Founded in 2014, Real Diagnostics is a specialist diagnostic laboratory providing same-day testing results to small and mid-sized specialty physician offices and clinics across 17 states.
Since 2009, Salt Creek Capital has been buying and investing in privately owned companies, providing flexible capital and experienced executives to help business owners transition with confidence.
Our unique partnership program provides business owners with a complete solution including experienced leadership ready to step in on day one. We support talented executives and provide them with the resources to focus on long-term growth, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the daily responsibilities of managing your business.
We work exclusively with small and mid-size companies to structure efficient transactions providing peace of mind when it comes time to exit. Business owners who partner with Salt Creek benefit from a team of investment and operating professionals, adept at navigating unique situations and committed to the long-term success of every portfolio company we invest with.
Jim Mercurio is an accomplished executive with a proven track record of growing revenue and profitability of industrial companies. Leveraging leadership skills developed in the US Navy and 25+ years’ experience with small and large, public and private companies, Jim excels at driving growth, operational excellence, and customer and team-member success.
In his role as Sr. Director of Merchandising at Grainger, Jim reorganized a 400-person department and built a new merchandising organization which delivered $750 MM in incremental revenue while achieving the highest team-member engagement scores in the company. He received accolades from CEO on quarterly earnings calls for growth driven by merchandising initiatives. Prior to that role, he was a key leader of a start-up company within Grainger that grew into a 120-person organization and launched a revolutionary MRO website. He established company culture, created new business processes, and developed fit-for-purpose software.
Prior to Grainger, Jim served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Sundberg America, a $70 MM revenue, 120-person, appliance parts distribution company with 15 locations throughout the Midwest. He grew year-over-year revenue by 22% and EBITDA by 35% through improved customer service and more effective warehouse operations.
Earlier in his career at McMaster-Carr, Jim grew the electrical distribution product category at a 12% annual rate over a 10 year period. He developed product line strategies and performed onsite supplier evaluations at over 400 manufacturing plants throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Jim earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and economics from the University of Notre Dame. He served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear-training officer aboard the USS Nebraska (SSBN 739), a trident-class ballistic missile submarine. He made five strategic deterrent patrols and was selected as Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty Junior Officer of the Year.
Gino is a global executive and now an Operating Partner at Salt Creek Capital. His tenure as a leader as a leader at Roman Products, LLC began with its 2019 recapitalization, culminating in a highly successful sale to Matrix Adhesives in December 2024 that delivered outstanding returns for SCC investors.
For 36 years prior, Gino worked at Griffith Foods, a global food ingredients company. He progressed from a food scientist in Monterrey, Mexico to President of Asia Pacific in Shanghai, China. Throughout his career, his strategic business approach consistently produced exceptional operating results in diverse and challenging environments.
Gino is a biochemical engineer from ITESM and has an MBA from Universidad de Monterrey.
Mark Daniels is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience in the specialty chemicals industry, recognized for his integrity, strategic vision, and proven ability to drive business growth across global markets. He holds an MBA from Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Virginia Tech.
Before joining Salt Creek Capital in April 2025 to lead acquisitions in the specialty chemicals sector, Mark served as Vice President of the Industrial Business Unit at Sika Corporation. Since assuming the role in 2017, he led the division through a period of transformational growth—expanding the business by 45% and increasing EBITDA from 19% to 40%, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic and economic uncertainty.
Mark’s career at Sika began in 2001 in the United States, where he worked as a Technical Service Engineer until 2006. He then held a series of progressively senior technical and marketing roles in China from 2006 to 2014, focusing on innovation and market expansion. From 2014 to 2017, Mark served as Industry Manager for Sika Australia, where he successfully revitalized a struggling operation, returning it to 20% growth within two years.
Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated expertise in sealants, adhesives, and coating technologies—delivering solutions across manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries. His leadership is marked by a hands-on, results-driven approach and a deep understanding of global business operations in both mature and emerging markets.
Prior to his corporate career, Mark served in the United States Navy submarine force from 1989 to 1993, where he developed the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that continue to shape his approach to business today.
Ajay Chowdhery is a Managing Director at Salt Creek Capital, where he focuses on acquiring and growing profitable small and medium-sized businesses. He brings over two decades of experience in deal-making and value creation across investment banking, corporate development, and private equity.
Prior to joining Salt Creek, Ajay served as Managing Director at Portage, a $3 billion fintech-focused investment firm, where he evaluated hundreds of investment opportunities and raised $260 million in institutional capital for the firm’s publicly listed fund (Nasdaq: PFTA). He also served as CFO, COO, and board member.
Before Portage, Ajay spent six years leading corporate development at Visa Inc., where he helped complete over 25 transactions ranging from early-stage investments to large-scale acquisitions. He also took on operating roles, including interim leadership of acquired businesses.
Ajay began his career in investment banking at Barclays and Perella Weinberg Partners, advising clients on M&A, IPOs, and strategic alternatives.
Ajay holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Having lived and worked across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, he brings a global perspective to his work and is now focused on applying that experience to the SMB sector.
Bret Schmitz joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in December 2024, bringing over 20 years of experience leading and scaling businesses in highly regulated manufacturing industries such as medical devices and aerospace products.
