Karlin was raised in Brooklyn, IA where his father was the GM of the local phone company. Karlin worked for the phone company while in high school and on summer breaks while in college. Karlin, his wife and two children have lived in the Blair, NE area since 1990.

In 1990, Karlin took a position with HunTel Engineering as a CAD (Computer Aided Drafter) Tech where he was responsible for the development and implementation of a new CAD system. In 1992 Karlin accepted the position of CAD Manager where he was responsible for all drafting and database administration. While managing the CAD department Karlin developed a tabulation system for use with project contracts which later added Contract Administrator to his title. In 1998 Karlin accepted the position of General Manager where he was responsible for all the CAD, ROW (Right of Way), Contract Administration and Outside Plant personnel. In the spring of 1998 Karlin helped with the design and implementation of the first FTTH (Fiber to the Home) deployment in Nebraska. In 2002 Karlin received his Level Three PON Design Certification for FTTH and has continued to stay current with new technology by attending BICSI Certified course work. Presently, Karlin has worked on over 80 FTTH design and builds in the states of Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.