CRISTI CRISTICH
CEO and Founder
Cristek Interconnects, Inc.
Telephone: 714.696.5200
E-Mail:

Cristi Cristich founded Cristek Interconnects, Inc. in 1985 at the age of 23. The company manufactures cutting-edge electronic connectors used in smart weapons, space applications and biomedical devices. CRISTEK is one of only a few female owners among several hundred firms in the electronics industry.

Cristich began her career in 1980 as a part-time receptionist for a Northern California electronics firm, Stanford Applied Engineering. She elected to work full time in the sales department rather than attend college. She held various positions within the company, advancing to product manager in 1982. This hands-on experience gave Cristich the confidence and expertise that held her in good stead when she started her own firm.

When a large conglomerate purchased her employer, Cristich learned that one of her former customers, Litton Industries, was unable to obtain a key product from the new company. She saw an opportunity, and with a $20,000 loan from a friend and a $25,000 purchase order from Litton Guidance, she founded Cristek.

Cristich is known in business circles for her vision and leadership ability as well as her community involvement. She takes great pride in the open and positive culture within her company. The first four employees she hired are still working for CRISTEK 14 years later. Cristich has hired English tutors for her predominately Hispanic workforce, and helped them through the amnesty program offered in the late 1980's. From her first year in business, Cristich offered an employer-funded profit sharing program and health benefits. Recently she implemented a peer evaluation program, and reimburses employees for education expenses. Cristich's commitment to her customers and to employee development is the foundation for the growth of Cristek, Interconnects, Inc. into the successful innovative company it is today.

Cristek Interconnects, Inc. is located in Anaheim, California and employees 115 full-time workers.