive property of the Company and shall not be
removed from the premises from the Company, except in the ordinary course of
business as part of Irwin's performance of his duties under this Agreement, and
(in any event) shall be promptly returned or delivered to the Company (without
Irwin's retaining any copies) upon the termination of employment under this
Agreement.

7. NONCOMPETITION. Irwin acknowledges that, in addition to his access to and
possession of Confidential Information, during the Term he will acquire valuable
experience and special training regarding the Company's business and that the
knowledge, experience, and training he will acquire would enable him to injure
the Company if he were to engage in any business that is competitive with the
business of the Company. Therefore, Irwin shall not, at any time during the Term
and for the twelve (12) consecutive months immediately after the Termination
Date, directly or indirectly (as an employee, employer, consultant, agent,
principal, partner, shareholder, officer, director, or manager or in any other
individual or representative capacity), engage, invest, or participate in any
business in direct competition with the business of the Company within a fifty
(50)-mile radius of each location, or set or group of locations, (i) at, from,
or to which the Company conducts or has conducted business or renders, provides,
or delivers, or has rendered, provided, or delivered, services or products
during the Measurement Period (as defined below) or (ii) that is or has been,
during the Measurement Period, the subject of a Proposal (as defined below) to
conduct business or render, provide, or deliver services or products thereat,
therefrom, or thereto. "Measurement Period" means, with respect to Irwin's
activity (A) at any time during the Term, the Term and (B) at any time on or
after the termination of Irwin's employment, the six (6) consecutive months
preceding, and including, the date of such termination. "Proposal" means a
written or formal proposal, bid, arrangement, understanding, or agreement by the
Company to or with another person that reflects or contains negotiated or
substantive terms, but does not include any marketing contact by the Company
where the other person has not solicited that contact or indicated any interest
in doing business with the Company. (Irwin shall not be prohibited, however,
from owning, as a passive investor, less than five percent (5%) of the publicly
traded stock or other securities of any entity engaged in a business competitive
with that of the Company.) Irwin represents and agrees that (x) the Company has
agreed to provide him, and he will receive from the Company, special experience
and knowledge, including Confidential Information, (y) because the Confidential
Information is valuable to the Company, its protection (particularly from any
competitive business) constitutes a legitimate interest to be protected by the
Company by enforcement of the restriction in this Article 7, and (z) the
enforcement of the restriction in this Article 7 would not be unduly burdensome
to Irwin and that, in order to induce the Company to enter into this Agreement
(which contains various benefits to Irwin and obligations of the Company with
respect to Irwin's employment), Irwin is willing and able to engage, invest or
participate in business after the termination of his employment so as not to
violate this Article 7. The parties agree that the restrictions in this Article
7 regarding scope of activity, duration, and geographic area are reasonable;
however, if any court should determine that any of those restrictions is
unenforceable, that restriction shall not thereby

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

be terminated, but shall be deemed amended to the extent required to render it
enforceable. The post-employment restrictions in this Article 7 will not apply,
however, (i) if the Company terminates Irwin's employment for Disability or (ii)
in the case of a termination by the Company without Cause or by Irwin for Good
Reason, if and from the date Irwin waives all right to the remaining unpaid
severance benefits provided within this Agreement.

8. NONSOLICITATION. Irwin shall not, at any time within the twelve (12)
consecutive months immediately after the Termination Date, either directly or
indirectly:

         8.1. DISCLOSE CONTACT INFORMATION. Make known to any person the names
and addresses, or other contact information, of any of the customers, suppliers,
or other persons having significant business relationships with the Company
within the information technology industry, so that such person could affect, or
attempt to affect, any of those relationships to the detriment of the Company;
or

         8.2. SOLICIT EMPLOYEES. Solicit, recruit, or hire, or attempt to
solicit, recruit, or hire, any employee or consultant of the Company, or in any
other manner attempt to induce any employee or consultant of the Company to
leave the employ of the Company or cease his or her consulting or similar
business relationship with the Company. References in this Article 8.2 to "any
employee or consultant" shall include any person who was an employee or
consultant of the Company at any time within the six (6) consecutive months
preceding, and including, the Termination Date.

9. DEVELOPMENTS. Irwin shall promptly disclose to the Company all inventions,
discoveries, improvements, processes, formulas, ideas, know-how, methods,
research, compositions, and other developments, whether or not patentable or
copyrightable, that Irwin, by himself or in conjunction with any other person,
conceives, makes, develops, or acquires during the Term which (i) are or relate
to the properties, assets, or existing or contemplated business or research
activities of the Company, (ii) are suggested by, arise out of, or result from,
directly or indirectly, Irwin's association with the Company, or (iii) arise out
of or result from, directly or indirectly, the use of the Company's time, labor,
materials, facilities, or other resources ("Developments").

Irwin hereby assigns, transfers, and conveys to the Company, and hereby agrees
to assign, transfer, and convey to the Company during or after the Term, all of
his right and title to and interest in all Developments. Irwin shall, from time
to time upon the request of the Company during or after the Term, execute and
deliver any and all instruments and documents and take any and all other actions
which, in the judgment of the Company or its counsel, are or may be necessary or
desirable to document any such assignment, transfer, and conveyance to the
Company or to enable the Company to file and process applications for, and to
acquire, maintain, and enforce, any and all patents, trademarks, registrations,
or copyrights with respect to any of the Developments, or to obtain any
extension, validation, re-issue, continuance, or renewal of any such patent,
trademark, registration, or copyright. The Company will be responsible for the
preparation of any such instrument or document and for the implementation of any
such proceedings and will reimburse Irwin for all reasonable expenses incurred
by him in complying with this Article 9.

