Our Leadership Team

J. Bryan King is a Managing Partner of LKCM Headwater Investments, where he has overseen micro and small-cap public and private investments since 1994. As the Founder and Managing Partner of LKCM Capital Group since 2000, he has led the firm’s long/short, microcap, private equity, and alternative investment strategies, playing a key role in identifying and growing high-potential businesses.

Mr. King established the LKCM Distribution Holdings oversight advisory board, bringing together industry experts and thought leaders to support investment activities across distribution, packaging, shop and field services, engineering services, and rental-based businesses. He has served as Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner for numerous companies, including Lawson, TestEquity, Relevant Industrial, Leading Quality Assurance, Archer Systems, Independent Life, Industrial Distribution Group, Rawson, and Golden State Medical Supply. In addition, he has contributed his expertise to numerous other public and private company boards, as well as civic organizations.

A strong advocate for strategic growth and operational excellence, Mr. King brings a deep understanding of investment management and business leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University, a Ranch Management degree from Texas Christian University, and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Ben Andrews joined the Relevant Industrial Board of Directors in 2020, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving operational excellence and creating shareholder value. His leadership is rooted in optimizing organizational efficiency, employee development, and strategic sales implementation.

Ben previously served as Chief Operations Officer of Relevant Industrial in 2016 before being promoted to Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Under his leadership, the company strengthened its operational capabilities and strategic direction. Prior to his tenure at Relevant Industrial, he held several executive roles, most notably as Executive Vice President of GHX Industrial, LLC, where he played a key role in business growth and operational strategy.

A Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas, Ben holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. His financial acumen, operational expertise, and leadership continue to be instrumental in the success of Relevant Industrial.

Tom Comstock is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in industrial distribution, flow control, and petrochemical services. He currently serves as a board member for Relevant Industrial, TestEquity, and Relevant Power Solutions, bringing strategic leadership and industry expertise to these organizations.

From 2003 to 2016, Tom was the CEO of Rawson, guiding the company through significant growth and its eventual sale by LKCM to ERIKS in 2013. Prior to Rawson, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Furmanite, a petrochemical service company, where he played a key role in operational leadership and business expansion.

Tom spent 16 years with Keystone International, a leading flow control company, where he held multiple leadership positions. During his tenure, he served as President of Keystone International’s Industrial Valve Group in Europe for three years, overseeing operations and driving market growth.

He holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Texas A&M University, equipping him with a strong foundation in business strategy, technology, and industrial operations. His extensive experience and leadership continue to provide valuable guidance to the organizations he supports.

Tom Felter brings extensive experience in sales, executive management, and industrial distribution, with a distinguished career spanning leadership roles across major valve, automation, and instrumentation companies. He was elected to the Luther King Capital Management Industrial Distribution boards as a member, partner, and consultant, leveraging his industry expertise to drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

Throughout his career, Mr. Felter has served as a consultant for leading industrial companies, including Flowserve and SSP Instrumentation, as well as a Louisiana CPA firm. His leadership journey began in 1996 when he joined Carter Chambers, LLC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Over the years, he took on increasing responsibilities, ultimately serving as President and CEO from 1999 until the company’s acquisition by Pon Holdings in 2009. Following the sale, he continued with Pon Holdings as Director of Business Development for its subsidiary, PVI Holdings, until October 2012.

Before his tenure at Carter Chambers, Mr. Felter managed valve and automation accounts at Valvax Corporation. He previously spent 11 years at the Duriron Company (now Flowserve Corporation), progressing through senior management roles in the industrial and control valve divisions across multiple locations.

Mr. Felter began his career at Olin Corporation in Baton Rouge after earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Louisiana State University. His extensive industry experience, strategic vision, and leadership acumen make him a valuable asset to the organizations he serves.

Art French brings over four decades of executive leadership and board experience across industrial sectors, serving in key roles that have shaped the success of multiple organizations. His career includes directorships at Fab Tech Industries (2000-2009), Houston Plating and Coatings Company (2002-2007), and Rawson LP (2003-2009), where he later became non-executive Chairman of the Board for Rawson Holdings, LLC (2009-2010). He has also contributed his expertise as a member of the advisory board of Main Street Capital Partners, LLC and as a limited partner of Main Street Mezzanine Fund, LP.

Currently, Mr. French serves as an advisor to LKCM Capital Group, LLC, the alternative investment arm of Luther King Capital Management. His leadership background includes serving as Chairman and CEO of Metals USA Inc., where he led the company through a successful IPO in 1997. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President and a director of Keystone International, Inc.

Mr. French began his career as a Sales Engineer at Fisher Controls International, Inc., where he held various leadership positions over 23 years, ultimately serving as President, COO, and a board director. His broad industry experience, strategic insight, and operational leadership make him a valuable advisor and board member.

A former helicopter pilot and Captain in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Mr. French holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and General Business from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Barry Lawrence has been a member of the Relevant Industrial Board of Directors since 2014, bringing extensive expertise in industrial distribution, supply chain management, and business strategy. A distinguished professor at Texas A&M University, he serves as the Coordinator of the Industrial Distribution Program, Director of the Thomas and Joan Read Center for Distribution Research and Education, and Director of the Global Supply Chain Laboratory. He also holds the esteemed Leonard and Valerie Bruce Leadership Chair.

Dr. Lawrence’s faculty responsibilities include teaching graduate, undergraduate, and professional continuing education courses in logistics, supply chain management, distribution strategy, and distribution information systems. He is deeply involved in research, publications, and industry presentations, frequently speaking at distribution associations and companies on topics such as market growth optimization, sales and marketing strategy, inventory and asset management, network improvements, transportation logistics, and best practices in distribution operations.

