Kato Cable was founded with the vision of creating a different kind of cable assembly and wire harness company. Our approach is focused on employee success and innovation. With this, we are able to provide repeat quality products to our customer and synchronized innovation up and down the supply chain giving our vendor, ourselves, and our customers the alignment to be successful.
Our Leadership
Eric Else
Chairman & CEO
Founded Kato Cable: 2006
Eric is an entrepreneur and is the founder and CEO of Kato Cable, LLC. Eric was born into an entrepreneurial family and at an early age, he was exposed to manufacturing and technology. This gave him a passion for technology and the ability to see innovative solutions to problems. One of these innovative solutions was to fill a supply chain gap in the wire and cable industry. In 2006, he founded Kato Cable to provide innovative assembly solutions driven by technology and automation.
“Kato Cable was built to be a different kind of cable and wire harness company. It was built on innovation, automation, and process control to deliver repeat quality products each and every time. Our vision remains to build a company around providing better service to customers in a manner that improves the lives of our employees and the communities in which we live and serve. That is our compass.
The strategy is simple. Employ top talent driven by innovation. This means we come to work every day to find a better way. Our focus applies technology and automation to all areas of our business to create an industry-leading, quality-focused company that values, respects, and serves our customers, employees, and communities.
You have our commitment that we will out work, out hustle, and out innovate our competition.”
Todd King
Co-Founder
2006
Todd joined Eric at Kato Cable bringing with experience in manufacturing operations and executive leadership. He has been a part of 5 different startups in the design and manufacturing industries over his 35+ year career and brings to Kato Cable an enthusiasm for building a successful business from the ground up. Todd holds a B.S. degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Minnesota State University and an MBA in Operations from St. Thomas University.
“The quality of the product has always been the most important aspect of the manufacturing process. Here at Kato Cable, quality truly is number one.
At Kato Cable, we employ good, skilled people who have a desire to produce the best products available, and that’s where the quality starts. We acquire the best equipment available because that’s where efficiency and quality products come from. And last, but not least, we partner with customers who know we will produce what they need, when they need it, and will stand behind every product made at Kato Cable.”
Matt Lade
President
Year hired: 2011
Responsibilities: Leading all things Kato Cable. Matt is a humble leader with unparalleled commitment to supporting and improving the team while providing excellence in product output every time. His mission is to find Creative Solutions, Opportunities for Automation and Efficiency Improvements – a better way to “Get it Done”.
Career before Kato Cable: Matt got his start in the industrial manufacturing environment as a Mechanical Drafting & Design Engineer in the Power Generation space. He also gained experience in the electronics industry setting up a new validation software for printed circuit board assemblies. Matt’s sharp eye for engineering, strategy, and leadership resulted in promotions to Engineering Manager and finally to President of Kato Cable. He is the steady guide to the ship.
Why Kato Cable? Kato Cable started as an opportunity for Matt to help put his footprint on a growing organization. Matt’s influences have helped to create an industry leading engineering & production organization that provides tremendous value to our customers.
Extras: Competitive dart league player, loves to start the day with a workout, always has time for his team!
Nikki Dills
Sales Manager
Year hired: 2022
Responsibilities: Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. Collaborating throughout the organization to help provide world class service and delivery to our customers.
Career before Kato Cable: Nikki has been in the customer service realm for over 20 years and the manufacturing world for over 15! She is passionate about not only serving the customer but the team and process behind the product. She most recently spent 9 years in the Electronics and Engineered To Order space growing the business by focusing on building the ‘right fit’ and customer relationships. Nikki has a B.A. in Business Management from the College of St. Benedict and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Mankato State University.
Why Kato Cable? The team at Kato Cable is unbelievably helpful and so driven! Being surrounded by such an innovative organization is contagious, and Nikki is excited to use her skill-sets to help support and build the company.
Extras: Spending time with family and friends – Ice Fishing, Golfing, Travelling & Kids Activities!
Matt Lukasek
Quoting and Sales Engineering Manager
Year hired: 2013
Responsibilities: Oversees the Product Engineering Team as well as the Engineering quoting team. He is also a constant collaborator with the Manufacturing Engineering & Production team.
Career before Kato Cable: Prior to joining the Kato Cable team, Matt was both a Manufacturing & Development Engineer. His background in the Medical Device space as a Development Engineer has been a catalyst for our company’s growth in that space. Matt’s current work is more focused on harnessing in the motor vehicle, marine, and industrial space where he is a go-to problem solver for customers. He is known for finding solutions and options with excellence in engineering work.
Why Kato Cable? Mankato ended up being the perfect landing space for Matt and his family, and Kato Cable presented an opportunity for Matt to grow into a leadership position within the organization.
Extras: Spending time with family, donating time to charitable organizations, downhill skiing, golfing, and enjoying Minnesota’s four seasons.
Dan Holz
Controller
Year hired: 2021
Responsibilities: Finance, Purchasing, and Human Resources.
Career before Kato Cable: Dan started his career as a CPA and worked as an assurance auditor for a variety of clients (manufacturing, real estate, construction, etc.). Dan then transitioned to private accounting in the electric motor industry.
Why Kato Cable? He was drawn to the culture, people, and high character of Kato Cable’s leaders. The excitement, pride, and optimism could be felt, and he knew that big things were ahead for the company. The Mankato area is where Dan grew up and ultimately wanted to put his family’s roots down close to this.
Extras: Dan enjoys spending time with his family in the community, fishing, camping, and hunting.
