KDC SYSTEMS - Key Persons


Ben Martin - CFO

Job Titles:
  • CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
Ben oversees the accounting, human resources, information technology, and purchasing departments for KDC Systems. By leading these departments, he provides essential support for our front-line employees, service for our clients, and guidance for project stakeholders. Ben's experience managing these operations helps to ensure compliance, achieve financial discipline, and promote process and project efficiency. Expertise Ben has a successful track record of over 25 years leading finance teams in various industries, including construction, facility services, distribution, and electrical contracting. His expertise includes strategic planning, financial modeling, reorganization, and mergers/acquisitions. Ben holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Bradley University and a bachelor's degree in management accounting from Université du Québec à Montréal in Canada. Additionally, he obtained his Certified Management Accountant certification in 1993, and has held an active Certified Public Accountant license from the Quebec Chartered Professional Accountants Order since 2012. The Personal Side Ben likes to stay active on weekends practicing sports such as swimming, biking, rollerblading, and tennis. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three sons; and is an avid reader of international business, geopolitics, and financial publications.

Charlie Spencer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • VICE PRESIDENT of
  • VICE PRESIDENT of ELECTRICAL DIVISION and PRECONSTRUCTION
Charlie oversees KDC System's electrical division, estimating, and preconstruction services. He is dedicated to serving as a coach and mentor to our company's team. Expertise Charlie brings over 45 years of experience in the electrical industry as a wireman, electrical designer, project manager, owner, National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies fire alarm designer, and engineering director. Retired from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for more than 15 years, Charlie still continues to contribute to the IBEW by serving on committees at the Local 11 Electrical Training Institute in Los Angeles, California. The Personal Side Charlie enjoys outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and triathlons. Devoted to travel, his passion is traveling to historical archaeological sites and learning about different cultures. Charlie is also a talented sketch artist. His artwork is on display in many businesses throughout Southern California.

Dusty Star Lord

Job Titles:
  • CONTROLLER
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Member of Our Safety Committee
Dusty leads KDC System's accounting team and oversees the company's day-to-day financial operations. She helps ensure adherence to organizational policies and strategies as well as legislative requirements. Also responsible for risk management and corporate compliance, Dusty has been an active member of our safety committee for more than 15 years. She works closely with management on financial controls, auditing, processes, policies, financial planning, and analysis. Expertise Dusty brings more than 29 years of experience in the construction industry. After joining KDC Systems in 1996, Dusty held several positions including Contracts Administrator, HR Manager, and EEO Officer. These roles provided her a breadth of expertise to offer support throughout the firm. She was promoted to Controller in 2008. Dusty holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a dual bachelor's degree in business operation and management from California State University Long Beach. The Personal Side Dusty enjoys all things outdoors, including camping, hiking, and bonfires. She is an avid Los Angeles Kings hockey fan, and likes attending concerts and the theatre. She also loves spending time with her family and pets.

Earnest "Lee" Brown - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • President
Lee has over 33 years of experience in the electrical construction industry throughout the Western United States. He oversees the overall business strategy, operations, and business development across KDC Systems' very diverse client base and business segments. He leads an exceptional team of professionals with a strong commitment to client satisfaction, the safety of our personnel, and building to the highest standards of quality and service across Southern California. Lee began his career in 1987 and has worked in all areas of electrical contracting. Starting as an Apprentice, Lee has held positions as Journeyman Wireman, Foreman/General Foreman, Estimator, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Division Manager, Exec Vice President/COO and President. His extensive experience in all aspects of both inside and outside (utility) electrical work has given him the expertise to fully understand the needs of our clients and customers to deliver successful projects and lasting relationships.

