Chris joined Sterling in December of 2019. Previously Chris was the CEO of Oakwood Worldwide. Prior to Oakwood, Chris was a Senior Advisor with TPG Capital’s operations team for seven years building out the firm’s Salesforce effectiveness and commercial operations capabilities.
Jim joined Sterling in 2013 to lead the firm’s sourcing efforts. Jim spent the first 15 years of his professional career assisting Fortune 500 companies with industrial site location needs across the southeastern US. Jim translated this experience, identifying the most important factors for a business’ success in a new facility, into a consultative approach to investment banking at Morgan Keegan and Raymond James. In those roles, Jim helped families and entrepreneurs, primarily in the industrial sector, find and structure the right solutions for their businesses. Jim is passionate about understanding the current and potential “future state” of a company and its industry, a passion shared across the Sterling team. Jim received a B.A. in Economics & International Studies from Rhodes College.
Lauren joined Sterling in 2022 and provides support to the Business Development team. Lauren graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2017 with a degree in Spanish concentrating in Post Spanish Civil War Literature and received a minor in Photography. She has previously worked in the art industry as an Assistant Director at an art gallery and as a Curatorial Intern at an art museum. Lauren has also worked as a Consultant and Digital Marketing and Social Media Manager in the healthcare industry.
Luke joined Sterling in 2023. Previously, he was a Partner at Insight Equity where he led investments in the industrial, services, and consumer sectors. Luke received an A.B. in Philosophy from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School.
Russell Landscape Group, Premier Tire & Service
Brandon joined Sterling in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer. He is responsible for all financial management aspects of the firm, as well as advising the firm’s portfolio company CFOs on certain financial issues and transactions. Previously, Brandon was Chief Financial Officer at Parkman Whaling, an energy focused boutique merchant bank. Prior to Parkman Whaling, he served as Chief Financial Officer of ESS Funds, a private equity firm focused on providing growth capital to the energy industry, with a focus on small and mid-sized businesses, ventures and projects. Brandon began his career in the Investment Management division at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Brandon received an M.B.A. from Rice University and a B.B.A. in Finance from Fort Hays State University. He is a CFA Charterholder and Certified Public Accountant. Brandon serves on the Board of the Ronald McDonald House Houston, an organization that provides a “home away from home” for families of sick children receiving medical treatment in the Texas Medical Center.
Jared joined Sterling in 2019. Prior to Sterling, he was an Analyst at Credit Suisse, where he focused on mergers, acquisitions, and high yield financings for companies across the energy industry. Jared is a graduate of Brigham Young University, with a B.S. in Finance from the Marriott School of Business.
OGD Overhead Garage Door, Premier Tire & Service, Ergotron, Evergreen Recycling, Greenbridge, Tangent Technologies, Highline Aftermarket
Katharine joined Sterling in 2023. Prior to Sterling, she worked as a National Project Coordinator at Mears Group. She previously worked at Aspen Utilities as a Billing Clerk and at Quanta Telecommunication Solutions as an Executive Assistant. Katharine received a B.B.A. in International Business from University of Houston Downtown.
Lindsay joined Sterling in September 2022 and provides support to the Lower Middle Market and Private Credit teams, based in Dallas, TX. Lindsay received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University has over 10 years’ experience providing executive and operations support across multiple industries.
Jacob joined Sterling in 2017 as a member of the Sterling Credit Fund. Many of Jacob’s previous career experiences revolve around private credit. He began his career in Deloitte’s business valuation group, before moving to the restructuring group within Houlihan Lokey where he focused on distressed M&A and special situations for middle-market debtors and creditors in the industrial manufacturing, food, consumer, and oilfield services industries. Prior to Sterling, Jacob was a Senior Analyst at EF Capital, a family office, where he performed due diligence and portfolio management for private equity and junior debt financings. Jacob received a B.B.A in finance and accounting, cum laude, with departmental honors in finance from Texas Christian University.
Camille joined Sterling in 2023. She previously worked in the Compliance department at AIG and Corebridge Financial, managing audit reviews, regulatory inquiries, and compliance investigations. Prior to AIG, Camille was a paralegal and worked on litigation cases. Camille received a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a paralegal certificate from Duke University.
Connor joined Sterling in 2023. Prior to Sterling, he worked as an Investment Banking Analyst with Wells Fargo in Houston, where he focused on mergers & acquisitions and capital raising activities for clients across the Energy sector. Connor graduated summa cum laude from Oklahoma State University with a B.S.B.A in Finance and a B.S.B.A in Accounting.