Prior to joining Salt Creek Capital, Bret served as CEO and President of Hudson Technologies. Bret achieved a 5% CAGR in organic revenue growth over six years and set consecutive EBITDA records. He led the company’s global expansion, establishing a sales and operations facility in China, and unlocked high-volume market opportunities through the development and execution of a strategic technology roadmap.
Before joining Hudson Technologies, Bret served as General Manager at Greatbatch, Inc. in Minneapolis, MN. Bret transformed operations through Lean Six Sigma methodologies, driving a 60% gross margin improvement and reducing lead times by 62%. He elevated on-time delivery rates to over 97%, implemented a “Best in Industry” product development process, and achieved an OSHA Incident Rate of 1.9%, significantly below the industry average.
Bret has a passion for building and collaborating with high performing team to develop winning growth and operational strategies. He prides himself on being a hands-on technical leader and holds a BA in Business Administration.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bret is a founding member of the Sunshine Chapter of FL-FAME, promoting workforce development in advanced manufacturing. His involvement with industry boards, including CareerSource, underscores his commitment to fostering talent and growth in the manufacturing sector.
Steve joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in 2025. He brings over 20 years of experience as an executive and investor in private equity-backed companies, with a track record of driving strategic growth and operational execution.
Prior to joining Salt Creek, Steve was Principal of Quasar Holdings, LLC, an investment firm focused on direct private equity and angel investments. He has served on over a dozen boards and invested in more than 30 companies. He acquired, financed, and led Lexington Lighting Group, LLC—parent of Vantage Lighting—through a period of growth and a successful exit to CORE Industrial Partners, generating a 28% IRR.
Previously, Steve was CEO of Alteris Renewables, where he integrated four solar companies into the largest design-build renewable energy firm in the Northeast, resulting in its acquisition by a public solar company in 2011.
Steve also served as an Operating Partner at Riverside Partners, a private equity firm focused on founder-led healthcare and technology businesses, where he worked closely with portfolio company leadership on strategy and operations through exit. Earlier in his career, he held executive roles in the telecommunications equipment sector, serving as President of a $2B division for Lucent Technologies/Bell Labs and of a public company. He began his career at Intel, where he helped launch the Pentium processor line as a marketing manager.
An active angel investor, Steve is affiliated with Clean Energy Venture Group and Launchpad Venture Group. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MS in Computer Science from Stanford University, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Brown University. He is the inventor on seven U.S. patents and serves as an elected member of Town Meeting in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Jeff joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in 2025. He is a proven adaptable leader who rapidly identifies business opportunities leading to successful outcomes for shareholders, customers, and employees. Builds high performance cultures and teams to solve complex problems with transformational solutions.
For the past 20 years Jeff has specialized in the growth and operations of organizations in Marketing, Technology, Creative Services, Customer Experience, Software Development, Cloud/SaaS, and industrial.
Jeff has worked with some of the best private, public, and private equity backed brands in the world. Diverse background with a strong track record growing B2B and B2C customers in Hospitality, Private Equity, Retail, Entertainment, Tech, CPG and Manufacturing. Experience in acquisitions, integrations, and turnarounds.
Prior to joining Salt Creek Capital, Jeff Served as CEO of Private Equity backed holding company of global marketing and technology firms; Bridgenext, Definition 6, Synaptic Digital and The News Market with operations in Atlanta, New York City, London, DC, San Francisco and Ahmedabad.
Jeff has a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Jacksonville University and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning from University of Maryland.
Metal fabrication of solar racking for the solar industry since 2007.
Carrie Amber Intimates is a leading designer, manufacturer, distributor, and wholesaler of women’s intimate apparel to the off-price retail channel. Carrie Amber offers one of the largest collections of intimate apparel, shapewear, sleepwear, and activewear across demographics including the missy, junior, contemporary, maternity, and plus-sized markets
Vinh Luong
Josh joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in 2024. He brings over 16 years of experience as a results-driven Leader successfully delivering breakthrough top-and bottom-line results.
Prior to joining Salt Creek Capital, Josh was President of Adams Rite Aerospace, a TransDigm Group Inc. Company. Leading a nearly $200M Aerospace and Defense business, Josh and Team were able to deliver EBITDA north of 60%.
Josh started his professional career with Danaher Corporation, a Fortune 50 Company. With Danaher Corporation, Josh held various roles of increasing responsibility from Danaher Business Systems (DBS) Leader, where he focused on commercial excellence and innovation for a $3B Platform, to mergers and acquisitions to business leader. As a business leader, Josh accelerated growth of a $100M aftermarket business from low single digits to high single digits. He also led the turnaround of a Software business, which was recognized as one of the Top 100 Companies to work for in Minnesota.
Outside of Danaher, Josh further expanded his strategic muscle working with both McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group across Retail, Industrial, Aerospace and Defense, and Medical Devices. Josh also led the Global Software business for Garrett Advancing Motion.
Josh has a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Cornell University. He is excited to bring his experience to Salt Creek Capital, where he can continue to pursue his passion for growth and transformation as an entrepreneur.
AVI has been been a trusted source for roofing, gutter and repairs since 1998. AVI has multiple departments dedicated to a variety of needs, including Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, HOA’s, Repair & Maintenance, & Gutters. The company is headquarted in Denver, Colorado.
