Staten Island business owner says he helps people solve challenges ‘they perceive as insurmountable.’

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Since Grymes Hill Resident Marc Kachtan, 38, was a kid he has been fascinated with “all things tech.”

While still in middle school he found himself “going down rabbit holes” on the internet using service provider platforms, like AOL, to dig deeper into the tech world.

“I was always on the computer, and wanted to learn as much as possible…. I was on AOL constantly,” he admitted. “I wanted to become as tech savvy as possible. It’s like anything you’re passionate about, you just pursue it without thinking about it.”

Since Kachtan has always had a knack for technology, he realized early on that he could utilize his tech savvy skills to make a living.

“I remember in eighth grade, people came to me for advice. I was known as ‘the computer guy’ back then…Being proficient in something that’s bewildering to others makes you unique, and gives you the opportunity to be sought after for your service and advice,” said Kachtan. “I genuinely enjoy helping people with their technology. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to easily help someone with a challenge they perceive as insurmountable.”

After working professionally in IT for more than 20 years at a variety of companies, primarily in the creative and production industries, Kachtan’s passion led him to launch his own business.

In August 2023, Kachtan opened KRNL Technology in West Brighton, a company that offers fully-outsourced IT services to companies.

“I had always wanted to start this business, but I had an amazing job that I absolutely loved, so it was just a dream. The dream quickly became a reality when my former job asked me to move cross country. I decided right then that I would quit and start my own business,” he said.

Drive to Succeed

Kachtan’s “drive” to succeed stems from his youth when he spent countless hours riding his BMX bike on the North Shore. He and his pals — many of whom are still his friends today — loved the sport so much, they built a skate park in South Beach.

“It was a transformative period of my life. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have discovered BMX, and I credit it with helping me become a more well-rounded person,” he said.

Services Offered

KRNL Technology is a Managed IT Services provider, which offers cyber security, technical support, backup and disaster recovery, and proactive monitoring and maintenance. Kachtan said company employees are certified Apple IT professionals and members of the Apple Consultants Network.

“Our expertise with the Apple device ecosystem sets us apart from our competitors,” he said.

Kachtan loves his job so much it doesn’t ever feel like work for him.

“I’ve always been very personable and friendly and I love to help others, especially with technology. I make it a point to highlight the support side of the service offering to my prospects. There’s a stigma about IT people being slow or rude. I’m doing everything in my power to undo that stigma,” he said.

“I wake up every day excited to get to work on building the business. I love to learn new things and starting a business has exposed me to so much. I also really enjoy providing service to my clients and helping to improve their businesses technology,” Kachtan added.

KRNL Technology at a Glance

Website: krnltech.com

Instagram: @krnltechnology

LinkedIn: krnl-technology

New Businesses in Focus is a column that relates the stories of new Staten Island business owners.

If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.