Leadership Executives

Kimberly K. During - CEO and Founder

As K.Tek Systems Inc.'s CEO and founder, Kimberly is the serial entrepreneur and philanthropist whose vision and leadership have generated business success for K.Tek Systems since its inception in 1993. A recognized leader in the Internet technology field, Kimberly has dedicated herself both professionally and personally to providing innovative, productive and profitable technology solutions to businesses in various industries for nearly two decades. Currently, Kimberly owns seventeen national and international diversified companies and has established four Foundations to support her dedication to philanthropic endeavors.

Kimberly leads the management team and serves as the visionary to create all key initiatives for K.Tek Systems. Kimberly's never-ending thirst for knowledge has made her a formidable business woman as she leverages her technical insight to consistently deliver a high ROI (Return on Investment) for her clients. Her passion lies in forward-thinking and the continued creative development of Internet based technologies to improve the businesses of clients.

A perseverant spirit and determined focus on results has garnered dynamic growth through varying economic conditions allowing Kimberly to lead K.Tek Systems to be awarded numerous distinctions within the technology industry. K.Tek Systems has consistently been recognized within the Top 25 service company rankings in several Tampa Bay area Business Journals, as well as one of the Top 10 Technology Companies in Tampa Bay and one of the Top 10 Women Owned Businesses, amongst many others. Kimberly's cultivation of K.Tek Systems corporate culture has distinguished the company in the state-wide Gulf Coast Business Review publication as one of the Top 500 Most Successful Companies, amongst several other accolades. An entrepreneur, Kimberly has been named CEO of the Year in 2008 and 2009 and won the congressional award twice consecutively for Top Honors in Small Business, which was presented by the former President of the United States, George W. Bush. She is an honorary member of countless prestigious organizations and affiliations, such as the National Association of Professional Women, National Republican Congressional Committee, U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce, Women in Congress, is listed in countless "Who's Who", and the Technology Venture Forum.

Kimberly found her passion for business at the age of fourteen which led to her work for outstanding entrepreneurs and inspired her to eventually become self-employed. A graduate from the University of South Florida (USF), Kimberly holds a Certification in Non-Profit Management as well her Masters in Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant.

As an active philanthropist outside her leadership role at K.Tek Systems, Kimberly supports many causes and organizations including the Pinellas Education Foundation, the Stavros Institute, SPC Foundation, USF Foundation, and Women in Leadership amongst others. Kimberly has launched the During Foundation, the Daughtry Family Foundation, Forrest E. Berrie Institute and the Hearts Will Hold Foundation, all vehicles for bettering the community and is active in State and Federal Legislation in the areas of Education, Health Care, and Veterans Services as well as having funded over thirty-five non-profit organizations in 2010 alone.

Kimberly directed the implementation of a K.Tek Systems Inc. storefront at Enterprise Village, an educational program at the Stavros Institute for children that focuses on developing real-world business skills. She enabled children to learn how Internet technology dynamically effects and is intertwined with business by introducing students to Cloud Computing applications, Social Media, and by automating some of the former "paper based" systems used in educational curriculum.

Kimberly sits on many Board of Directors for community organizations that positively impact and provide outstanding services for Health Care, Social Services, Education, and At-Risk Youth. She is a member of several organizations such as the Women Presidents Organization, National Association of Professional and Executive Women, Zonta International Club of Business Women's Organization, U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce, and the Women in Congress Organization.

Kimberly works tenaciously to make a positive difference in the lives of others and impact her community. She finds great contentment in developing Internet and Web based technologies which help other businesses and organizations thrive. Kimberly practices the highest level of commitment, integrity, sincerity, generosity, and applies high standards in all that she accomplishes. Whether creating jobs, donating financial resources, products and services, or raising funds for various causes, Kimberly uses sound, proven and solid business principles to build successful organizations.

 

Jim McGauley - COO

As K.Tek Systems Inc.'s Chief Operating Officer, Jim leads all key functions of the organization and oversees the daily operation of every department within the company. Working closely with Kimberly During (CEO), Jim is dedicated to leading the management team to implement the strategies steering the business development and increased profitability of the company. Jim serves as an agent for change, executing tactics which foster confidence in the staff and drive business growth. He has served as a motivating force to developing and cascading the mission statement and overall business strategy to K.Tek Systems' personnel. Jim has honed his organizational skills and communication abilities to effect positive changes within enterprises. His extensive knowledge of business best practices, management, operations, logistics as well as his technical skills and resources allow him to communicate effectively with K.Tek Systems clients. Jim appreciates the fundamental way businesses operate and utilizes those skills to understand how custom integrated applications can streamline business processes and create profitable growth for companies. On a daily basis, Jim meets with each of the K.Tek Systems department heads to ensure that the needs of every client are not only being met but exceeded while forging comradery amongst the staff. Jim's personable nature makes him an effective leader that's relatable to clients. This is what makes him the impetus to enacting change within the company yielding success.

Jim possesses more than fifteen years of experience in business operations, logistics management and quality assurance, making him an integral asset to the company. Prior to working at K.Tek Systems, Jim graduated from Pace University and then worked as a senior operations manager for a large electronic components distribution company and later as the senior project manager for an IT services and business consulting company. At each of his positions, Jim closely worked with the management, clients and staff to ensure smooth daily operations.

 

Ron During - CIO

As K.Tek Systems Inc.'s Chief Information Officer, Ron directs the technological goals of the organization and is responsible for managing the Client Services, Customer Support and Hosting Services Divisions. By collaborating with Jim McGauley (COO) and Kimberly During (CEO), Ron serves not only as a technological expert, but also possesses the business skills and expertise to carry out the overall premeditated objectives of the company. Ron's position at K.Tek Systems uniquely qualifies him to provide proper strategic IT planning that's aligned to the corporate strategy and business development vision. Ron utilizes his strengths and anticipates emerging technological trends in the marketplace which further broadens his already extensive knowledge in Web Application Development, Hosting Services and Search Engine Marketing. Ron's duties to K.Tek Systems are the same ones he strives to implement for every client -- to integrate Internet technologies into both the business's long-term strategy and its immediate business plans leading to an overall increase in productivity and profitability. During Ron's tenure at K.Tek Systems, he has promulgated and exploited the company's knowledge resources to reshape its physical infrastructure and network access. He manages the company's international network operations and multi-redundant hosting configurations throughout the U.S. and in Europe. Ron has a pivotal role at K.Tek Systems as he serves as a client liaison and due to his integrity, respect, and diligent work ethic has fostered personal, meaningful relationships with each client.

Prior to working at K.Tek Systems, Ron graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with a degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a broadcasting personality.