KAI CONCEPTS, LLC
Kai Concepts is a team of creative problem solvers with a unique combination of backgrounds in engineering, manufacturing, inflatable design, competitive windsurfing and kitesurfing, multimedia production, and software development. Led by Don Montague, our Bay Area team has pushed the limits of water sports innovation for years.
Kai Concepts is a company that undertakes open-ended marine projects, the largest of which are the research and development of the Jetfoiler™ () and the Kiteboat (). Our team members share a passion for water, wind, extreme sports, and problem solving. Our workplace is fast-paced but informal.
OUR TEAM
FOUNDER
DON MONTAGUE
As founder and head of r+d at Kai Concepts, former head of r+d for successful sail and kite brands, and founder Makani Power, Don's passion for innovation has kept him on the cutting edge of marine and wind development for the past 30 years.
PRODUCT MANAGER
DMITRI STEPANOV
With experience in delivering both electrical and aerospace projects, managing cross functional development teams, and multiple degrees in engineering and materials science, Dmitri leads our Jetfoiler™ development team.
ELECTRONICS TEAM LEAD
JAMIE SCHULTE
Jamie leads the electronics and software development for our Kiteboat and Jetfoiler projects. He holds multiple master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon, where he contributed to research in robotics, AI, and data mining.
SHOP MANAGER
JOE BROCK
Joe is the shop and engineering manager and a skilled designer and fabricator in all material disciplines including metal and composites. He holds a degree in physics and oversees construction in all Kai Concepts projects.
MARKETING + RECRUITING
ALEX BIRUKOVA
With a background in enterprise business development and sales, Alex drives our recruiting, marketing and sales efforts to grow our business and our presence across all channels.
LOGISTICS + TESTING
KAI CALDER
Kai holds a degree in supply chain management and logistics, and stewards our component and material suppliers for all projects. With deep marine experience, Kai is also key member of our on water r+d project testing.