David Kasinskas, owner/president of Graphics Systems Corp.
W133 N5138 Campbell Drive, Menomonee Falls
Industry: 3D engineering software solutions
Number of employees: 43
Family: Wife, Kim; Sons: Adam, Jordan and Josh.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“We looked back to the days when we started the company more than 20 years ago during slow economic times. We knew we’d have to grow the company through steady growth, and as we went through the recent recession, we felt the same way. We continued to hire and look for passionate, intelligent people with the intention to grow and develop a strong company culture. This past year we developed a new strategic operating plan consisting of ideas and projects based on feedback from employees and customers. This plan is now used as our company road map and is continuously reviewed and modified with the entire company.”
What’s new at your company?
“Graphics Systems provides 3D engineering technology from 3DS SolidWorks that allows our customers to better design and engineer their products. We constantly introduce new solutions to help our customers improve their products and processes. Most recently, we launched a plastic design simulation software, a 2D/3D electrical design software, and a new 3D printer line. With the addition of new products and services, we implemented dedicated product specialists for each discipline.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“We plan to increase our staff size by 15 to 20 percent this year and currently have openings for sales, technical, and administrative professionals.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Companies, at a high level, need to have a good vision of how adopting and investing in new technology will improve their overall profitability. Some companies figure they can make the initial investment and move on, but that does not always ensure success. Our challenge is to educate and partner with top executives and company visionaries to help them put processes into place for training and growing their engineering team.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Engineering and manufacturing is now a 3D world. Companies can design, test, communicate, and manage the workflow of their products all within a digital 3D environment. Designing, assembling, and testing before you cut any steel is now a reality. Another hot trend is 3D printing/rapid prototyping. Reduced cost, size, and improved ease of use of 3D printers in recent years allows any company the ability to create real 3D parts all from within their office. This allows companies to easily create physical models of their products in-house and test their form, fit, and function without having to outsource their prototyping overseas.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“I’ve always stressed the importance of the people factor with our employees. I realize the importance of customer satisfaction and strive for our company to be a great partner with our customers. One of the reasons we began the company was to offer a higher level of support and service than other technology resellers. We’ve created a 100 percent dedicated support team, additional service offerings, and information seminars all to make sure we focus on making the people happy and successful.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“I look up to my father. He instilled in me a good work ethic and a strong desire to succeed. Another significant part of my business belief system is rooted in my faith in God and having a great balance in my life. Also, my wife Kim has fully supported me along with my three sons: Adam, Jordan, and Josh.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Our business is a dynamic environment and the future is moving quickly. You must be able to properly accept and manage change to succeed. Business leaders and managers must all be agents of change by constantly evaluating people, process and performance. This includes making sure you have employees in positions where they are most valuable to the team and ensuring that everyone you hire fits with your desired company culture.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“More than 20 years ago when we started the software company, we couldn’t even afford a computer!”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I enjoy playing tennis with my wife, as well as outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. I’m also a licensed pilot and have a strong passion for aviation. In addition, I enjoy spending time with our first granddaughter, Stella. Lastly, I like to top that all off with a great cup of coffee!”
