In Paladin Customer Service, Kris has been there, done that 

When it comes to customer service, Kris Ipock is Paladin’s version of a Swiss Army Knife. He came to Paladin nine years ago as a customer service representative. He moved from there to lead the EDI and Hardware squads, then led the EDI crew, became an account specialist working directly with many of our stores, and now leads the Project Management group, while being part of the After-Hours crew handling store down issues. So, you can say Kris has pretty much been there and done that when it comes to making Paladin work smoothly for our stores. 

Always joking – Kris and Katy enjoying (?) an Oregon adventure.

Kris had a vast and varied background before he even got to Paladin. Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, his parents – Jack and Dixie – stressed education and hands-on experience. Active in Boy Scouts of America and many after-school sports, Kris obtained a private pilot’s license and Ham Radio Operator license with code as a teenager. He also had hands-on training with normal “Central Oregon kids stuff” such as Search and Rescue, wilderness survival, and hunting and fishing. He also mostly enjoyed working on engines with his dad. 

“I don’t know how many times my dad shocked me with something,” he jokes, recalling their many automotive adventures. 

That education continued in the Air Force where in 10 years he worked as a radio technician in San Antonio (basic training); Biloxi, Mississippi; Mountain Home, Idaho; Osan, South Korea; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Saudi Arabia; Peru; Turkey; Yemen; Bahrain; and Qatar. 

His life of learning followed him back to Bend where he earned three associate’s degrees in Computer Information Systems (CIS) from Central Oregon Community College. Along the way, he also picked up degrees in fixed-wing and helicopter avionics. He put all that education to work for several high-tech companies before finding Paladin in 2013. 

Kris is an avid sports fan – Seahawks, Avalanche, Orioles and Blazers. He loves comic books, and his passion for video entertainment includes both games and movies. 

The Ipocks – Katy, Lucas and Kris.

“People often ask me if I’ve seen a particular movie or television show, and the answer is usually, yes,” he says. 

Kris has been married to Katy – the queen of standup comedy in Central Oregon – for 13 years. He also has a 12-year son, Lucas.

Day-to-day, Kris leads the squad that handles Paladin’s new clients. 

“It’s like herding cats some days,” he says with a laugh. “Clients, account specialists, data, training: All to make sure the Go Live is as smooth as possible.”