Jasmine joined Salt Creek in 2024. She brings 9 years of experience in growth strategy and marketing across healthcare, media, and e-commerce. Currently she is the co-founder of Gazette Gal, a digital media company where she leads partnerships and growth. Jasmine earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
Zack joined Salt Creek Capital in 2021.
He currently focuses on supporting the firm’s Executive Partners and Investment Professionals. Zack has previously worked for Aramark and as a video production assistant.
Zack earned his B.A. in Communications from Stockton University.
Misty joined Salt Creek Capital in 2021. She brings over 20 years of experience in investor relations, research and project management with deep knowledge of private equity.
Her multi-faceted career began as a Paralegal at firms including Platinum Equity, TBG Financial, and John Wendell Hall. Prior to Salt Creek, Misty worked at Water Street Capital with the focus of office management and investor relations.
Carol joined Salt Creek Capital in 2016. She is responsible for fostering relationships with the firm’s Executive Partners. Carol is a business development professional with 20+ years of experience establishing, nurturing and growing essential relationships. Her experience includes serving as the VP of Business Development for a venture capital firm focused on early stage impact investing. Carol began her career in the financial services industry and has experience at many Fortune 500 institutions, including serving as a Managing Director at The NASDAQ Stock Market.
Carol earned her B.A. in Psychology and Marketing from the American University.
Lisa joined Salt Creek Capital as Controller in 2013. Her multi-faceted career began in public accounting with Arthur Andersen & Co, and then shifted to focus on operational areas of project management and finance for privately held companies across a diverse set of industries. Lisa has held positions in several real estate development and investment companies for whom she managed acquisitions, development projects, joint venture restructures and bulk sales in the Southeast and Western States. Lisa has a depth of general business experience combined with a practical knowledge of accounting and finance.
Lisa earned a BSBA at The Ohio State University with a major in Accounting.
Audra joined Salt Creek in 2012. She brings extensive marketing and office management experience and is responsible for the firm’s administrative functions.
Prior to Salt Creek, Audra worked at the Franklin Mint, a collectibles marketing company, as a catalog manager. Before that she worked for Primedia, a publisher of special interest periodicals, in circulation management.
Audra earned her B.A. in History from Villanova University.
Rod Soddard is an Operating Partner, who joined Salt Creek Capital in 2022. He currently supports the firm’s existing portfolio companies while also spending time on new deal origination and deal transaction support. Prior to Salt Creek, Rod was the SVP of Portfolio Operations at Skyview Capital, where he led the carve-out and creation of Continuum Global Solutions, a $400M outsourcing business. Prior to Skyview Capital, he served in multiple President and leadership positions in the technology and internet sectors. Companies included GoDaddy, Media Temple, and Martindale-Hubbell.
Rod earned his MBA from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.A. from UC Santa Barbara.
Mark is a seasoned executive and business owner with over 25 years of leadership experience in the consumer products industry. He has worked with major consumer goods brands such as Kraft and Sara Lee as well as with startups. Mark played a key role in growing Monogram Food Solutions from $10M to $300M in revenue over the course of 8 years as CMO. In 2014, he acquired LM Foods, LLC in partnership with Salt Creek Capital. In 2017, the company merged into Aquamar with Huron Capital creating the #2 industry leader in the surimi seafood industry. Mark brings expertise in strategic planning, product innovation, brand and workforce development.
Mark graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University with majors in Marketing & Management. He is the owner of Paverart Enterprises LLC (www.paverart.com), the leader in custom paver design and manufacturing, and hosts the Hustle or Bust (www.hustleorbust.com) Podcast & Leadership Blog.
Dan joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in 2012 and is the CEO of Warne Scope Mounts. He also serves as an Operating Partner with Salt Creek Capital.
Previously, Dan was the President of RDSI Holdings, a private equity owned electronic components manufacturer. Prior to RDSI, Dan was the Chief Executive Officer of Ultraviolet Devices, a family-owned manufacturer of water and air purification products. Earlier in his career, Dan held senior executive and operations roles in several lower middle companies including Astro Seal, Inc, Marco Manufacturing and U.S. Range Company.
Dan earned his B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge, and his M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
James joined Salt Creek as an executive partner in 2022. He brings nearly 20 years of legal, executive, M&A and franchise experience in a variety of industries with a deep focus in multiple offerings in the Food & Beverage, Restaurant and Franchise sectors.
Prior to joining Salt Creek, James was the CEO, President, COO and a member of the Board of the parent company of Fat Tuesday – one of the world’s first and largest retailers of frozen specialty alcoholic beverages. During his tenure, his team created a dual brand franchising system; nearly doubled EBDITA despite a global pandemic; and, delivered over 80% new store/pipeline growth from original store count. James successfully led the sale of the company for the founding family to a strategic buyer.
Prior to Fat Tuesday, he was the Vice President of Global Franchise for Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (RTI). He led global operations for the RTI franchise system with over 60 stores on five continents and over $100MM in topline sales. At RTI, James also served as the General Counsel of the then-publicly traded company. He led a team that handled all legal, risk and employee relations matters for Ruby Tuesday and its 25,000 team members. In that role, James led the strategic alternatives process for the eventual $150MM public-to-private sale of RTI.
Before RTI, James was a Senior Vice President and the General Counsel of Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. (ENRGI) where he helped develop and grow the traditional and non-traditional franchise offerings and provided executive legal leadership to the then-publicly traded quick casual restaurant chain. James led the $500MM sale of ENRGI’s 3 brands and over 800 units of ENRGI to JAB Holdings.
