MEET OUR TEAM
Mark Kleinknecht
CEO
As KEC’s President & Owner, Mark has an intimate knowledge of every department in Kleinknecht and maintains an active role. Mark decided to join Kleinknecht Electric as a third-generation owner.
When he entered in 2003, KEC was a very different company. Throughout his tenure, Mark has been intricately involved in the management and growth of every aspect of the company, from sales to estimating to project management. This gives him a unique perspective and understanding of every part of the business and a strong connection with the leadership in each department. His knowledge and business savvy have allowed him to think strategically about department interconnectedness and overall growth and hold true to the high ethical business standards he wants his company to build upon.
Mark graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Economics and received an MBA from The Anderson School of Management at UCLA with a focus on Entrepreneurial Business. He played Varsity Lacrosse for all four years at UPENN and is still heavily involved in the UPenn Lacrosse Board. Mark started his career at KEC in 2003 after working in finance at CSFB.
Continuing the strong tradition of quality service to clients and a positive work environment for employees is incredibly important to Mark, and he felt only he could understand that significance. Beyond the family tradition, he wanted to grow KEC in his own right into a dynamic and modern business, streamlining processes through technology and building an innovative management team. Mark became the sole owner of KEC in 2013 and put his vision into action. Turning this vision into a reality is just as important to him as continuing past traditions.
Mark has been married to his wife Jessica since 2009 and they have four young children. Mark and Jessica actively support Harlem Lacrosse and the Vote Mama Foundation. He enjoys skiing, hockey, lacrosse, and biking.
When he entered in 2003, KEC was a very different company. Throughout his tenure, Mark has been intricately involved in the management and growth of every aspect of the company, from sales to estimating to project management. This gives him a unique perspective and understanding of every part of the business and a strong connection with the leadership in each department. His knowledge and business savvy have allowed him to think strategically about department interconnectedness and overall growth and hold true to the high ethical business standards he wants his company to build upon.
Mark graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Economics and received an MBA from The Anderson School of Management at UCLA with a focus on Entrepreneurial Business. He played Varsity Lacrosse for all four years at UPENN and is still heavily involved in the UPenn Lacrosse Board. Mark started his career at KEC in 2003 after working in finance at CSFB.
Continuing the strong tradition of quality service to clients and a positive work environment for employees is incredibly important to Mark, and he felt only he could understand that significance. Beyond the family tradition, he wanted to grow KEC in his own right into a dynamic and modern business, streamlining processes through technology and building an innovative management team. Mark became the sole owner of KEC in 2013 and put his vision into action. Turning this vision into a reality is just as important to him as continuing past traditions.
Mark has been married to his wife Jessica since 2009 and they have four young children. Mark and Jessica actively support Harlem Lacrosse and the Vote Mama Foundation. He enjoys skiing, hockey, lacrosse, and biking.
Steve D’Orazio
President
As KEC’s President, Steve is responsible for the company's day-to-day operations related to project management, estimating, finance, and superintendents. His primary duty is to ensure all departments work as a cohesive unit while bringing our customers the best service possible.
Steve graduated from St. John’s University with a BA in Computer Science & Business Administration. While at St. John’s, he was student body president of the Staten Island campus, vice president of the Greek student council, and a staff writer for the campus newspaper.
Steve started his career in electrical construction in 2003 after working for a technology company. Deciding he enjoyed being part of building a physical space and seeing the vision from start to finish, he moved into the construction industry. Currently, he enjoys the development of technology in the construction industry and how it can vastly improve production and communication.
He started as a junior estimator and quickly expanded his role into all sectors of the electrical construction field, working as a Project Manager, Chief Estimator, Director of Operations, Vice President of Maintenance, Chief Operating Officer for various Local 3 companies, and now in his current role as President here at Kleinknecht Electric.
What he values most in his position is providing customers with an excellent product that exceeds expectations while staying on schedule and budget.
Steve married his wife, Silvia, in 2006, and they have two beautiful children. He currently belongs to Team RWB (Red, White & Blue) and enjoys cycling, playing baseball, and spending time with his family.
Steve graduated from St. John’s University with a BA in Computer Science & Business Administration. While at St. John’s, he was student body president of the Staten Island campus, vice president of the Greek student council, and a staff writer for the campus newspaper.
Steve started his career in electrical construction in 2003 after working for a technology company. Deciding he enjoyed being part of building a physical space and seeing the vision from start to finish, he moved into the construction industry. Currently, he enjoys the development of technology in the construction industry and how it can vastly improve production and communication.
He started as a junior estimator and quickly expanded his role into all sectors of the electrical construction field, working as a Project Manager, Chief Estimator, Director of Operations, Vice President of Maintenance, Chief Operating Officer for various Local 3 companies, and now in his current role as President here at Kleinknecht Electric.
What he values most in his position is providing customers with an excellent product that exceeds expectations while staying on schedule and budget.
Steve married his wife, Silvia, in 2006, and they have two beautiful children. He currently belongs to Team RWB (Red, White & Blue) and enjoys cycling, playing baseball, and spending time with his family.
