You’re swamped. Between managing procurement, settlements, weight tickets, and keeping the books straight for multiple operations, the last thing you need is someone telling you to learn a whole new system.
We get it. Change is hard, especially when you’ve built your routines around software that works (even if it’s clunky). When you’re the person everyone relies on to keep the numbers straight and the payments flowing, the fear of disrupting that with something new is real.
But what if other admins just like you – people who were just as resistant to change – found the switch easier than they expected?
Pam Smiterman, Parnell Inc. – Sole bookkeeper for four companies, plus weight tickets for everyone.
Pam will be the first to tell you exactly how she felt about switching to new software:
“I do not like change. I’m 63 and very routine, and very, very resistant because TRACT was completely different from what I was using.”
Pam’s honesty is refreshing. She wasn’t pretending to be excited about learning something new. She had her systems, her routines, and frankly, she didn’t want to mess with what was working.
“I already felt like I was sinking…” she recalls about that initial period.
But here’s where her story takes a turn:
What made the difference for Pam? Support when she needed it:
Ashley Lyles, L3 Logging – Logger in Texas, referred by an existing TRACT customer.
When we called Ashley’s company, we were ready to pitch TRACT’s benefits. Instead, she immediately started praising the system they were already using – completely unprompted.
“Our drivers said it is super easy. We tried some other system, and it was not user friendly for anybody – the company, the guys in the woods, drivers – but the guys say TRACT is easier to use.”
For Ashley, one of the biggest victories was field adoption. Anyone who’s tried to get crews to use new technology knows this challenge:
The proof?
Sandy Martin, Mar-Cal Inc. – Admitted skeptic who did her own homework before committing.
When the idea of switching to TRACT first came up, Sandy wasn’t buying it:
“Was a little hesitant at first. The boys brought it to me and told me it would make my life easier. Hearing that made me skeptical.”
Sandy has a sharp observation about selling software to admins: “Being a software platform and telling people you will save them time will hurt you to an extent… most people are not tech-minded.”
But Sandy did something most skeptics don’t – she went and looked for herself:
Now? Sandy doesn’t hold back:
She even offered to take calls from other admins considering TRACT: “You’re welcome to have people who are considering it call me.”
Aimee, Kennedy Logging – Had used TRACT at a previous company and knew what it could do.
Unlike most admins, Aimee had a head start:
“I was a little different in that I had used it in another business before… had an idea of what it could do and how it could help us.”
When her current company started considering TRACT, the decision came fast:
Her take on what TRACT actually does for an admin’s day-to-day:
And when it comes to field adoption, the crews were on board too: “The guys love it – being able to see live data.”
Kelsi Holmes, Superior Pine Products Company – Needed TRACT to handle both the forestry side and the auditing/accounting side.
For Kelsi, the initial concern wasn’t just learning new software – it was making sure the system could handle real compliance requirements:
“We were sure from the forestry side but needed to sit down in the office and make sure we were all on the same page as far as TRACT being able to handle the audits and accounting side the way we needed.”
The transition went smoother than expected, especially once the TRACT team came on-site:
One feature stood out above the rest:
And the flexibility of working anywhere sealed the deal:
When asked about improvements? “Noooo, it’s really easy to use. The guys are super easy to reach if anything is going on. They walk you through things – they don’t just tell you how to fix it.”
What These Stories Have in Common
Despite initial fears, every admin found TRACT more intuitive than their previous systems. Sandy noticed it was clearly designed by people who understood the business. Kelsi found the reconciliation process a game-changer. This isn’t marketing speak — it’s what matters when you’re trying to close books and process settlements under deadline pressure.
When your drivers and crews embrace the system instead of fighting it, your job gets easier. Aimee’s crews love seeing live data. Ashley’s drivers call it “super easy.” Less time chasing down missing tickets, fewer errors to fix, and smoother operations overall.
When problems come up (and they always do), having someone respond quickly makes all the difference. It’s the safety net that makes change feel less risky.
None of these admins pretended the transition was effortless. Pam was “very, very resistant.” Sandy was skeptical. Kelsi had a learning curve. Ashley’s team had tried systems that didn’t work. But all five found that the initial discomfort gave way to genuine satisfaction — and in Sandy’s words, anyone who says it’s too expensive is “a fool.”
Ready to Hear More?
If you’re an admin who’s been putting off looking at new software because change feels overwhelming, we understand. But maybe it’s worth a conversation to see if what worked for Pam, Ashley, Sandy, Aimee, and Kelsi might work for you too.