Meet Our Leadership Team

Jim Allen has served as President and CEO of Karmak since 2021, bringing over 25 years of expertise in software technology and IT. With a deep passion for connecting with customers and a commitment to excellence, Jim leads the Karmak team in delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions for the Heavy-Duty industry. Under Jim’s leadership, Karmak has achieved record growth and transitioned to being 100% employee-owned, reflecting a strong focus on empowering both employees and customers. Prior to becoming CEO, Jim held key leadership roles at Karmak, including COO and Vice President of Client Services, where he built a proven track record of driving operational success and strategic growth. In 2024, Jim was appointed to the Karmak Board of Directors, further solidifying his influence in shaping the company’s vision and long-term strategy. His leadership continues to guide Karmak in fostering meaningful industry partnerships and delivering innovative solutions for its customers.

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Chad joined Karmak as CFO in July of 2024. Chad has worked in software technology for over a decade and is a SaaS and tech-enabled subscriptions finance leader who has completed over $200M in financing transactions. Chad began his career in public accounting with BDO Seidman and has served in various finance roles in startups, middle market, and multi-billion dollar companies.

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Gail Bradburn has been a vital part of Karmak since 2003, serving as Vice President of Human Resources. Prior to joining Karmak, Gail gained extensive experience in HR leadership in both the public and private sectors in Wyoming. Her career began with IBM in the Washington, D.C. area, where she developed her operational expertise in management roles. At Karmak, Gail is dedicated to fostering a workplace culture where employees are motivated, supported, and equipped with the resources they need to excel. Her focus on employee development ensures that Karmak not only provides exceptional service to its customers but also creates an environment where team members can grow and thrive.

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John Cowan joined Karmak’s Leadership Team in March 2020 as Vice President of Business Solutions. With over 20 years of experience in product management and strategic leadership at ADAM Systems, acquired by Karmak in 2016, John brings extensive expertise in both technology and business operations. A graduate of the NADA Dealer Academy, John is dedicated to aligning innovative solutions with customer needs. His approach emphasizes integrating best practices, driving operational efficiencies, and leveraging customer feedback to develop tools that address real-world challenges. John’s mission is to lead the development of industry-leading solutions that enhance productivity, deliver long-term value, and empower Karmak’s clients to thrive in a competitive market.

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Kim Stoops has been a key member of the Karmak team since 1997, bringing over 26 years of experience and dedication to exceptional customer service. She joined the Karmak Leadership Team in August 2021 as Vice President of Client Services and was promoted to Vice President of Operations in October 2023. Throughout her career at Karmak, Kim has held a variety of customer service roles, gaining deep insights into the company's operations and customer needs. Her passion lies in streamlining processes, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring top-notch service for Karmak's clients. Kim's leadership and commitment continue to shape Karmak’s approach to delivering excellence and innovation.

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Neil Osborn joined Karmak’s Leadership Team in October 2022 as Vice President of Software Development. Since joining Karmak in 2019, Neil has brought extensive experience from his career in the healthcare technology sector, where he worked with companies ranging from start-ups to large public organizations. Neil is passionate about empowering teams to create best-in-class software solutions that drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to customers. His leadership is focused on fostering collaboration, streamlining development processes, and ensuring Karmak remains at the forefront of industry technology.

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With more than 25 years of global sales and leadership experience, Marv brings a proven track record of scaling revenue, driving strategic growth, and building high-performing teams across SaaS, industrial, FinTech, and AI-driven markets. His expertise spans 80+ global markets, where he has led successful market entry strategies, developed robust channel partner ecosystems, and secured key strategic and enterprise deals across the commercial, industrial, energy, healthcare, and public sectors. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Marv has deep cross-cultural fluency, having built and coached high-impact sales and marketing teams across North America, EMEA, Latin America, China, and the Asia-Pacific region. His leadership style is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and results, with a focus on building long-term, trust-based Client relationships. He is a strong advocate of data-driven sales execution, and his mastery of sales methodologies like Challenger, MEDDIC and SPIN has enabled numerous organizations to outperform in complex selling environments. Marv is also experienced in M&A advisory, GTM strategy design, and global P&L ownership. A multi-time President’s Club winner, Marv is passionate about helping organizations achieve sustainable growth through strategic alignment, innovation, and operational excellence.

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Joe retired from Drury Hotels Company in December 2019 after spending 29 years with Drury as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to joining Drury Hotels, Joe was a partner in the St. Louis law firm of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale. Joe holds MBA and JD degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and an undergraduate BS degree from the University of Utah. Joe was elected to the National Board of Governors of the American Red Cross in May 2005, and served as Vice Chair of the Board, Chairman of the Governance and Board Development Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee when his nine-year term ended in 2014. He joined the Red Cross National Philanthropic Board in May 2014 and currently serves as Chairman. He is also a member of the Compliance and Mediation Committee of the International Red Cross. Joe is a member of the national board of directors of J Street and is the immediate past chair of the St. Louis Jewish Community Relations Council. He also served on the advisory board of Vertex Chemical Corporation until its sale in 2011. Joe became a Karmak Board Member in 1990 and is currently Chairman of the Karmak Board.

Richard C. Walden, CPA, is a sole practitioner in Carlinville, Illinois and an author, editor, and lecturer for the Illinois Tax Schools sponsored by the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service. Prior to entering private practice in 1980, he was a revenue agent with the Internal Revenue Service. Richard is a director of CNB Bank Shares, Inc and its subsidiary bank, CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. since 1987. He serves as Chairman of the Board and also chairs the Audit Committee. He is also a director of the Carlinville Area Hospital, Carlinville Area Hospital Foundation, and the Macoupin County Community Foundation. Richard has been a Karmak Board Member for 28 years.

Mike Schien, Director of Sales Operations, joined Karmak in 1996 after working for Navistar, an International Truck Dealership, and a valve manufacturing company all in sales related capacities. Prior to receiving his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Greenville University in 1988 he grew up and worked in his family’s business, Schien Body & Equipment Company. At Schien Body he did everything from sweeping the floor to restocking shelves and working the parts counter. At Karmak Mike worked as a Regional Sales Manager, Software Applications Specialist and then moved into management and finally a director role in Sales. Mike has been involved in the heavy truck and/or software business for more than 30 years.

Al brings nearly 40 years of ERP software and 25 years of ESOP experience to the Karmak Board. He is a retired CEO of Software Solutions in Dayton, OH, a local government focused ERP company, where he continues to serve on their Board of Directors. He is also an internal Trustee of that company’s ESOP. He currently provides leadership and sales training to a few selected clients and mentors a few young leaders. His career spans a blue collar beginning and includes sales, marketing, implementation, development, product management, I.T. and software support, in addition to positions of Supervisor, Manager, Director, Vice President, General Manager, and CEO. In his career Al has developed business throughout the country as well as in over 20 foreign countries. He and his wife, Sherry, live in Ohio; have 5 children and 11 grandchildren as of the last counting. Al is a marginal golfer and loves hiking and photography.

Jim Allen assumed the role of CEO in July of 2021, where he’s passionate about connecting with customers and leading the Karmak team towards stellar service. Jim has worked in software technology for over 20 years and has 10 years prior experience in IT. Jim has served in various management positions and most recently has served as Karmak’s COO.