10. INDEMNIFICATION. To the extent Irwin is an officer or director of the
Company, the Company shall include Irwin under any existing or future (i)
directors' and officers' liability insurance policy that the Company obtains and
maintains or (ii) indemnification agreements between the Company and other
executives of the Company. Subject to the foregoing sentence, the Company will
indemnify Irwin to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the Company's

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

state of incorporation in effect at that time or by the articles or certificate
of incorporation and by-laws of the Company, whichever affords the greater
protection to Irwin.

11. CERTAIN REMEDIES. Any breach or violation by Irwin of any of Articles 6, 7,
8 and 9 shall entitle the Company, as a matter of right, to an injunction issued
by any court of competent jurisdiction, restraining any further or continued
breach or violation, or to specific performance requiring the compliance with
Irwin's covenants. This right to an injunction or other equitable relief shall
be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies to which the Company
may be entitled. The existence of any claim or cause of action of Irwin against
the Company, or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, whether based on
this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement
by the Company of Irwin's covenants in any of Articles 6, 7, 8 and 9. The
covenants in Articles 6, 7,8 and 9 and in this Article 11 shall survive the
termination of Irwin's employment under this Agreement.

12. BINDING AGREEMENT; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding
upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and Irwin and their
respective legal representatives, heirs, executors, administrators, and
successors and assigns (as permitted by this Article 12), including any
successor to the Company by merger, consolidation, or reorganization and any
other person that acquires all or substantially all of the business and assets
of the Company. The rights, benefits, remedies, and obligations of Irwin under
this Agreement are personal to Irwin and may not be assigned or delegated by
him; except that this shall not preclude (i) Irwin from designating one or more
beneficiaries to receive any amount or benefit that may be paid or provided
after Irwin's death or (ii) the legal representative of Irwin's estate from
assigning any right or benefit under this Agreement to the person or persons
entitled thereto under Irwin's will or the laws of intestacy applicable to
Irwin's estate, as the case may be.

13. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or
unenforceable for any reason, then (i) that provision shall be severed from this
Agreement, (ii) this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if that
invalid or unenforceable provision never constituted a part of this Agreement,
and (iii) the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby
and shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law. Further, in lieu of that invalid or unenforceable provision,
there shall be added to this Agreement a provision as similar in its terms to
that invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and
enforceable.

14. NOTICES. Any notice, request, or other communication to be given by either
Party under this Agreement by to the other shall be in writing and either (i)
delivered in person, (ii) delivered by prepaid same-day or overnight courier
service, (iii) sent by certified mail, postage prepaid with return receipt
requested, or (iv) transmitted by facsimile, in any case addressed to the other
Party as follows:

                  To the Company:
                  Aperian, Inc.
                  1121 East 7th  Street
                  Austin, Texas 78702
                  Facsimile: (512) 473-2371
                  Attention: Chairman of the Compensation Committee

                  with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
                  Aperian, Inc.
                  14131 Midway Road, Suite 800

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

                  Addison, Texas 75001
                  Facsimile: (972) 851-3563
                  Attention: Corporate Secretary

                  To Irwin:
                  Wayne A. Irwin
                  301 Oldenwood Ct.
                  Colleyville, Texas 76034

or to such other address or facsimile number as the Party to be notified may
have designated by notice previously given in accordance with this Article 13.
Communications delivered in person or by courier service or transmitted by
facsimile shall be deemed given and received as of actual receipt (or refusal)
by the addressee. Communications mailed as described above in this Article 14
shall be deemed given and received three (3) business days after mailing or upon
actual receipt, whichever is earlier.

15. CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS. In this Agreement, (i) "person" means an individual
or any corporation, partnership, trust, unincorporated association, limited
liability company, or other legal entity, whether acting in an individual,
fiduciary, or other capacity, and any government, court, or governmental agency,
(ii) "include" and "including" do not signify any limitation, (iii) "Article"
and "Section" means any Article and any Section, respectively, of this
Agreement, unless otherwise indicated, (iv) an "affiliate" of a person means any
other person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with that
person, and (v) "business day" means any Monday through Friday, other than any
such weekday on which the executive offices of the Company are closed. In
addition, the use in this Agreement of "year," "annual," "month," or "monthly"
(or similar terms) to indicate a measurement period shall not itself be deemed
to grant rights to Irwin for employment or compensation for that period.

16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, with Exhibits "A" and "B", constitutes the
entire agreement between the Company and Irwin with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreement between the Company and Irwin
with respect to the same subject matter.

17. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. No amendment to or modification of this Agreement,
or waiver of any term, provision, or condition of this Agreement, will be
binding upon a Party unless the amendment, modification, or waiver is in writing
and signed by the Party to be bound. Any waiver by a Party of a breach or
violation of any provision of this Agreement by the other Party shall not be
deemed a waiver of any other provision or of any subsequent breach or violation.

18. GENDER. Whenever the context requires in this Agreement, words denoting
gender in this Agreement include the masculine, feminine, and neuter.

19. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE. This Agreement, and the rights, remedies, obligations,
and duties of the Parties under this Agreement, shall be governed by, construed
in accordance with, and enforced under the laws of the State of Texas. The
exclusive venue of any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or its
subject matter shall be in Dallas County, Texas.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

19. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which
constitutes an original, but all of which constitute one and the same document.

The Parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date stated
in the first paragraph.

APERIAN, INC.

By:   /s/ Peter E. Lorenzen
    ---------------------------------
    Peter E. Lorenzen, Vice President
    General Counsel and Secretary

WAYNE A. IRWIN

   /s/ Wayne A. Irwin
-------------------------------------

                                       13

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00020-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00020-of-00352.parquet"}]]