John Yi

John Yi is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of KES Inc., a company that provides innovative systems engineering solutions primarily to the defense community.1 He founded Koam Engineering Systems Inc. (KES) in 1994 with the vision of creating a company that would offer efficient and effective service while genuinely caring for the success and well-being of both its customers and employees.1

As a first-generation immigrant from South Korea, John Yi has applied the lessons he learned from overcoming personal challenges to build and operate KES.1 Under his leadership, the company has been operating for nearly 28 years, focusing on providing customized technology solutions.

John Yi's approach to business emphasizes the importance of people, both customers and employees, while also recognizing the significance of the technologies and methodologies they develop.1 He has fostered a company culture that aims to challenge, support, and appreciate its employees while remaining dedicated to its customers.1

KES Inc. is an $18 million company, demonstrating significant growth under John Yi's leadership.5 His commitment to employee ownership is evident in his involvement with employee stock ownership initiatives, as he was invited to co-chair an Employee Stock Ownership workshop alongside The Beyster Institute.3

John Yi's LinkedIn profile indicates that he is based in San Diego and has 3 connections on the platform.2 His professional network extends beyond KES, as he has been involved in forums and discussions related to family businesses and entrepreneurship.4