James holds a Juris Doctor from Tulane Law School and was a litigator at the beginning of his career. He has a passion for growing businesses and helping people and believes in honesty, team building and the value of relationships. James lives with his family outside of New Orleans, Louisiana and enjoys CrossFit, tennis and the New Orleans Saints.
Dan joined Salt Creek as an Executive Partner in 2023, bringing over 30 years of business leadership in the consumer products, health, wellness, beauty, retail, franchise, SaaS, and clean technology industries.
Prior to joining Salt Creek, Dan co-founded and was CEO of NPWR Group LLC, a provider of business and technology consulting services, which included roles as Acting President of Fly Rides LLC, an electric mountain bike retailer, and AlignMed, Inc., a medical device retailer. Prior to NPWR, Dan served as President of Floyd’s 99 Barbershops where he guided the company through significant expansion. Prior to Floyd’s 99, Dan served in several executive roles for Senetas, Inc. (ASX symbol: SEN), an Australian technology incubator, and its investment portfolio companies. He started his career in law and served as General Counsel of Revatex, Inc., manufacturer of the brand JnCO Jeans, the industry leader in the popular wide-legged jeans category.
Dan holds a BA in Psychology and a law degree from the University of San Diego, where he was the captain, and then assistant coach of the cross-country team. He resides in Santa Ana, CA with his wife Grace and his two daughters, Aya and Keira, where he enjoys hiking, live music, golf, and yoga, and is passionate about business and entrepreneurship.
Jose joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in 2022. He brings over 30 years of general management experience in the Building Materials and Industrial Manufacturing sectors. He is currently an Independent Director of the Board at the Barton Group, a manufacturer of garnet material used in Waterjet cutting and sandblasting applications, where he serves as a member of the Audit & Finance, and the Nominating & Governance Committees.
Prior to joining Salt Creek, Jose was the President & CEO, at Giant Cement Holding Inc., a $250M revenue Cement Company, where he led the company’s turnaround from a negative operating profit position to $37M in EBITDA within a four-year period, prior to selling a majority stake – at a premium valuation – to a Mexican conglomerate owned by the Carlos Slim group.
He has lived in ten (10) countries and has had extensive domestic and international experience, having led five post-merger integration acquisitions and performing an equal number of business turnarounds in several regions primarily at CEMEX, a Global Building Materials Company, most notably as the Regional President of a $1B vertically integrated business in Central Eastern Europe & Israel, and before that, as President of the Company’s $250M Egyptian operations.
Jose has a passion for tackling complicated issues. His success at branding commodity products and shape strategy in the cement industry caught the attention of academia, most recently in a Darden School of Business case study (CEMEX in Egypt: Global Best Practices, or Country-Specific Acumen? – UVA-S-0397, Oct 03 2022). Prior to that he was also the main protagonist in a Harvard Business case study (“CEMEX: Rewarding the Egyptian Retailers”, HBS, March 22, 2006).
His early experience is rooted in manufacturing and industrial distribution with Ingersoll-Rand’s Air Compressor group division, first in the US and then as the company’s Managing Director for its Mexican operations. He holds a BSME from the University of Virginia, and an MBA from the Jones School of Business at Rice University. He is also a graduate of The General Manager program, at the Harvard Business School.
Caryn joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in 2021. She has over 30 years experience leading department stores, specialty retail, wholesale and direct to consumer Global brands and businesses.
Most recently Caryn was President, North America for 2 European owned luxury home furnishings and décor brands- OKA & Wisteria. She quickly defined and began executing a strategic roadmap that led to a successful online launch for OKA and 10% revenue growth for Wisteria. She was President and CEO of P/E backed Beauty Brands for 3 years. Caryn was an Operating Partner at Palladin Capital Retail Partners for 5 years where she was deeply involved with portfolio companies and co-led in the diligence, assessment and execution of 4 acquisitions. Prior to PCRP Caryn was the first female President and CEO of Holt Renfrew. Caryn has also held senior management positions at ESCADA, QVC, Jones NY, Barneys and began her career at Bloomingdales in the Executive Management training program.
Caryn has a BFA in Theater from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Bob joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in 2023, bringing more than 30 years of experience of global sales, marketing, and general management in manufacturing, business services, biotechnology, medical device, and the pharmaceutical industries. He has built high performing sales and marketing organizations across both large public and private companies. Bob has also co-founded NERx Biosciences, a pre-clinical oncology company focused on the next generation of targeted therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.
Prior to joining Salt Creek Capital Bob served as the Senior Vice President at Magnetrol International Incorporated, a global manufacturer of process instrumentation utilized across multiple industries including chemical, power, oil & gas, and pharma. He restructured the direct sales organization and upgraded the global channel partners which resulted in consistent double-digit revenue growth and a 3x +increase in the enterprise value. Working closely with the owner, Bob was integral in the highly successful sale of Magnetrol to a large public company in 2021. Prior to Magnetrol, Bob was the Director of Vitreoretinal Products in North America for Bausch & Lomb, a leading global health organization. Prior to that, Bob held various roles at Merck & Co., Kos Pharmaceuticals and Smithkline Beecham.
Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Purdue University.