Edward Kazimierski

Job Titles:
  • DIVISION MANAGER
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
Edward oversees our automation division, KDC Systems. His team specializes in industrial/process automation, building automation, and UL 508A panel fabrication. Edward's leadership empowers KDC Systems to maintain a solid reputation as a highly-respected systems integration provider throughout Southern California. He has been instrumental in KDC Systems' work on some of the most visible projects in the area, including all three phases of the Orange County Water District Groundwater Replenishment System project, the Los Angeles International Airport Central Utility Plant project, and various prominent life science industry projects. Expertise Edward has worked in the automation field for more than 27 years. For 21 of these years, he has been with the company in positions including Engineer/Programmer, Commissioning Manager, Engineering Manager, and Division Manager. A graduate of Don Bosco Technical Institute's electronics technology program, Edward also earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from California State University Long Beach. The Personal Side Edward is active at the Pope John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda, California, and is the co-chairman of the yearly Harvest Festival. He also enjoys traveling and woodworking.

Mike Aguirre

Job Titles:
  • Division Manager
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • DIVISION MANAGER - TRANSPORTATION
Mike manages KDC Inc's transportation team in performing public and private works projects throughout southern California. His years of experience in the transportation industry make Mike skilled at helping ensure all project requirements are done right the first time, while achieving the highest standard of quality. Expertise Mike has worked in the transportation industry for 16 years. By demonstrating his exceptional work ethic, he worked his way up to the role of Project Manager, then Operations Manager, and eventually to Senior Project Manager at KDC. He spearheaded efforts to build a substantial transportation division for his past employer, honing his managerial skills in the process. Throughout his career, Mike has managed projects for CALTRANS, City of Los Angeles, County of Riverside, Orange County Public Works, and multiple private general contractors. Mike served in the U.S. Coast Guard and also participated in the IBEW Apprenticeship program. The Personal Side When not working, Mike loves spending time with his wife and four kids. His passions include barbecuing, boating, fishing, and attending concerts and sporting events.

Mike Lightfoot

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • DIVISION MANAGER - SPECIAL PROJECTS
Leveraging his broad project experience ranging from ground-up buildings to multiple-floor tenant fit-outs, Mike successfully manages concurrently-running projects that often require completion timelines of less than six months. Expertise Mike is an effective leader, with more than 45 years of experience in the electrical industry. His knowledge and expertise helps KDC Systems build enduring client relationships. The Personal Side Mike and his family enjoy traveling in their RV to different locations every year and exploring new wonders of our country. He also enjoys playing racquet ball and basketball, as well as fishing, camping, and hiking.

Ron Bowen - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
Ron's role is to oversee the operations of each of KDC Inc.'s six divisions. His focus is on providing solutions to our customers that will help ensure their projects finish on time and with-in budget. He is dedicated to leading a team that will provide world class service to KDC Inc.'s diverse customer base. Expertise Ron has over 23 years in the electrical industry. His first 18 years were at a midsize contractor in Minneapolis, where he rose from intern to president within 13 years. He then moved to a top ten electrical contractor where he oversaw their northern Minneapolis and North Dakota offices, along with their UL 508A control panel shop. He has extensive experience in both design build and design assist projects and has worked on many high-profile projects including Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Huntington Bank Stadium, Target Field, US Bank Stadium, and Northrup Auditorium. Ron is passionate about DEI and has mentored multiple minority contractors in an effort to diversify the construction industry. The Personal Side Ron enjoys traveling with his daughters, DIY projects, golfing, fishing, and listening to music of all genres.

Shane Watson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Vice President of Operations
Shane oversees all aspects of project development from estimating through project completion. His deep commitment to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction drives Shane's efforts to build strong, long-term relationships with every KDC client. Expertise With 28 years of experience in the electrical field, including 17 years in management, Shane has a wealth of knowledge and expertise that he brings to his role. Previously, he held positions as Electrician, Chief Estimator, Project manager, Business Development Manager, Division Manager, and Vice President, which have given him a well-rounded understanding of the industry. Shane is highly skilled at problem-solving and has a talent for producing budgets through the design process, helping ensure that projects are completed efficiently and effectively. The Personal Side Outside of work, Shane enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and traveling. He is passionate about maintaining a healthy work-life balance and encourages his team to do the same.