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.

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Kai Concepts is a company that undertakes open-ended marine projects, the largest of which are the research and development of the Jetfoiler™ (www.jetfoiler.com) and the Kiteboat (www.kiteboat.com). Our team members share a passion for water, wind, extreme sports, and problem solving. Our workplace is fast-paced but informal.

OUR TEAM

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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.

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R+D

MERTEN STROETZEL

With over a decade of experience leading automotive projects, a huge enthusiasm for marine innovation, and a background in emerging technology research, Merten heads up our Jetfoiler™ research team.

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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.

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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.

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ACCOUNTING + RECRUITING

JASMINE PUEYO

With a background in project and enterprise accounting, Jasmine executes our recruiting and financial business operations.

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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.