A hands-on professional leader with extensive experience heading up global business transformations, company turn-arounds and business start-ups. Initially in the automotive industry at Land Rover and Toyota, Cockroft moved to KPMG and later PwC managing whole-scale transformational change for global large-cap clients.
Following the coordination of business process restructuring for Constellation Energy, Cockroft moved into the Private Equity sector managing distressed assets around the globe
Cockroft is a Six Sigma Master Blackbelt, holds a bachelor’s degree in I.T. & Engineering from Birmingham City University in the UK and an MBA from MIT Sloan business school
Greg Aghamanoukian joined Salt Creek Capital in 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in operations, consumer products, corporate finance, strategy, and business development. His success stems from his proven track record in leadership roles across diverse industries and his ability to drive significant growth and operational improvements.
Most recently, Greg served as CEO of Hayk Power Corporation, a consulting firm where he led multiple engagements from startups to turnarounds of mature companies. Prior to Hayk Power, Greg spent time at various prominent companies including B-Air (a Lasko subsidiary) as President and CFO, and Chef Wolfgang Puck Beverly Hills as CFO. During his tenure at Intertex Inc., he drove a 480% sales increase and 300% EBITDA growth over three years, culminating in the successful sale of the company. Greg’s career also includes significant roles at McDonald’s Restaurants, Mercedes-Benz Canada, and Ernst & Young. His leadership at Wolfgang Puck Worldwide Inc. as Vice President Finance & Accounting (CFO) was pivotal in turning around several business units and standardizing financial processes.
He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Diploma in Accounting from Concordia University. Greg is a Chartered Accountant (Canada) and CPA (Illinois). He has extensive community service experience, including co-founding LA2DC, a cycling event raising genocide awareness, and serving on various boards of local private schools and nonprofit endowment funds.
Lorelei joined Salt Creek Capital in 2024.
She currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution, and supporting the firm’s Executive Partners and existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Lorelei worked at Bertram Capital, working across the consumer investment, growth, and investor relations teams.
Lorelei earned her B.S. in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College.
Daniel joined Salt Creek Capital in 2022.
He currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution, supporting the firm’s Executive Partners and existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Daniel worked in several corporate development & strategy roles at both high growth startups and private equity backed businesses.
Daniel earned his B.S. in Finance from the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific. He is also a former nationally ranked NCAA Division 1 tennis player.
Paul joined Salt Creek Capital in 2021.
He currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution, and supporting the firm’s Executive Partners and existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Paul was an investment banking associate at Meridian Capital, an investment bank in Seattle.
Paul earned his B.A. in Finance from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.
Ricky joined Salt Creek Capital in 2019. He currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution, supporting the firm’s Executive Partners and existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Ricky was an investment banking analyst at Aleutian Capital, a lower middle market investment bank in New York.
Ricky earned his M.S. in Finance from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University.
Debby joined Salt Creek Capital in 2022. She currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Debby provided buy-side targeted search services to lower middle-market private equity clients for Andra Partners. Earlier in her career, she independently provided deal sourcing, sell-side advisory, and start-up business planning and development services to her clients. At Deloitte Consulting and Anderson Consulting, she supported client merger integrations and analyzed merger-related synergies.
Debby graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University with majors in Mathematics and Philosophy and holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School. At Vanderbilt, she was an NCAA Division I soccer player.
Sunny currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Sunny was an investment professional at Star Mountain Capital and at Prospect Capital Management L.P., a provider of private debt and private equity to lower middle market companies. Earlier in his career, Sunny worked in the Investment Banking Division at J.P.Morgan.
Sunny graduated summa cum laude from Baruch College with a Bachelors in Finance.
Tim joined Salt Creek Capital in 2024 and resides in Denver, CO with his wife and son. He has more than 15 years of middle market transaction experience and currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution, and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Tim was an investment professional at Westbourne Capital Partners where he closed numerous control and add-on acquisitions. Earlier in his career, Tim worked as an investment banker in the United States and Europe with Robert W. Baird and also held positions at Brown Gibbons Lang & Co and Crowe Capital Markets where collectively he led dozens of M&A transactions.
Tim earned an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington and a BS in Finance from Indiana University Bloomington.
Kurt joined Salt Creek Capital in 2020. He currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Kurt was an investment professional at Century Park Capital Partners, a middle market private equity firm. Earlier in his career, Kurt worked in various finance and investment-related roles at OpenGate Capital, BMO Capital Markets, CapitalSource, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Kurt graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Master of Science in Accountancy.
Kyle joined Salt Creek Capital in 2024, focusing on deal origination and transaction execution. Prior to Salt Creek, Kyle built RES Carbon within Resource Environmental Solutions (“RES”), a KKR- and Onex-owned environmental finance and restoration platform. Kyle was also the Founder, CEO and Chairman of one of the largest medical cannabis companies globally, Cleaver Leaves Holdings, Inc.
As an investor, Kyle founded Silver Swan in 2015, an opportunistic private investment firm. Prior to founding Silver Swan, Kyle was an early member of the Tactical Opportunities Fund at The Blackstone Group where he was involved in seven investments with roughly $1 billion of invested capital. Kyle was also previously a member of the private equity practice at KKR & Co. Inc., focusing on transactions in the oil & gas, energy, natural resource and health care sectors.