Nathan Weise
Chief Financial Officer / Chief Technical Officer
As KEC’s CFO/CTO, Nathan is responsible for financial management & reporting, strategic planning, and driving data-driven decision-making across the company. He also manages the IT infrastructure and partners with the operations functions to maximize the impact of software and technology.
Nathan graduated from Southeastern University in 2011 with a BS in both Finance and Accounting. He was a member of Sigma Beta Delta - the International Honor Society in Business, and a member of Students in Free Enterprise. He started his career in public accounting in 2011 and obtained his CPA license a couple of years later in the Audit/Attestation Practice for a regional Public Accounting Firm.
Nathan’s primary focus is on ensuring actionable information is available across the organization by leveraging technology, data-driven strategies, and process optimization.
"I gained valuable experience working with construction firms across the NY Metro area. Moving into a consulting role, I helped clients gain efficiency, increase profitability, and drive revenue growth through technology and process improvements. In 2019 I moved into the private sector and began my role with KEC in 2020."
He has been married to his beautiful wife, Rachel, for ten years, and they have three amazing children: twin boys and a girl. His interests include spending time with his family, exploring nature by camping and hiking, and playing basketball and golf.
“What we do now echoes in eternity.” – Marcus Aurelius
Nathan graduated from Southeastern University in 2011 with a BS in both Finance and Accounting. He was a member of Sigma Beta Delta - the International Honor Society in Business, and a member of Students in Free Enterprise. He started his career in public accounting in 2011 and obtained his CPA license a couple of years later in the Audit/Attestation Practice for a regional Public Accounting Firm.
Nathan’s primary focus is on ensuring actionable information is available across the organization by leveraging technology, data-driven strategies, and process optimization.
"I gained valuable experience working with construction firms across the NY Metro area. Moving into a consulting role, I helped clients gain efficiency, increase profitability, and drive revenue growth through technology and process improvements. In 2019 I moved into the private sector and began my role with KEC in 2020."
He has been married to his beautiful wife, Rachel, for ten years, and they have three amazing children: twin boys and a girl. His interests include spending time with his family, exploring nature by camping and hiking, and playing basketball and golf.
“What we do now echoes in eternity.” – Marcus Aurelius
Cristina Centeno-Vélez
Administrative Operations Manager / Commercial Ins & Risk Mgr
Cristina began her career at KEC in 2013 and is the director of daily office, administrative operations, and our insurance risk manager. She oversees the functional and organizational components of the office to optimize workflow, productivity, and the overall generation of revenue, working closely with our president and other executives. At KEC she also works with company safety, project management, estimating & HR departments, insurance brokers, underwriters, and legal counsel to safeguard company assets and reduce liability exposure.
She graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and was involved in the Catholic Student Association, Organization of Latin American Students & SafeZone program.
Cris is also our licensed FDNY Expeditor and Notary Public.
She has been married since 2008 to a retired NYPD officer and has two daughters.
“If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman” - Margaret Thatcher
She graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and was involved in the Catholic Student Association, Organization of Latin American Students & SafeZone program.
Cris is also our licensed FDNY Expeditor and Notary Public.
She has been married since 2008 to a retired NYPD officer and has two daughters.
“If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman” - Margaret Thatcher
Steve Lembo
Director of Building Services
As KEC’s Building Services Director, Steve is responsible for all service requests from building property managers, engineers & direct tenants.
Steve graduated from The New York Institute of Technology, where he played Division 1 Collegiate Baseball, with a Bachelor’s in Business Management. He started his career in 2000 as an apprentice with Local 3 working his way up to General Foreman, Project Manager, and now our Building Services Director.
Steve’s field experience as an electrician gives him a hands-on approach with clients, ensuring they receive the right pricing and solutions for their electrical needs. He values quality work and surpassing customer expectations.
He has been married to his beautiful wife, Renee for 20 years and they have 4 boys. His interests include the outdoors, coaching baseball, and spending time with his family.
“Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
Steve graduated from The New York Institute of Technology, where he played Division 1 Collegiate Baseball, with a Bachelor’s in Business Management. He started his career in 2000 as an apprentice with Local 3 working his way up to General Foreman, Project Manager, and now our Building Services Director.
Steve’s field experience as an electrician gives him a hands-on approach with clients, ensuring they receive the right pricing and solutions for their electrical needs. He values quality work and surpassing customer expectations.
He has been married to his beautiful wife, Renee for 20 years and they have 4 boys. His interests include the outdoors, coaching baseball, and spending time with his family.
“Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
Inaam Bacchus
General Superintendent
As KEC’S General Superintendent, Inaam’s primary duties include foreman accountability, manpower placement, overtime management, and ensuring clients get a high-quality install and all schedules are met. In addition to overseeing all construction field employees, he supports our 24/7 emergency service division. Whether KEC is helping a client with an outlet, or a 4000amp DP and ATS, Inaam ensures the process is smooth from start to finish.
Inaam’s interest in electricity began at 14 when he was wiring doorbells and transformers in high school. After nearly two decades, he has worked on stadiums, commercial and residential renovations, infrastructure, data, and fiber installation - which has provided him experience in almost every aspect of the electrical industry. Beginning as an apprentice and moving through his roles as van services technician, journeyman, and general foreman to his current position, he has served every field role at KEC.
