Page 20 - TrailerTalk - February 2026

TRAILERTALK

Karmak Strengthens Board Leadership with New Independent

Directors
Karmak, a leading provider of dealer and business management systems for the commercial transportation industry, today announced
updates to its Board of Directors following the retirement of longtime board member Richard Walden. The company also welcomed Kevin
Hanson and Christopher Silvetti as new independent directors.

Following the Board meeting on January 30, 2026, Walden retired after nearly four decades of service to Karmak. He joined the Board in
1987, providing steady leadership and trusted guidance through periods of growth, industry change, and organizational evolution.

“Rich has served as a board member since 1987, an extraordinary length of service by any measure,” said Jim Allen, President and CEO of
Karmak. “His guidance, consistency, and commitment helped shape Karmak over decades. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish
him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”

Walden is a sole practitioner in Carlinville, IL, and has served as an author, editor, and lecturer for the Illinois Tax Schools sponsored by
the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service. Prior to private practice, he served as a revenue agent with the Internal Revenue
Service. He has also held leadership roles at CNB Bank Shares, Inc. and CNB Bank and Trust, N.A., and served on several community and
healthcare-focused boards in the Carlinville area.
In conjunction with Walden’s retirement, Karmak welcomed two new independent directors, both joining the Board in 2026.

Current Karmak Board of Directors:

• Joe Pereles, Chairman of the Board
• Jim Allen, Board Member
• Al Ferguson, Independent Director
• Kevin Hanson, Independent Director
• Christopher Silvetti, Independent Director
• Kayla Adams, ESOP Trustee.

Shurco™ Presents SMARTrailer™ Electric
Truck-Lite Appoints Mrakovich as Systems
Vice President of Engineering
Shurco, a leading manufacturer in cargo protection and load securement,
Truck-Lite, a global leader in lighting and wiring harness raises the bar for hopper bottom trailers with its SMARTrailer electric
technology, announces that Matt Mrakovich has joined systems, a complete, configurable approach to automating trailers, putting
the company as Vice President of Engineering. Mrakovich unmatched choice and control in the hands of the most discriminating
brings extensive experience in developing and launching operators and demanding fleets.
innovative technologies across both commercial and
consumer markets. Unlike fixed, “take-it-or-leave-it” electric packages, Shurco SMARTrailer
electric systems are designed to adapt to how operators actually load, haul,
Prior to his appointment, Mrakovich spent 19 years at GE and unload. Through a guided, four-step SMARTrailer selection process,
Current (formerly GE Lighting Solutions), where he focused customers choose the exact combination of electric tarp system, hopper
on developing new LED lighting technologies. During his door opener, wireless control, and accessories that best match their trailer
tenure, he held key leadership roles, including Technology configuration, workflow, and preferences to ensure a true right-fit solution.
Leader, driving global product development for outdoor
and industrial product lines; and Technology Strategist, A Configurable Electric Ecosystem
leading innovation and guiding the company's growth
strategies for LED products. His accomplishments in these As the only provider with a fully configurable electric ecosystem for hopper
roles included launching multiple “Best-in-Class” product bottom trailers, Shurco gives operators the freedom to choose their
platforms, developing GE’s first IoT-connected outdoor components and scale their system over time — without being locked into
lighting products, and expanding these business segments a single platform.
into significant revenue sources by creating differentiated
value for customers. SMARTrailer systems offer:
• Multiple electric tarp systems with varying assembly levels,
Most recently, Mrakovich served as Vice President of communication features, and installation options
Engineering at Vita-Mix Corporation, the leading global • Multiple electric hopper door openers with different weight classes,
provider of premium blending solutions for household and torque outputs, and clearance profiles
commercial customers. • A range of wireless remotes — from simple, budget-friendly options
to advanced two-way communication controls
• Expandable electric accessories, all operating on one unified wireless
platform.
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