News

Who's Who: Peter Kaszycki

Pro-Tech's main man knows what it takes to build a device that can weather the elements - and he knows the importance of balancing work and family.

March 5, 2006

Peter Kaszycki didn't intend to go into the kiosk business, but he knows a great opportunity when he sees one.

The Utica, N.Y.-native founded his Atlanta-based business Pro-Tech 15 years ago. Originally, the company provided computer workstations for harsh industrial environments - such as the platforms of offshore drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Three years ago, though, a major c-store chain approached him about designing an outdoor kiosk that could withstand the elements.

"Once we designed and deployed the first outdoor kiosks, I realized that there was virtually no one offering a true outdoor kiosk design," he said. This experience prompted him to launch the kiosk division within Pro-Tech. "Since then, we have installed kiosks in a variety of outdoor environments - from ticketing to QSR ordering to car rental and return to airline check-in."

Today, Peter serves as president and CEO of a company that is a juggernaut not just in its market but in physical size, as well. Pro-Tech's Atlanta facility includes a 36,000 square foot assembly and design facility, plus an additional 50,000 square feet devoted to a fully automated manufacturing area. Every aspect of a project - from 3-D modeling to assembly and finish - is done in-house.

That A-to-Z approach is important to Peter, not just from a physical standpoint but also from a theoretical one.

"Believe it or not, the most important aspect of what I do is to educate the marketplace on how to properly implement a kiosk project," he said. "I have seen too many poorly implemented kiosk projects and wasted money just because someone did not think through all the issues. The hardware and software alone are just the beginning."

"Peter is on the one hand an excellent salesman and promoter of his company while also running a tight, detailed operation," said Manny Morales, general manager for Ticketpop, whose critically acclaimed kiosks dispense tickets to entertainment and arts events. "He is very strict and meticulous while also fun to be with."

An avid golfer and tennis player, Peter says he is a family man first and foremost.

"My family is, by far, the most important thing to me," he said. His 19-year-old daughter attends Furman University, and he has a 15-year-old son at home. "When I have the time, I like to travel with my wife and children and be active with their lives and goals."

"I've come to admire his vision and the patience he has to grow his business methodically and step-by-step while adapting to an ever-evolving industry by keeping his eye on the bigger, long-term picture," Morales said. "I'm a pretty big fan of Peter."