His formal education in electrical started in Thomas Edison vocational training in Queens, where he earned an NYS endorsement in electrical engineering. He then completed a 5.5-year training apprenticeship in Local 3 and earned an Associate in Science from Empire State University.
Inaam is also a Licensed NYC Master Electrician.
Leading by example has always been his key to success. Being in the trenches of work has allowed his team to rally around and push forward to create a dynamic of hard-working, knowledgeable, customer-oriented electricians.
Inaam is married with three wonderful kids. His two boys and one girl. Outside of work, he enjoys relaxing and spending quality time with his family.
Inaam’s interest in electricity began at 14 when he was wiring doorbells and transformers in high school. After nearly two decades, he has worked on stadiums, commercial and residential renovations, infrastructure, data, and fiber installation - which has provided him experience in almost every aspect of the electrical industry. Beginning as an apprentice and moving through his roles as van services technician, journeyman, and general foreman to his current position, he has served every field role at KEC.
His formal education in electrical started in Thomas Edison vocational training in Queens, where he earned an NYS endorsement in electrical engineering. He then completed a 5.5-year training apprenticeship in Local 3 and earned an Associate in Science from Empire State University.
Inaam is also a Licensed NYC Master Electrician.
Leading by example has always been his key to success. Being in the trenches of work has allowed his team to rally around and push forward to create a dynamic of hard-working, knowledgeable, customer-oriented electricians.
Inaam is married with three wonderful kids. His two boys and one girl. Outside of work, he enjoys relaxing and spending quality time with his family.
Ravi Melkote
Vice President of Estimating
As the Vice President of Estimating at KEC, Ravi is responsible for leading a varied team of estimating professionals in the company.
Ravi received his BSEE degree from the National Institute of Technology in Suratkal, India. For the last forty years, he has worked in the electrical construction industry in the US. He started his career in the early eighties at a venerable New York firm learning all aspects of new building construction and alteration work in the hospital, commercial, educational, and industrial sectors.
Ravi brings an analytical and reasoning skill set into all aspects of his career, leading to success on the various large and small projects he has worked on. In addition to managing multiple projects simultaneously, several junior estimators have been mentored by him.
Ravi has been happily married for 36 years and has a daughter working on her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. In his personal time, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and home automation projects.
Ravi received his BSEE degree from the National Institute of Technology in Suratkal, India. For the last forty years, he has worked in the electrical construction industry in the US. He started his career in the early eighties at a venerable New York firm learning all aspects of new building construction and alteration work in the hospital, commercial, educational, and industrial sectors.
Ravi brings an analytical and reasoning skill set into all aspects of his career, leading to success on the various large and small projects he has worked on. In addition to managing multiple projects simultaneously, several junior estimators have been mentored by him.
Ravi has been happily married for 36 years and has a daughter working on her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. In his personal time, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and home automation projects.
James Crevani
Chief Estimator
James Crevani is a highly accomplished Electrical Chief Estimator with two decades of extensive experience in the field. With a strong background in electrical engineering and a keen eye for project estimation, James has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of numerous complex projects throughout his career.
Starting his journey in the electrical industry, James quickly demonstrated his exceptional skills in project estimation, cost analysis, and budget management. Over the years, he has honed his expertise in evaluating project requirements, interpreting blueprints, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop accurate and comprehensive project estimates.
Throughout his illustrious career, James has been instrumental in securing and delivering high-profile projects across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, and residential. His in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and technologies, combined with his ability to stay abreast of industry trends, has consistently positioned him as a trusted authority in the estimation process.
As a seasoned leader, James has effectively managed teams of estimators, fostering a culture of excellence and precision. His commitment to delivering accurate estimates within budgetary constraints has earned him a reputation for reliability and efficiency in the industry.
James's passion for staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the electrical field has allowed him to incorporate innovative solutions into project estimates, ensuring clients, receive cutting-edge and cost-effective electrical systems.
With a proven track record of successful project deliveries, James Crevani continues to be a driving force in the electrical estimation field, providing invaluable expertise and leadership to his teams and contributing to the overall success of the project he undertakes.
Starting his journey in the electrical industry, James quickly demonstrated his exceptional skills in project estimation, cost analysis, and budget management. Over the years, he has honed his expertise in evaluating project requirements, interpreting blueprints, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop accurate and comprehensive project estimates.
Throughout his illustrious career, James has been instrumental in securing and delivering high-profile projects across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, and residential. His in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and technologies, combined with his ability to stay abreast of industry trends, has consistently positioned him as a trusted authority in the estimation process.
As a seasoned leader, James has effectively managed teams of estimators, fostering a culture of excellence and precision. His commitment to delivering accurate estimates within budgetary constraints has earned him a reputation for reliability and efficiency in the industry.
James's passion for staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the electrical field has allowed him to incorporate innovative solutions into project estimates, ensuring clients, receive cutting-edge and cost-effective electrical systems.
With a proven track record of successful project deliveries, James Crevani continues to be a driving force in the electrical estimation field, providing invaluable expertise and leadership to his teams and contributing to the overall success of the project he undertakes.
