Devon Works Hard to Keep Paladin Training, PaladinShop™ Working Perfectly

If Paladin Data Corporation had a workhorse – a steady, dependable force capable of pulling more than his share – Devon Cram would fit the role perfectly. For more than eight years, Devon has been a cornerstone of Paladin’s Support organization, taking on just about every challenge imaginable. From training new stores on how Paladin can support their business, to solving complex user issues, to demonstrating the system for prospective customers at dealer markets, Devon has truly done it all.

Devon’s strong work ethic was formed early. His family history in La Pine, Oregon, stretches back to 1880, with generations of men serving in the military. While that dedication to hard work may run in the family, Devon’s technical skills came from curiosity, determination, and years of hands-on learning.

“I’ve always kind of been a computer nerd,” Devon says with a smile. “When I was really young, in Head Start, I figured out how to access all the computers and managed to lock the teachers out of them. I actually got an award at graduation for it. They knew even then I was going to end up in tech and here I am.”

Much of Devon’s technical knowledge was self-taught, supplemented along the way by mentors who helped refine his skills. He graduated from La Pine High School in 2013 as part of a class of 86 students, the largest in the school’s history at the time. He went on to attend Central Oregon Community College and Southern New Hampshire University, studying business management, human relations, and computer information systems.

Devon’s path to Paladin began with encouragement from a roommate.

“He was constantly telling me to apply. I kept putting it off because I didn’t think I had anything Paladin would be looking for. Eventually, I applied just to get him to shut up and stop bugging me,” Devon recalls, adding that the interview went better than expected. “I didn’t even make it out of the parking lot before I got a call asking when I could start.”

Devon joined Paladin in software support and training, moved into Customer Experience about 18 months later, and became lead of the Training Department in May 2021. Along the way, he spent years as one of Paladin’s traveling trainers, visiting new stores across the country to help implement Paladin’s point-of-sale system.

“At that time in my life, it worked perfectly,” he says. “I was single, no kids, no pets, no responsibilities other than work. Being on the road more than 40 weeks a year wasn’t a problem. I actually kind of miss it.”

When the pandemic reshaped the way companies trained and marketed their solutions, Devon’s role evolved. He transitioned from on-site training to representing Paladin at supplier and dealer events, working closely with hardware suppliers such as Orgill, House-Hasson, Do it Best, Ace, and others. Today, he regularly engages with potential customers, demonstrating how Paladin can help their businesses succeed.

When he’s not traveling, Devon leads training for new Paladin clients and supports internal teams by teaching Paladin coworkers the finer points of new features and integrations. He also serves as the product specialist for PaladinShop™, Paladin’s built-in e-commerce solution. Devon played a major role in testing the product and collaborated closely with development and IT teams to ensure it worked seamlessly for every Paladin client.

“It’s challenging work. Not every call is easy,” he says. “That’s one of the reasons I love training. Building rapport and getting to know our customers is the most exciting part. It’s important for people to know we’re human. We understand how their businesses work, and we genuinely want to help.”

Devon showing off a day’s catch in Depoe Bay.

Outside of work, Devon, 32, is a homeowner in his generational hometown, where his house and shop are paid in full – a milestone he credits to advice from his grandfather. He’s a dog person, sharing his home with two rescue pups: Luna, a puggle, and Hazel, a miniature Australian shepherd. His musical tastes range from metal and grunge to bluegrass and classical, and he considers himself a foodie, especially when it comes to southern barbecue and fresh-caught seafood, ideally caught by his own hand. Etouffee is one of his favorite dishes.

“Mostly, I’m a workaholic,” Devon says. “I work, I work, I work—and then I go home and enjoy the things I love.”

Tyler Klein, Paladin’s Operations Director, agrees with Devon’s self-description.

“There are few people that work harder or are more willing to put in the hours than Devon. His willingness to work long hours, often early in the morning or late at night, is incredible, and I really appreciate him on our team,” he says.