Meet The OGR Staff

Alan Arnold joined the OGR team in July 2013 as our Advertising Sales Manager. On November 1, 2017 Alan took over the role of Publisher from Rich Melvin. He was also made a partner in the company. On September 1, 2018, Alan was appointed CEO of OGR Publishing, Inc.

Alan attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with degrees in architecture and secondary education. In the early 90’s, Alan obtained a Marketing Associate from Gannett. He held several positions with Gannett, including Television Advertising and Marketing Director for Reynolds Media, Executive Sales Director in radio sales for Gray Media/Malvern Entertainment, Sales Manager/Website Development for VisionAmp Marketing and was the Key Accounts Manager for Gannett.

Alan is an active O scale modeler, with a huge 3-rail layout.

LaKeeta Arnold joined the OGR staff in 2018 as CFO/Office Manager working with subscriptions, invoicing, and clerical duties. She has a diverse work experience over her professional career starting out in clothing sales which is responsible for her love of clothing and her "shop till I drop" attitude to this day. Her professional training and experience includes being the Office Manager for a prominent photography studio where she not only modeled but assisted directly in the production of photos involving negative masking, prop development, and marketing product.

After leaving the photography business, LaKeeta joined the long term care industry by becoming a certified nursing home/assisted living administrator where she started as an office manager in a local nursing home and advanced her position over several years to become the administrator of a large nursing facility which was part of a corporation owning multiple establishments throughout the state. Later, LaKeeta moved from long term care into the medical profession and served in a medical clinic where she worked as a receptionist as well as in medical insurance billing and payments.

LaKeeta has also ventured into real estate by completing the Camp Real Estate School course work.

Allan Miller
Partner and Editor-in-Chief

Allan Miller joined the OGR staff in October 2007, after having retired as Senior Editor for News and Information at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Allan is a career journalist with extensive experience as a military information officer, combat photojournalist, newspaper photo and graphics editor, university level journalism educator, and managing editor with several major publishers. He is the author of four model railroading books and has edited some 100 books on diverse subjects relating to hobbies, collectibles, and antiques. His hands-on experience in the model railroading hobby is equally diverse, with prior or current involvement in Z, N, HO, O, On30, and G scales. Allan’s O gauge interests focus on the prototype Alaska Railroad, U.S. Army Transportation Corps railroading, and various trolley and traction lines.

Allan’s other major activities include volunteer work at a local animal shelter, growing a collection of Henry firearms, and serving as a director with his homeowners association. He is a Life Member of the National Model Railroad Association and is an active member of the Train Collectors Association.

Carl Jacobsen
Social Media Manager

Carl Jacobsen is the Social Media Manager for O Gauge Railroading.

Having an older brother who got his first O gauge set before I was even born, this allowed me to grow up with the trains I learned to love. Since then, O Gauge Model trains have always been a passion of mine. From a 4x8 piece of plywood to my current layout, time and patience were the keys to reaching this point in my life. 

I did gain some expertise during my career that I’ve been able to apply to my current position. While in R&D for a telecom company, I spent time building our department’s WEB site. Then when I moved from R&D into Marketing and Sales, I gave technical presentations in 49 of the 50 states and thoughout the world. One of the perks of all that travel was getting to ride trains not only here but also in other countries.  I rode bullet passenger trains in France; commuter trains in England and mainland Europe; even Australia; helping to keep my train passion alive that I sorely missed.

It wasn’t until after I retired that I got my trains back out and built what I have today, including a devoted train room in our home.  Over time I have collected and run most manufacturer’s wares.  Trains, cars, transformers, buildings and every accessory that got my attention and have wanted since those early days of that 4x8 sheet of plywood! 

Now as Social Media Manager for O Gauge Railroading, I get to enjoy interacting with many other wonderful train enthusiasts, like you!