Beyond academia, Dr. Lawrence has contributed to numerous large-scale industry projects and has over 12 years of hands-on experience in sales and retail business. His deep industry knowledge and research-driven insights make him a valuable asset to the Relevant Industrial Board.

Dr. Lawrence holds a Ph.D. in Information and Operations Management from Texas A&M University, an MBA from Texas State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Andrew D. Zacharias is a Partner at LKCM Headwater Investments, where he provides strategic leadership in private equity and investment management. He currently serves on the boards of Relevant Industrial, TestEquity, Resource Minerals, Building Controls & Solutions, Relevant Rental, and RPS, in addition to several civic and charitable boards in Fort Worth.

With a career spanning investment banking, private equity, and executive management, Andrew previously served as Vice President at Pacesetter Capital Group, where he executed and managed private equity and mezzanine debt investments across the media, manufacturing, and service sectors. Prior to that, he was CFO and COO of Street Advisor, an independent equity research firm. Earlier in his career, Andrew worked in the Corporate Finance Group at Bear Stearns, focusing on equity and debt offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and private placements across multiple industries in the Southwest U.S. His finance career began as an intern analyst at LKCM while completing his undergraduate studies.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from Texas Christian University. He earned a joint MBA and Master’s in Engineering Management from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where he was recognized as an Austin Scholar. He is also a candidate for the Turnaround Management Association’s Certified Turnaround Professional (CTP) designation, further solidifying his expertise in financial strategy and business transformation.

Joel D. Stewart is a Principal with LKCM Headwater Investments, where he plays a key role in identifying and evaluating new investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, structuring transactions, and supporting portfolio companies in achieving long-term growth.

Before joining LKCM, Joel was a Vice President at The Presidio Group in San Francisco, where he focused on investing in lower-middle market companies and advising clients on M&A and private placement transactions. Prior to that, he served as a Principal at 6Pacific Partners, a boutique merchant bank specializing in the food, beverage, and nutrition industries. He began his career as an Investment Banker at JPMorgan, gaining a strong foundation in financial strategy and capital markets.

Joel holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from Baylor University and an MBA from The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. His expertise in investment management, strategic growth, and financial structuring makes him a key contributor to LKCM Headwater Investments’ success.

Scott F. Oman serves as a Vice President with LKCM Headwater Investments, where he plays a key role in identifying new investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, structuring transactions, and supporting portfolio companies. His expertise in private equity and financial strategy positions him as a valuable asset in driving investment growth and operational excellence.

Before joining LKCM, Scott was a Senior Associate at Hudson Advisors, an affiliate of Lone Star Funds, where he was responsible for executing and managing private equity and debt investments across North America. Prior to that, he gained extensive experience in investment banking as an Analyst with Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Houston, specializing in M&A advisory and public capital raises within the energy sector.

Scott graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in History. His strong analytical background, strategic financial insight, and hands-on investment experience make him a critical contributor to LKCM Headwater Investments’ success.

John Carte brings over 30 years of industrial distribution experience to Relevant Industrial, with a distinguished career spanning sales, operations management, marketing, supply chain, and executive leadership. During his 27+ years at MRC Global, he played a pivotal role in shaping business strategy and driving growth. As Senior Vice President for Valves, Automation, and Instrumentation globally, John led the development and execution of the segment’s $1.9 billion strategy, overseeing procurement and product business development on an international scale.

In 2015, John joined Eads Distribution as Chief Operating Officer, where he was instrumental in optimizing operations and enhancing business performance. Following the successful acquisition of Eads by FCx Performance, he was promoted to Division President, leading a $180 million+ business unit. In this role, he oversaw company sales and growth strategies, strategic initiatives, marketing, finance, branch operations, and supply chain management.

John’s leadership is marked by a deep understanding of industrial distribution and a results-driven approach to business transformation. He holds an Associate’s degree in Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, and an MBA in Organizational Leadership, equipping him with the expertise to drive strategic growth and operational excellence at Relevant Industrial.

Mike Singleton brings over 20 years of finance experience across manufacturing, fabrication, distribution, and e-commerce industries. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership roles as Finance Director and CFO for private equity-backed companies, where he played a critical role in executing strategic initiatives, optimizing accounting functions for efficiency and scalability, and leading successful acquisition integrations.

Most recently, Mike has leveraged his expertise in the e-commerce sector with Black Rifle Coffee Company and in the fabrication industry with Patriot Erectors. His ability to align financial strategy with business objectives has made him a trusted partner to senior management teams, driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Mike holds a Master of Business Administration from the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spring Hill College, bringing a diverse and analytical approach to financial leadership.

Dr. Sam Kirkpatrick brings over 30 years of aerospace, automotive, and industrial experience to Relevant Industrial, with a proven track record of leadership in engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain management. During his 24-year tenure at Caterpillar, he played a critical role in driving operational excellence and business growth across multiple divisions.

As Facility Manager in Newberry, South Carolina, Sam led the introduction of six new product lines, increasing facility revenue from $160 million to $750 million. As Global Supply Chain Manager for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division, he spearheaded a transformation of a $3.5 billion supply chain, achieving a $500 million reduction in inventory, $39 million in operating cost savings, and a 35% improvement in product lead times.

Before joining Relevant Industrial, Sam served as a Director with Alvarez & Marsal, where he specialized in operational performance improvement, helping organizations streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

Sam holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, a Doctorate in Engineering, and an MBA. He is a Chartered Engineer and an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional, bringing both technical expertise and strategic leadership to Relevant Industrial’s operations.