Kyle graduated with distinction from Harvard Business School and cum laude from Princeton University.
Michael joined Salt Creek Capital in 2022. He is focused on deal origination, transaction execution, and supporting the growth of portfolio companies. Michael has over 24 years of private equity experience and has served on over 20 portfolio company boards. Prior to Salt Creek, Michael was a General Partner at Element Partners, a private and growth equity firm focused on sustainable industrial technologies. Michael is also a founder and General Partner of CommonWealth Equity Partners that was formed to acquire and manage a majority interest in Ecore International, a leading recycled products company. Prior to his private equity career, Michael was a strategy consultant at Booz, Allen, & Hamilton.
Michael graduated first in his class from Georgia Tech with a major in Electrical Engineering and received his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated as a Palmer Scholar.
Seb joined Salt Creek Capital in 2020. He currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Seb was an investment professional at Prospect Capital Management L.P., a provider of private debt and private equity to lower middle market companies. Earlier in his career, Seb worked in various finance and operations roles at Credit Suisse, CAE, GE Healthcare and Air Liquide.
Seb graduated from McGill University with a B. Eng. in Mechanical Engineering and holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.
Tyler joined Salt Creek Capital in 2015. He currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Tyler was an investment banking analyst at a leading merchant advisory and investment boutique. Tyler began his career working in M&A advisory and capital raising with clients throughout Latin America.
Tyler earned his B.S. in Finance from the University of Utah and holds an M.B.A. from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Bobby joined Salt Creek Capital in 2021 and resides in Boston, MA. He works with Salt Creek deal teams and focuses exclusively on assisting those teams with deal origination, transaction execution and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies. Prior to Salt Creek, Bobby was a senior investment professional at several leading lower middle market private equity firms including H.I.G. Capital, Nautic Capital and Roynat Equity Partners and has closed numerous leveraged buyouts throughout his professional career. Earlier in his career, Bobby was an Investment Banker at Citigroup and a Turnaround / Restructuring advisor at Alvarez & Marsal.
Bobby graduated from the University of Toronto with a B. Com. in Finance and holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School. Bobby is also a CFA Charterholder.
Daniel joined Salt Creek Capital in 2011. He currently focuses on deal origination, transaction execution and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies where he also serves as a board member. Prior to Salt Creek, Daniel was an associate at Mytels & Associates, a leading lower middle market investment bank. Daniel began his career in the financial services industry where he served in a combination of businesses development and entrepreneurial roles.
Daniel earned his B.A. in Business Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Dan Mytels co-founded Salt Creek Capital as he mergered his predecessor firm onto the platform in 2010. He leads new investments and serves as a director on the board of several portfolio companies.
Prior to Salt Creek, Dan was the founder and Managing Director of a successful boutique investment and merchant bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions for lower middle market companies where he completed approximately forty transactions covering a wide range of industries. Earlier in his career, Dan founded a venture capital backed technology company, was a strategic consultant with Arthur D. Little, and a financial consultant within specialty tax and valuation groups at Deloitte & Touches LLP.
Dan earned his B.S. in Management Science at the University of California at San Diego.
Dan co-founded Salt Creek Capital in 2009. He leads new investments and serves as chairman or a director on the boards of several Salt Creek portfolio companies.
Prior to Salt Creek, Dan was a General Partner at Opus Capital, a $280M Menlo Park, CA based fund where he led growth equity and buyout efforts focusing on the middle market. Previously, Dan was a General Partner and founding member of Duchossois Technology Partners, a $100M Chicago-based venture capital firm. He also served as a director on the boards of Infoblox (NYSE: BLOX) and TSS, Inc (NASDAQ:TSSI). Earlier in his career, Dan was an investment professional at the Pritzker financial office and began his career at Ernst & Young.
Dan graduated with Honors from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Business Administration and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. He also is a CPA (Inactive).
Ultra Solutions is one of the largest providers of high-quality, pre-owned ultrasound equipment in the industry. The company repairs and sells its extensive inventory of refurbished ultrasound equipment to hospitals, imaging centers, physician practices and wholesale distributors throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia.
WorkWell Medical Group is a leading occupational medicine and urgent care provider serving large employers and individuals located in Northern and Central California. Founded in 2003, the company offers a complete suite of healthcare services to improve healing time for employees injured at their place of work.
Warne Scope Mounts is a leading designer and manufacturer of an extensive range of quick detachable and fixed scope mounting systems for firearms. The company is a premium supplier to the OEM and retail channels and makes firearms accessories for the sporting, hunting and tactical-law enforcement markets.
Dividend Recap 2017; Exited in 2022
Ultracor is a leading manufacturer of high performance composite materials for the space and aerospace industries. Since 1995, the company has been a leading supplier of specialty honeycomb materials to major aerospace and government contractors. The company utilizes a patented process to fabricate materials used in satellites, missile systems, and other high performance applications.
LM Foods manufactures primarily surimi-based seafood products and sells to distributors, retailers and industrial seafood processors in North and Central America
Strategic Sale, 2017
Four Wheel Campers is an iconic and acclaimed manufacturer of off-road, overland, pop-up truck campers. Headquartered in Woodland, CA, the company’s market leading products are performance-driven, adventure-travel, lifestyle solutions for customers around the world. FWC sells its product directly to consumers and through a network of domestic and international dealership locations.
