Here at Tulcan, we call ourselves a family operating investment partnership. Since we originated the term, we thought we’d take a minute to explain what that is, how we arrived at it, and what it means for the people and businesses we work with.
Tulcan, Operating Partner
Chris served as CEO of Carter Control Systems, a Tulcan portfolio company that provides automation solutions to a wide range of postal/parcel and ecommerce customers throughout North America until its sale in 2018. During his time as CEO, he led the transformation of the business as it moved into new products, services and markets. Most recently, Chris served as President of Advance Storage Automation, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for the pallet storage industry, from 2019 until its sale in early 2023. Chris began his career in strategy and technology consulting; he is a graduate of the University of Delaware and earned a master’s degree in economics from Temple University.
Tulcan, Director
Wirt is focused on finding new opportunities and guiding Tulcan’s operating companies. He serves on the boards of several companies, including Gardener House Hotel, Texas Gulf Bank, and Dyson Corporation. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from the Cox School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Southern Methodist University. Wirt is active in the community, involved with several non-profit institutions, and also holds a commercial pilot’s license.
A Greater Austin Development Co., President
Kerry is President of A Greater Austin Development Co. “GADCO”, a position he has held since October 2021 bringing a wealth of experience to the role. His tenure at GADCO spans over 30 years, having previously served as VP of Operations since 2003. His expertise includes operations, management, and construction. Kerry's educational background includes an associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Texas State Technical College - Waco in 1985.
Tulcan, Operating Partner
Frank was President, Wärtsilä North America, Inc. since 2007 and oversees Equisales Associates, Inc., a Tulcan portfolio company. After graduating from Rice University, Houston, Texas, Frank began his career with the French engine manufacturer, SACM, as its head of North American operations. During this period, he focused primarily on offshore generation for semi-submersibles and standby power for nuclear plants. Mr. Donnelly joined Wärtsilä in 1988 in connection wíth the acquisition of SACM. During the 90s, he was active in Wärtsilä’s Power Development and sales of power plants in Central America and Caribbean. He participated in the earliest independent power plant developments in the Caribbean Basin and led Wärtsilä’s installation of more than 2500 MW in the region. After Wärtsilä introduced its gas technology in the late 80s, Mr. Donnelly has worked over the past six years to expand Wärtsilä’s North American involvement to extended peaking gas power plants which meet the shaping and intermediate needs of utilities and the industry.
Finger Interests, Ltd., Partner
Jonathan Finger is a seasoned investment professional with extensive experience in commercial and investment banking, private equity, investment management and business valuation. For over 25 years, he has been a Partner at Finger Interests, Ltd. managing a single-family office. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Charter Bancshares as Senior Vice President overseeing Trust & Investment Management services, brokerage and venture capital. His earlier experience includes roles at Drexel Burnham Lambert as an Associate in the Mergers & Acquisitions department, and at Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb as a Junior Equity Research Analyst. He holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on International Banking & Finance from the University of Virginia. He has also contributed as an Adjunct Professor at the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University. He is active in a number of philanthropic organizations.
Tulcan, Chairman & CEO
As Tulcan’s Founder, Chairman and CEO, Louis leads the firm’s overall strategy and is actively involved in the success of its operating companies, including serving as Chairman of; Carter Control Systems, The Dyson Corporation, Equisales Associates, Shannon Galvanizing, A Greater Austin Development, Aaron Concrete Contractors and McMurrey Energy Partners. Prior to founding Tulcan, Louis served as Managing Director of Private Equity for Sanders Morris Harris, then the largest investment bank in the Southeastern United States. Louis began his career in project finance working with an international energy and power plant developer with more than $7 billion in global portfolio assets. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, read Law at Oxford University, attended Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Executive Management. Louis is a member of the Young President’s Organization and is completing YPO Presidents' Gold Program at Harvard Business School. Louis serves on the American Foundation board of The Gordonstoun School and The Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
Tulcan, Operating Partner
Danny joined Dyson as a board member and advisor in 2017 and has since taken a more active role leading the sales and marketing strategy and supporting senior management. Additionally, he is an active operating partner at Tulcan who participates in diligence, operational and sales support on new deals in the industrial services space. Prior to Tulcan, Danny founded Forgings, Flanges, and Fittings Inc. in 1983 and grew it to over $100 million in revenue until it’s sale to Sumitomo Corp. in 2006 where it was integrated into their tubular division. Danny remained at Sumitomo in a senior leadership / operational capacity for approximately 10 years after the sale. Danny is the Vice President of Combat Marine Outdoors. He has 3 daughters and is an avid bow hunter and outdoorsman, and he is dedicated to helping our nation’s heroes along their path to rehabilitation. Danny is a graduate of the University of Houston, where he played baseball.
