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Kontek Industries
Thank you for considering Kontek Industries! We are a critical infrastructure and defense solutions provider located in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
If you are looking to our services or products that we offer and want to get in direct contact with our management team. Fill out the form and one of our representatives will respond promptly.
805 McCombs Ave
Kannapolis, North Carolina 28083
United States of America
(704) 273-5040
Incredible People Who Are Making A Difference
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- Executives
- Executives
- Directors
- Operations
- Operations
- Operations
- Directors
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- Managers
- Managers
- Managers
- Managers
- Coordinators
- Operations
- Coordinators
Charles Merrill
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Info
cbmerrill4@sbcglobal.net
Charles Merrill
Chief Executive Officer
Prior to joining Kontek, Charlie owned and operated Aquilon Night Club in Cleveland, Ohio. Charlie has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government at The College of Wooster. During this time, he gained a strong knowledge and understanding of the forces that guide political processes. Charlie believes in protecting our nation and its critical assets through advanced security and defense solutions. His vision has helped the company grow into an industry leader specializing in providing solutions for critical infrastructure facilities, law enforcement agencies, and government entities.
Adam Baird
Chief Operating Officer
Adam Baird
Chief Operating Officer
Adam Baird is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Kontek Industries. Adam handles many operational responsibilities such as contract reviews, purchasing, CNC machining, and light fabrication. He also plays a role as a key decision maker for the organization.
Prior to joining Kontek, Adam worked as an engineer at Marathon Oil Corporation. His prior engineering work is credited as a driving force behind seeking education in Explosives Engineering. Adam has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Explosives Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. During his time at Missouri S&T, Adam developed sophisticated skills in the integration of explosive technology into complex systems for a wide range of applications. Adam also developed strong business management skills while obtaining a Master's degree in business administration at Nicholls State University.
Alec Baird
Fabrication Director
Alec Baird
Fabrication Director
Alec Baird is the Fabrication Director at Kontek. He is responsible for estimating project costs and he handles the designing, fabricating, and installation of products. Alec has basic CNC skills, intermediate welding (Arc, MIG, and TIG), and other shop-related skills, mostly geared toward metal fabrication. He is also proficient in 3D design using Solidworks, and CAM programming with BobCAM. Alec earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mining and Mineral Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. From 2011 to 2014, Alec served as an Engineer Officer in the U.S. Army.
Greg Groening
Project Manager
Greg Groening
Project Manager
Greg Groening has been at Kontek for 19 years. When he started at Kontek, the company would primarily build telecommunication buildings. Greg later became a vital contributor to the company’s transition into security and defense solutions after 9/11. He is highly skilled in managing the scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality of some of Kontek’s biggest projects. Greg’s role has a deeper focus towards critical infrastructure and nuclear facilities. Greg works closely along with sales by interfacing with customers, walking them through the project details, and making sure all issues and concerns regarding the products are resolved.
Nick Keser
Project Manager
Nick Keser
Project Manager
Serving as a Project Manager, Nick Keser handles responsibilities that include budgeting, designing, scheduling, and oversight of the fabrication and installation of varying projects. He is proficient in the use of Solidworks as well as Autodesk Fusion 360 for 3D design applications. Nick also has proficient CNC machining skills through the use of Fusion 360's CAM software mainly based in the HAAS Ecosystem. Nick started at Kontek as an Engineering Intern and returned as a full time Project Manager after studying Petroleum Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Engineering.
John Hanneken
Project Manager
John Hanneken
Project Manager
John Hanneken is a Project Manager at Kontek Industries. With 8 years of experience as an electrician and a degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, he seamlessly applies his expertise and knowledge to excel in any high-pressure environment.
John's responsibilities encompass preventive maintenance, budgeting, custom design, scheduling, and overseeing the fabrication and installation of diverse projects. He is well-versed in utilizing SolidWorks for design work and Fusion 360 for CNC machining and water jetting custom parts.
In addition to his engineering expertise, John's dedication to service is evident through his 8 years in the Army Reserve as an Engineer Non-Commissioned Officer, including a tour in Iraq.
Mike Witt
Director of Sales & Marketing
Mike Witt
Director of Sales & Marketing
Michael Witt is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Kontek Industries. Michael is responsible for coordinating and executing sales strategies and marketing campaigns for the company.
Prior to joining Kontek Industries, Michael was the Vice President of Sales of a U.S.-based physical security and surveillance company, where he managed a sales team supporting global security companies, the US Department of Defense, the US Department of Energy, law enforcement agencies, and various defense groups across the world.
Michael Witt served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 – 2010 and conducted combat operations in Afghanistan on multiple deployments.
Michael has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Gardner Webb University.