Dividend Recap, 2020; Majority Recap, 2023
Electro-Motion is the leading provider of tailored service and maintenance programs for standby generators in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company’s maintenance expertise extends to Automatic Transfer Switches, Fire Pump Engines, and Frequency Converter / Motor Generator sets.
Majority Recap 2020
Strategic Sale, 2024
Distinct Software Solutions is a leading online marketing solutions provider to the golf industry. Based in Austin, Texas, the company provides golf course operators with innovate software and marketing solutions to maximize revenues, and provides golfers access to tee-time reservations across all 50 states through its popular Golf18network website.
Boyd Industries is a leading manufacturer of examination and operatory equipment for specialty dental, orthodontic and medical applications. Since 1957, the company has been a leading provider of innovative and cost effective equipment such as treatment chairs, sterilization centers, specialty cabinetry, lighting and various related accessories.
Apartment Data Services collects and packages competitive real-time information that enables multifamily residential property managers to maximize revenues and occupancy rates; renters and apartment locators to find the ideal rental properties; developers to locate, plan, and design optimized floor plans for new construction and renovations; and investors to make better decisions.
Wine Racks America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-end wine storage kits, DIY residential cellar systems, wine cooling units, and innovative label forward racking. The Company is headquartered in North Salt Lake, Utah.
Founded in 1999, Vantage Vehicle is a leading manufacturer of Low-Speed Vehicles, operating in Corona, CA. The Company’s product offerings include utility trucks and vans, most of which are Electric Vehicles. The Company offers a wide array of adaptations and accessories for their vehicles. Vantage sells products directly to customer and through a strong dealer network throughout North America.
Established in 1998, Tuscan Imports is a leading distributor of Italian ovens, grills, and authentic Italian decorative terracotta pottery under the Fontana Forni and Tuscan brand names. Tuscan is the exclusive importer and distributor of Fontana Forni products to the U.S, Canada, and Mexico and offers a leading product portfolio of premium quality artisanal wood and gas fired ovens.
The Flavor of California, LLC is a licensee of Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC, whose brand includes Bob’s Big Boy, a quintessential American brand. The company markets a line of branded Bob’s Big Boy refrigerated salad dressings, sauces, and assorted condiments, supplying both the chain’s restaurants and grocery stores throughout the Pacific Coast and Southwestern United States in over 4,300 locations. Bob’s Big Boy has been a household name in its region for over 50 years and its refrigerated bleu cheese dressing remains as the #1 selling dressing in its category.
Founded in 1973, The Corsi Group is a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium cabinets to customers across the United States under two brands, Greenfield Cabinetry and Siteline Cabinetry. The Company is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN with an additional manufacturing facility located in Elkins, WV.
Founded in 1946, Sperry & Rice is a leading manufacturer of specialized rubber components for the appliance, automotive, and heavy truck & bus industries. The company is headquartered in Brookville, Indiana with an additional manufacturing facility in Killbuck, Ohio.
Southern is a leading full-service overhead door distribution company that operates from two locations of near equal size in Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC. Product offerings include overhead doors, door operators, and dock equipment, along with value-add services and customization. Southern is one of the largest independently owned overhead door distributors in the Southeastern U.S. For more information, please visit www.southernidealdoor.com.
Safe in Sound Hearing distributes high quality hearing aids, parts and accessory products for the hearing impaired under the Miracle-Ear trademark. The company operates out of 23 retail locations throughout Arizona, with exclusive and protected territorial rights to the Miracle-Ear brand across most of the state. Miracle-Ear is the top recognized brand and the largest retailer of hearing aids in the United States.
Dividend Recap, 2022
Sale to Strategic Buyer, 2025
Roman Products, LLC has been a leading manufacturer of wallpaper adhesives to the commercial and residential markets for over 75 years. The company is currently the largest producer of wallpaper adhesive, primer, removers and related tools in North America and enjoys a strong leadership position internationally.
Majority Recap, 2019
Sale to Strategic Buyer, 2024
Established in 1997, Pioneer Industrial Sales is a leading provider of industrial supply products. Pioneer offers a wide range of power transmissions, MRO, materials handling, and packaging materials to industrial customers across the United States.
Pacific Shoring is the largest manufacturer of aluminum shoring equipment in the United States. Pacific Shoring designs, builds and tests aluminum and steel shoring products for various applications and projects in the trench shoring industry. Shoring equipment is used to aid in the excavation process and to provide a critical system to protect workers and to ensure trench work is done safely. Products include shores, struts, sheeting, and shields.
Company Sold, 2025
Xterra Trench Shields
EZE Shore
Pacific Paper is a leading provider of grade, size and quantity-specific sheets of paperboard to packaging and commercial printing customers in Southern California and the Southeastern U.S. The company was established 1990 and is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
Originally founded in 1991, PCF Cushion is a leading manufacturer of natural fill cushion insert components to the U.S. upholstered furniture industry. Operating out of its two locations in Pico Rivera, CA (headquarters), and High Point, NC, the Company provides envelopes, pillows, solid backs, and other products, as well as customized kitting services.
Cristina Kopecky
Established in 1982, OP/TECH designs, manufactures, and distributes a diversified portfolio of products, including photography accessories, musical instrument accessories and slings, straps and harnesses for warehouse workers.
