Karmak Podcast

What goes into the training of a service dog? In our 15th episode, host Jim Allen talks with Karmak Support Specialist Carrie Van Alstine about the training of Karmak's new unofficial mascot, Debit the Service Dog. From topics like Debit's daily training to what it's like to have a puppy in the Karmak office, this PAWEDcast is an adorable look at what it's like to work with a service animal.

In this episode, host Jim Allen speaks with Gail, Kari, and Tim of the Karmak Human Resources department about recruiting, the Karmak culture, and what to do if you'd like to get a job with Karmak.

In our 13th episode, host Jim Allen talks with Karmak, Inc. VP of Development, Mike Wagener about how he ended up at Karmak, what changes he's made during his tenure, and the differences between bugs and enhancements.

In our 11th episode, host Jim Allen talks with Arcadium Technologies CEO Tim Cline. Tim talks about the benefits of customer relationship management (CRM) software and the role of companies like Arcadium in the heavy-duty market.

In our 10th episode, Karmak's new CEO, John Pacione, sits down with host Jim Allen. They discuss John's background, his passions, and his vision for Karmak's future.

In our 9th episode, host Jim Allen interviews Karmak's 2016 Employee of the Year, Josh Bishop. Josh talks about getting his start at Karmak and how he's building a successful career.

February 9th, 2017 36 minutes If you are involved in the heavy duty trucking industry at all, you've probably seen publications such as Truck Parts and Service and Successful Dealer. In our eighth episode, host Jim Allen sits down with Lucas Deal, Editor of both Truck Parts and Service and Successful Dealer. Lucas shares thoughts on the state of the industry and offers some advice about disseminating information about your business through one of Randall Reilly's publications.

November 8th, 2016 29 minutes Karmak knows the heavy duty industry, and of course, a large part of that industry is lease and rental. In our seventh episode, host Jim Allen talks to Allison Laing – Karmak’s lease/rental consultant. Allison talks about working in the lease/rental industry, some challenges that face these companies, and her partnership with Karmak.

October 18, 2016 31 minutes Great Scott! Karmak’s 2016 Conference was buzzing with good ideas, great conversation, and, you guessed it – a podcast! In episode 6 of the Karmak Podcast, host Jim Allen talks with a multitude of conference attendees about why they come to conference, what they like about Karmak, and what they’ve learned so far.

August 23, 2016 34 minutes From networking to lobbying, scholarships to insurance programs, the National Trailer Dealers Association – or NTDA – has your back. In our fifth episode, host Jim Allen speaks with the president of the NTDA, Gwen Brown. Gwen talks about what the NTDA is, how she got involved, and who should join (spoiler: YOU should!)

July 7, 2016 38 minutes Knowledge is power, and at the NADA/ATD Dealer Academy, they believe that if that knowledge doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you! In our fourth episode, host Jim Allen speaks with Allen Phibbs – director of the NADA/American Truck Dealers Academy. Allen explains what the academy is, how it came to be, and just exactly why graduates say “it’s a lot of work.”

June 16, 2016 22 minutes Karmak support – where would we be without it? In our third episode, Jim Allen speaks with Director of Fusion Support, Cindi Sims. Cindi tells about the life of a support rep, the integral role support plays in Karmak’s success, and where she sees support going in the future.

April 26, 2016 41 minutes Meet Adam Madsen, Vice President of Fusion Development. In our second episode, Jim Allen talks to Adam about the challenges and rewards of developing Karmak’s flagship product – Fusion. Adam talks about growing up in Alaska and the heavy-duty industry, working in the IT world, and balancing work and family life.

March 8th, 2016 58 minutes In our first episode, Jim Allen sits down with Richard and Linda Schien for the low-down on Karmak’s story. Richard and Linda share their story of how Karmak came to be, what it is today, and how it’s stayed in the industry for 35 years. Along the way, Richard shares his background, how he developed the idea of starting a software company, and what he believes has made it so successful. Linda shares her experience and relation to the company, and also what she sees in Richard that makes the company so successful.