May 02, 2002 Wayzata, Minn.
Quent E. Finkelson, president and chief executive of Nortech Systems Inc., died suddenly Tuesday night at his home in Wayzata, Minn. He was 69 years old.
Finkelson headed Nortech, a Wayzata EMS provider, for 13 years. Under his leadership, the company which was originally DSC Nortech, emerged from bankruptcy in October 1990 as Nortech Systems Inc.
Finkelson was largely credited with increasing Nortech's size and revenue over the years. In 1991, Nortech had one plant in Bemidji, Minn., and employed 110 workers. The company's 1991 sales were $6 million. Last year, Nortech generated $58.5 million in sales from its five facilities located throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The company employs more than 700 workers.
"Quent leaves behind a strong legacy of success at Nortech, and we are all indebted to his vision and leadership that has guided Nortech's impressive growth," said Myron Kunin, a Nortech board member in a statement. "Our sympathy goes out to his family in this time of tremendous loss."
Earlier today, Nortech's board of directors elected Michael J. Degen to assume Finkelson's duties. Degen has been a Nortech board member since May 1998 and is currently a senior manager with SSI Worldwide in Minneapolis.
