Community News
Founder of Karmak explains company to Area Rotary
Been in business for 31 years
30 years ago, J. Richard Schien founded Karmak Technologies and on Tuesday, June 5, he explained to the Benld Area Rotary how the Macoupin County business has evolved and survived over the years.
It was spun off his father’s business at the time which was a machine shop located in Carlinville, Illinois. In 1948, his father then bought a welding shop. J. Richard was usually seen running around in his diaper in the shop, but he was only 7 at that time. “I take exception for that,” he opened.
His father started building truck bottoms for Prairie Farms through the welding shop. He was always busy during the summer time due to tractor and farm equipment repairs, but business went dead in the winter time. That is when J. Richard found his niche.
Karmak grew out of the heavy equipment truck business because machine body parts and technology grew rapidly in the late 1960’s. His father’s machine shop was the receiver of some big ticket repair work. The parts business then grew and grew and grew. “The parts business got to be about 1/3 of the machine shop’s business which was about 6 to 7 million dollars a year,” Richard noted.
To try and keep up with the large amount of business coming through the machine shop, Richard looked into various computer systems. Richard graduated from Greenville College and then attended SIU Carbondale to achieve his master’s degree in physics and math. He never was able to finish his master’s because he was exposed to computers as he worked in the computer center at SIUC.
“I got a good understand of what they could do, so that was a big plus for me,” Richard explained. He also met his wife at SIUC, so that was a real big plus for him. Still in search of the computer system to solve the machine shop problem, his wife’s brother told him that he should write a computer program like he did in Carbondale.
Karmak was then formed on December 31, 1981 and has been in business for over 31 years marking this year. They are the leading designer and provider of business management solutions specializing in the commercial transportation industry. They have been delivering innovative software and superior customer service to heavy-duty businesses throughout North America.
The company design, develops, and then sells the software to companies who sell trucks, repair trucks, sell truck parts, or lease trucks. “Some of our customers do all of these things,” Richard added. Karmak also has companies who are strictly leasing or rental companies who have a repair shop and some who do not have a repair shop. “It is really a big field.”
One of Karmak’s most surprising moments was when they thought they would make money by selling computer systems. “Those are high priced, but computer popularity has driven the price down,” he added. Richard then realized visual equipment was not a vertical market, but he did establish that Karmak has only been successful because they have stayed one niche: heavy duty industry.
“We really understand heavy duty industry,” Richard hammered. He went on to say that the company lives off their continuing support revenue. They are not inexpensive for support, but are also not the highest guy out there either. According to Richard, Karmak is in the top tier.
We really provide support. Richard’s brother used to work with Karmak and his favorite thing to do was to call Karmak and time how long it took to get an actual person on the phone. Sometimes he even had two cell phones set-up, one with Karmak and one with a competitor, and timed both conversations before he spoke to a live operator.
Generally, Karmak’s time is around 2 minutes. Their biggest competitor, ADT, is around 30 minutes. That is a big difference and Karmak has to charge for that. The company has systems all over the United States and even up into Canada and down in Mexico and Puerto Rico.
The major part of their growth, especially since the downturn of the economy, has been from companies consolidating. It is the same aspect of car dealerships combining, Richard explained. Truck dealerships combine and the industry is adding twice as many branching as it is losing branches. “In other words, if ADT has a customer that has 15 branches and a branch buys another branch, they are not going to switch to Karmak for that additional branch,” Richard explained.
Karmak has had tremendous growth from their businesses’ success. Richard thinks it is a nice compliment to Karmak’s software as well as their good business practices and picky customer. “There have been deals when I have said we don’t need to sell this guy anything,” Richard explained.
Over the years, Karmak started out with one system they designed and developed in Carlinville, Illinois. Then in 1997, Karmak bought out a competitor in Springfield, Missouri. Right now, Karmak has 40 employees in Springfield, Missouri office and about 140 in the Carlinville headquarters. They were forced to keep the 40 employees in Springfield because they were unfamiliar with the system in use.
“We are trying to replace both systems and have been since the early 2000’s,” Richard said. “We want a full-blown windows system. Our strongest competitors don’t have a full blown windows system other than one.” Karmak is finally cracking away at finalizing that product and have 3 customers running a trial version since March. They expect that number to triple by the end of the year. When Karmak gets to 25 customers on one item, Richard will then consider it a product.
Karmak has 70 companies’ systems sitting in Carlinville, Illinois tied through the internet. “We are a big fan of the cloud,” Richard noted. But, it has to be maintained properly before we put anything in the cloud. “They have to have really good back-ups and, of course, generators if they lose power. They must have a second telephone line in and out of their building in case they have problems,” Richard explained.
The headquarters in Carlinville has two paths out of the building in fiber optic wiring and two paths to their office in Springfield, Missouri. One path is in fiber optic and one regular wire. “That has been a lot of years and money,” Richard noted.
Right now, Karmak is second in the industry behind ADT and has developers living all over the United States. They have about 240 employees worldwide.
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
