November 29, 2021
Ron Kochman, KCL Co-Founder, Passes Away at 85
Kevin Kochman, KCL co-founder and president, is sad to announce the passing of his father Ronald (Ron) Kochman. “Ron was a visionary who used technology to help make his foodservice design and consulting firm more productive. He and I founded KCL to help others do the same.”
Bringing CAD Technology to the Foodservice Design Industry
Kevin and Ron saw the potential for AutoCAD to enhance the foodservice industry. In 1985, the pair founded Kochman Consultants, Ltd. (KCL) to deliver computer aided design (CAD) to the foodservice industry. They built their brand on the promise of helping designers, dealers, consultants, and architects save time and money.
In addition to training industry professionals on computer basics like how to use a mouse, one of their early decisions was to standardize their symbol library on 5.25” floppy disks. The Kochman duo also worked with industry leaders to set CAD-based design standards.
Serving two audiences, manufacturers and designers, was not simple but Ron’s solid reputation as a food facilities consultant and passion for customer service attracted people to his unique symbol libraries and other newfangled tech products.
“If you met Ron in person, you know his passion for and knowledge of the foodservice industry,” said Kevin. “He was sad to miss the 2019 NAFEM Show, and now the industry will miss him.”
Ron is survived by his wife Judy, children Kevin (Eve), Kim (Brad), and many dear grandchildren and nephews.
Donations in Ron’s honor may be made to the Greater Chicago Food Depository or the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
An early tech adopter, Ron revolutionized the foodservice design industry
EN 
IT 
ES 
FR 