Billy Barton
National Sales Manager - Security & Defense
Billy Barton
National Sales Manager - Security & Defense
Billy Barton is the National Sales Manager for Security & Defense related markets including federal, state, and local law enforcement, Department of Defense, public venues, and all other related agencies.
Prior to joining Kontek Industries, Billy has experience in Tactical and Strategic Planning with prior and active engagement in Tactical Marksmanship instruction with our partner SpecTrain, LLC. Billy also has experience in business operations, technology, and sales.
With his passion for providing optimal and creative solutions for customer needs, Billy is an asset to Kontek’s mission of innovation and excellence.
Matt Scott
National Sales Manager - Critical Infrastructure
Matt Scott
National Sales Manager - Critical Infrastructure
Matthew Scott is the National Sales Manager for Critical Infrastructure, Energy, and Nuclear markets.
Prior to joining Kontek Industries, Matt was an active duty United States Marine for 10 years and honorably served 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation. He was awarded the Purple Heart in 2010 for his selfless efforts.
Given his extensive military background, Matt’s experience in force protection, defensive strategies,
Matt Scott has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Chase Tobin
National Sales Manager – Law Enforcement, Security & Force Protection
Chase Tobin
National Sales Manager – Law Enforcement, Security & Force Protection
Chase Tobin is the National Sales Manager for Law Enforcement, Security & Force Protection; serving local and state law enforcement, government facilities and commercial entities focused on force protection.
Prior to joining Kontek Industries, Chase was an active duty United States Marine for 5 years and honorably served 3 tours in the EURCOM/AFRICOM and PACCOM theaters of operation. He has also worked as a security professional in both healthcare and academia.
Chase Tobin has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University and a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from Liberty University.
Pete Peterson
National Sales Manager – Critical Infrastructure
Pete Peterson
National Sales Manager – Critical Infrastructure
Peter R. Peterson is the National Account Manager for Critical Infrastructure.
Prior to joining Kontek Industries, Peter was a United States Marine Raider, serving honorably for 20 years. Peter has deployed worldwide during his tenure as an Active Duty Marine and Raider. Peter served multiple tours in both, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Peter has extensive experience as a National Security Specialist conducting threat vulnerability assessments, specific to physical security infrastructure, response force, and protective strategy validation for the Department of Defense, Federal Agencies, and Nuclear Security Industry. Peter is also a Master Breacher, experienced in mechanical, ballistic, thermal, explosive, and heavy breaching. It is this experience and breaching background that supports the overall mission of Kontek Industries in protecting critical infrastructure, critical assets, and personnel.
Peter is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Degree Program for Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis at Norwich University, Northfield, VT, United States.
Robert Durish
Sales Engineer
Robert Durish
Sales Engineer
Robert Durish is the Sales Engineer at Kontek Industries. Robert specializes in security related technology, from cameras and IT to software development. Robert leads our technology group, to bring new and emergent technologies to our customers.
Robert has a BS in Computer Information Systems and has been working in the IT space for over 14 years; nearly a decade being spent in physical security & cyber applications.
James Gandy
Marketing Coordinator
James Gandy
Marketing Coordinator
James Gandy handles both digital and traditional marketing objectives for Kontek. His responsibilities include CRM management, web analytics, video promos, blog writing, and many other marketing tasks. James is proficient in graphic design, data analysis, marketing research, and content creation.
James has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s in Business Administration at North Carolina A&T State University. During his time at NC A&T, James developed a strong knowledge of consumer behavior, advertising, and distribution. James also has a strong technological background ranging between CRM programs, ERP systems, and video broadcasting.
Dominic Longo
General Counsel
Dominic Longo
General Counsel
Dominic is a licensed North Carolina attorney, and he handles all legal matters at Kontek. Prior to joining Kontek, Dominic held many prior positions in the field of law. He started his career as a legal intern for 2 summers and then became a legal associate at UNC Greensboro Office of Innovation Commercialization. Dominic’s experience includes work in mass tort litigation, claims examining, subrogation, auto liability, and staff editing.
Dominic earned his Juris Doctor degree at Elon University School of Law in 2012. During his time at Elon, he developed broad lawyering skills and learned how to listen, communicate, interact effectively and resolve conflict in a broad range of complex situations. Dominic has also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Business Law and Management Information Systems.
Branson McGee
Inside Sales Representative
Branson McGee
Inside Sales Representative
Branson McGee is the inside sales representative for security and defense related markets including federal, state, and local law enforcement. Branson specializes under federal operations such as Department of Defense, and all other related agencies. Prior to joining Kontek, Branson had experience serving in outside & inside sales roles. During his time in sales, he has developed a strong skillset of communication, problem-solving, and customer engagement. Branson is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He plans on graduating in 2024 and looks forward to furthering his career with Kontek Industries.