Our Team
Together We Will Exceed Expectations
K-Tec Systems has a unique collaborative team culture built on the idea that everyone, from the executive to the operational staff, is in it together to value our corporate culture and commitments. At K-Tec Systems, we are all able to use our talents to create cost-saving solutions without compromising quality while supporting a high level of productivity. In our company, innovation and growth are strongly supported by all. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you and want your experience in working with us to exceed your expectations.
Cathy Koch
President & CEO
“She believed she could, and so she did.”
When Cathy returned to her job after the birth of her daughter, she was told her position was no longer available. Rather than fight, she went to work for the company’s top competitor. She says it was the best thing that ever happened to her. It didn’t take long before Cathy started her own company, K-Tec Systems. Cathy has over 35 years of experience in this industry. With K-Tec Systems she has been a reliable source to the automotive, aerospace, food and chemical industries for over 27 years.
Cathy has gained her experience from her customers. Visiting them in their plant, watching them work, helping them with the technical challenges they face has led her to a better understanding of their processes. She also proved her ability to find creative solutions to help them manufacture their products.
Beyond her expertise and knowledge, her loyalty, dedication and resilience capacity made her the right leader to compete against larger competitors.
Cathy is fully committed to reinvigorating the importance of quality over price and accurate test measurements. To give this new energy and raise the expectations for her company, Cathy envisions a culture that is based on creativity and a healthy workspace to attract and retain a talented workforce.
Our Home Team
Mike Martin
VP Sales
“High expectations are the key to everything.”
Mike has enjoyed being recognized as an accomplished sales and marketing leader with domestic and international success in complex technology sectors. These areas have included technical representation of machine systems, engineering and design software, managing manufacturing processes and systems.
These roles involved leading teams in complex sales cycles in diverse technology environments. Mike has consistently been recognized for business acumen, leadership, and the ability to provide a highly performing organization. He enjoys working with customers to solve their difficult challenges and deliver cost effective industrial solutions.
In the past, Mike has sailed around the state of Michigan. He notably competed and won the famous Mackinaw Race.
Steven Jackson
Director of Operations
“Integrity is doing the right thing, when no one is looking.”
Steven started his career as a nuclear power operator in the United States Navy. He served as an Engineering Laboratory Technician aboard the USS Flying Fish SSN 673 and the USS George Washington CVN 73. During his career in the Navy, Steven had the opportunity to spend time under the polar ice cap in the submarine, take part in United Nations operations, and most notably while on the USS George Washington, be a part of the response for the 911 attacks. The George Washington was sent to New York harbor on the day after 9/11 and provided safety and assistance to the citizens of the city.
After his career in the Navy, Steven has led teams in technical support and training, manufacturing operations, research and development, and data acquisition and analytics. He thrives in high energy environments where attention to detail and getting the job done right are essential. His experience in technical projects and building teams allows him to tackle any project that is presented and deliver results at the highest levels.
Iris Costello
Sales Associate
“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.”
After two decades in the hospitality industry, Iris knew how to read people, solve problems on the fly, and make every interaction count. When she discovered K-Tec Systems, she saw an opportunity to translate those finely-tuned customer service skills into something new—sales and manufacturing. The technical world of temperature sensors might seem worlds away from hospitality, but Iris quickly proved that understanding what people need and delivering it with precision transcends any industry.
With a BA in Modern Language and Literature, Iris brings a unique perspective to customer service at K-Tec Systems. She approaches each customer interaction like a conversation—listening carefully, asking the right questions, and translating complex technical requirements into solutions that work. Whether it’s sourcing the perfect thermocouple for an automotive application or troubleshooting a specialty sensor for aerospace, Iris has built her expertise by diving deep into customer challenges and emerging with answers. Her hospitality background taught her that the details matter, and at K-Tec, those details can make the difference between a measurement that’s close and one that’s exactly right.
Leah Ataya
Bookkeeper
“Everything happens for a reason.”
Leah found purpose in being recognized as the organized and trustworthy accountant. She started as a full-time accounting and finance student at Oakland University which led her to find the Bookkeeper position at K-Tec Systems. During her role, Leah continues going to school and hopes to eventually take the CPA exams after graduation. With K-Tec Systems, she has been a trustworthy and motivated source to the business’ accounting process.
Leah has gained her experience from school. Attending classes every day, maintaining a high GPA, and working at K-Tec to apply what she has learned in school to the real world. She also is a Supplemental instruction leader at Oakland University for a second-level accounting class.
Leah is passionate about accounting and fully committed to the industry.
