August 09, 2023
Obituary: David Katseff, MasterCast LTD
Katseff’s son Joshua is now running the supplier firm, which David built up over the course of nearly 40 years.
David Katseff built a successful family owned business that’s now being run by his son.
It’s a fitting legacy for Katseff, a dedicated family man and active promotional products industry entrepreneur who passed away unexpectedly on July 25 at age 76.
“He was a great friend and colleague to many in the industry,” said Joshua Katseff, David’s son. “He will be deeply missed.”
In 1985, David Katseff purchased Pawtucket, RI-based MasterCast LTD (asi/69240), which an obituary described as a struggling business at the time. Under David’s leadership, MasterCast didn’t stay down for long, and he grew the firm into a successful venture over nearly 40 years.
Sales accelerated and offerings expanded, the company said, thanks to organic growth and key acquisitions of other promo suppliers, including Narragansett Emblems, Marken Industries, Amcraft and, most recently, Superb Case
Beyond running his business, Katseff was a dedicated participant in promo more broadly, serving as volunteer director of the New England Promotional Products Association and on committees with industry trade group Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).
In addition, Katseff was a member of the Principal Connection – described as one of the first travelling groups of suppliers to stage sales and marketing presentations to distributors all over the United States.
Outside of promo, Katseff volunteered in business groups in his area, including with a local chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, the Rhode Island Business Group on Health, and the Rhode Island Health Insurance Advisory Council.
The business-building genes made their way down to Joshua, who has been in promo for nearly 20 years and who, as MasterCast’s president, has assumed management responsibilities at the firm.
In addition to Joshua, David is survived by his wife Sharon, son Lyle, and grandson William.
MasterCast LTD’s offerings include emblematic/recognition jewelry, golf accessories, Lucite embedments and acrylic awards.