Tulcan, Operating Partner
Court is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in business growth and development, performance improvement, and organizational change management. Court's expertise includes leading companies to enhance growth, develop capabilities, improve processes, and increase value through various strategies like acquisitions, consolidation, and cost reduction. He has a strong background in managing relationships with partners and leading significant initiatives and raises, as well as developing relationships with strategic customers and corporate partners. Court's career includes key roles at Grisham Capital, where he led investment evaluations and growth strategies, and Genesis Park, where he supported pre- and post-investment activities. As President and CEO of Flo Trend, he reorganized business development, improved manufacturing processes, and recapitalized the company. At Capgemini Consulting, he grew the new Energy Practice, and at Waste Management, he led a significant operations transformation initiative. Earlier in his career, Loeffler held influential positions at KPMG, FTI Consulting, Headstrong, and marchFIRST, focusing on management consulting, performance improvement, and strategy. His industry experience spans across various sectors including private equity, technology, energy, transportation, and environmental services. Loeffler holds an MBA in International Business & Entrepreneurship from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor's degree in Political Science and English from the same institution. He also studied law at South Texas College of Law on a Dean’s Merit Scholarship.
Advisor
Omar is based in the Greater Houston area and possesses key skills in contract negotiation, sales management, construction and process scheduling. Additionally, Maalouf was a member of Vistage Worldwide Inc., a leading executive organization, from April 2020 to September 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University, where he studied from 1991 to 1995.
Tulcan, Controller
Christine is a “rollup the sleeves to get things done” CPA with over 20 years of hands-on experience managing accounting and financial functions. Christine does not just talk theory; she also puts practice to work. Her background and experience spanning across a magnitude of industries such as banking, manufacturing, construction, telecommunications, medical waste management, and more have taken her to roles such as Controller and CFO at various companies both public and private. Christine manages accounting, treasury, reporting, human resources, regulatory and tax compliance functions for Tulcan and Equisales. At the early start of her career during her 10-year tenure at the bank, Christine utilized the tuition assistance program to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and a minor in Computer Information Systems. She has proved early on that balancing many responsibilities is not a challenge but an opportunity to excel. In her personal time, Christine serves as fundraising event coordinator for Friends of the Underprivileged and other community focused organizations. She also enjoys spending time with her three wonderful children, traveling, singing, biking, and shopping.
Dyson, General Manager
Tom currently serves as the General Manager at The Dyson Corporation a Tulcan Portfolio Company, a role he has held since January 2019. With a career spanning over two decades, Tom has extensive experience in manufacturing, notably in operations directorship and plant management. His professional journey includes significant tenures at Avtron Aerospace Inc. and Avtron Manufacturing Inc., showcasing skills in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and strategic planning. Tom holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from The University of Akron and an MBA from Cleveland State University.
Dyson, Plant Manager
Frank Radtke is a seasoned professional with a solid background in operations management and procurement. Currently serving as the Plant Manager at The Dyson Corporation Texas Division, Frank brings years of leadership experience in this role. His career includes significant senior positions such as National Operations Manager at Industrial Valco, Operations Manager at Dodson Global Inc., and Director of Operations at Global Stainless / Forgings Flanges & Fittings, showcasing a decade of expertise in operational excellence. Frank’s skills are underpinned by a strong focus on management, procurement, and purchasing, marking him as a leader in his field based in Houston, Texas.
Equisales Associates, President
Jeff serves as President of Equisales Associates, a Tulcan Portfolio Company. Jeff has a rich background in sales and operational leadership within the energy sector, primarily at GE Energy in Houston, Texas. Since 2004, he's been the Manager of Sales Operations and Global Initiatives, enhancing commercial risk review processes, drastically cutting customer quote cycle time, and delivering significant pricing improvements. His tenure at GE also includes roles as Quality Leader and Account Manager, where he facilitated Six Sigma processes and drove substantial sales growth. Ricciardi's early career involved field service engineering at Westinghouse. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Grove City College.
Shannon Galvanizing, President
David is the co-founder and President of Shannon Galvanizing, a company he started with his brother Charlie and Tulcan. With a deep-rooted history in the galvanizing industry, they opened a modern facility in January 2022. David is committed to providing attentive service, consistent quality, quick turnaround, and fair pricing to his customers. He has also been the President of Centurion Land Inc. His academic background includes a Bachelor's degree from the University of Houston.