Richard Reuter
Headquartered in Pitman, New Jersey, Omni is a leading single stream recycling and waste disposal company. Omni is an established Materials Recovery Facility serving municipal customers in Central and Southern New Jersey.
Network Distributors is a leading supplier and value-added distributor of critical communications networking components. Founded in 2001, the company sources, configures and sells new, third-party optical transceivers for use in internet switches, routers, and networking systems manufactured by companies such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and others. The company also supplies memory and network cables for over 20 brands of networking equipment.
Michigan Landscape Professionals is a leading provider of full-service landscaping and grounds maintenance solutions in the suburban Detroit area. The Company offers a suite of primarily recurring weekly grounds maintenance services, including pruning, bed maintenance, tree care, and snow plowing, salting, and sidewalk management during winter months. The company primarily services commercial customers, but also provides landscape installation and renovation services, as well as other maintenance offerings, to residential customers in its service area.
Founded in 1955, King Tester Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of metallurgical testing equipment. The company offers microscopes, accessories, and hardness testers, including the King Tester®, the worldwide number-one selling portable Brinell hardness tester. In 2019, King acquired Cianflone Scientific Group, a manufacturer of high-quality testing and measurement equipment made in the USA since the 1930s.
Company sold, 2024
IT Assist is a leading provider of outsourced technology services and IT consulting to companies headquartered in the greater Philadelphia metro area. Founded in 2011, IT Assist is the number one franchise operator for TeamLogic IT, the largest franchisor of managed IT services with over 200 locations in the U.S.
Founded in 1992, Griplock Systems is a leading designer and provider of proprietary cable suspension hardware and fastener systems. The Company’s suspension systems are used in a variety of applications, including architectural lighting, retail display and signage, industrial and high-bay lighting, rigging, art display, and other growing end markets.
Founded in 1939, Garrison Manufacturing is a leading supplier of hydraulic cylinders, valves and related components. Located in Santa Ana, California, the Company designs, manufactures and sells high-quality hydraulic power systems and components used in a variety of applications, such as heavy machinery and industrial manufacturing equipment.
Essex Finishing is a leading finisher, wholesaler, and distributor of premium custom private label hard wood flooring. Headquartered in Avenel, NJ, Essex specializes as a value-added finisher and distributor of custom wide plank and other high end flooring products.
Headquartered in Manchester, NH, EPTAC is an internationally recognized leader in IPC training and certification. EPTAC provides trainings, classes, certifications, and consulting for all four levels of IPC certification.
Founded in 1960, Endural manufactures a broad range of proprietary material handling containers specifically designed to offer maximum protection during the transportation of large industrial items. The Company’s reusable transportation cases provide an environmentally friendly alternative to cardboard-based alternatives that cannot be stacked or easily handled using a forklift.
eLogHomes is a leading designer, manufacturer, and direct-to-consumer marketer of proprietary-design log home materials packages. Headquartered in Battleboro, NC, the Company offers and manufactures over 200 customizable log home designs, which it sells to home buyers across the United States.
Drake Equipment is a leading manufacturer of commercial truck utility bodies, serving customers throughout the Southwest. Drake bodies have numerous end-users, ranging from general contractors to utility companies and government services. In addition to manufacturing, the company also operates its own showrooms and works with distributors throughout the region. For both commercial and consumer truck owners, Drake Equipment operates Simpson Toolbox, a specialty retailer of truck products.
Cul-Mac is a leading chemical blending, filling, and packaging company with a diversified portfolio of well-known brands and high-quality products in several distinct categories. Cul-Mac serves a broad base of large retailers and industrial customers across the United States with products that include diesel exhaust fluid, windshield washer solvents, anti-freeze products, car wash cleaners, swimming pool sanitizers, and other industrial cleaners.
Capital Building Maintenance is a leading provider of commercial window washing, construction clean-up, pressure washing, and floor maintenance in San Francisco and its surrounding metro area. With over 35 years of experience, Capital Building Maintenance is one of the premier service providers to property managers and general contractors in the Bay Area.
Broco, Inc., established in 1968, is the market leader in underwater cutting and welding tools. Rankin Industries, Inc., established in 1938, has grown into a market leading manufacturer of hardfacing products, specialty alloys, and security cabinets & containers. The Company also manufactures a variety of other products for use in welding, cutting, hardfacing, and security purposes.
Bay Standard Manufacturing, Inc. is a leading manufacturer, importer and distributor of threaded rod, fasteners and related products. Founded in 1959, the Company is the largest manufacturer of threaded rod in the Western United States.
Aquamar Holdings was formed from the combination of Aquamar and LM Foods in August 2017. The combined entity creates a new platform in the surimi seafood market, producing and selling crab flavored seafood to food service, food manufacturing, and retail channels.
All Metals Industries is a leading distributor of carbon, aluminum, stainless and coated sheet/coil products to customers throughout the Northeast U.S. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Belmont, New Hampshire, AMI provides metal products including cold rolled steel, galvanized steel, hot rolled P&O steel, galvannealed steel, galvanized coil, stainless steel, aluminum, and others.
Alexandra Foods is a leading distributor of frozen traditional Eastern European foods in the U.S. and Canada. The Company offers a variety of products including pierogi, uszka, pyzy, cheese blintzes, finger dumplings, and Silesian dumplings. The Company is headquartered in Chicago, IL.