Artisan Design Group
Lexi joins Sterling in 2024. Prior to Sterling, Lexi worked at OIC as a Senior Analyst of Finance and Fund Operations. Lexi began her career in the assurance practice at Moss Adams, where she focused on oil and gas services and manufacturing. She graduated from the University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business, with a B.B.A and a M.S. in Accounting
Kelsey joined Sterling in 2023. Previously, she served as an Assistant Controller for Fayez Sarofim & Co. where she managed the corporate investment portfolios and partnerships. Prior to Fayez Sarofim & Co., Kelsey was an Accounting Manager for EnerVest, an energy-focused private equity firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of oil and gas assets. She began her career at Ernst & Young and spent six years serving clients in their assurance practice, with a concentration in oil and gas. Kelsey graduated from Texas Tech University, Rawls College of Business with a M.S. and B.B.A. in Accounting and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas.
Greg joined Sterling in 2022 as a Summer Intern, and rejoined in 2023 after obtaining his M.B.A. Prior to business school, he was a Senior Associate at Stellus Capital Management and an Associate at Chiron Financial. He has been involved with Big Brother Big Sisters as a mentor, and with the Houston Chapter of Young Professionals Group as a Board Member. Greg received a B.B.A. in Finance from University of Texas and an M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Bad Boy Mowers, Greenbridge
Carrie joined Sterling in 2024. Prior to Sterling, she worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Citigroup where she focused on advising clients across the Energy sector on mergers & acquisitions and capital raising activities. Carrie graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Master in Professional Accounting from the McCombs School of Business.
West Star Aviation, Bad Boy Mowers
Diamondique joined Sterling in 2022. Prior to joining Sterling, she worked with Atlantic Housing Foundation as a property manager overseeing the overall operations of the community. Diamondique graduated from Texas State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice.
Lilly Cullen joined Sterling in 2022. Prior to Sterling, she spent ten years in commercial banking, most recently with Truist Bank as a Middle Market Banker advising clients on their capital formation needs. Lilly is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.B.A. in Finance and International Business from the Terry College of Business.
Lucas joined Sterling as a Partner to lead the Foundation Fund in 2021, bringing 20 years of experience in lower middle market investments in the industrial and services sectors. Previously, Lucas was a Managing Partner at CenterOak Partners and a Managing Director at Brazos Partners. Lucas received a B.B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin.
OGD Overhead Garage Door, Russell Landscape Group, Compost360, Premier Tire & Service
Sean joined Sterling as a Partner in 2017 after having spent the last 16 years as Sterling’s lead lender in his prior role as Managing Director in the Merchant Banking Group at BNP Paribas. Sean was involved in financing nearly every Sterling investment since 2001. Over the course of his career at BNP, Sean cultivated close relationships with sponsors that spanned many years and multiple transactions. Sean and Sterling shared the same philosophy: that sponsors and lenders should partner together to build winning businesses, achieving the best possible returns for all parties. In 2017, Sterling and Sean formed the Sterling Credit Fund to offer both Sterling and other sponsors a mezzanine and second lien lending partner that subscribed to this philosophy. Sean is an expert at originating, structuring and executing senior and subordinated debt instruments and equity co-investments in the middle market and has underwritten over $13 billion of senior, mezzanine and second lien debt and made over $80 million of equity co-investments. Sean received a B.B.A. from the University of Arkansas and an M.B.A. from the M.J. McNeely School of Business at Texas Christian University.
Robert joined Sterling in 2024. Previously, he worked as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company in Houston, where he focused on transformation and strategy work for energy, manufacturing, and consumer goods companies. Robert is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a B.S. in Mathematics and a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems.
Mary joined Sterling in 2023. Prior to Sterling, she worked as an Associate at General Atlantic pursuing investments in the US consumer sector. Previously, she worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Centerview Partners where she advised clients across healthcare, consumer, and other sectors on mergers and acquisitions. Mary received a B.S. from Yale University.
Pavement Preservation Group, Gulf Winds
Greg first joined Sterling in 1994, leaving briefly for business school, before returning to continue driving fundamental changes at some of Sterling’s pre-fund investments. Greg also spent time as a Partner at the CapStreet Group, where he worked on several successful industry consolidations, including Sprint Industrial, Advanced Data Processing, Jackson Products and Trajen, an FBO network. When Trajen was sold to Macquarie, Greg followed his passion for operations and building companies, leaving private equity to form a new FBO network. He and the management team built Encore Aviation which was merged with Landmark Aviation. Greg remained on the board of Landmark but rejoined Sterling in 2008 and sits on the firm’s Human Capital Committee. Greg received a B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College.
PrimeFlight, West Star Aviation, L&S Mechanical, Frontline Road Safety, Polychem Corporation, Lynx FBO Network, ProcessBarron, Safe Fleet, Liqui-Box, Velcon Filters
Benjamin joined Sterling in 2024. Prior to Sterling, he worked as an investment banking analyst at Harris Williams where he focused on mergers and acquisitions for companies across the Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services sectors. Ben graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. from Rochester Institute of Technology and received an M.S. in finance from Vanderbilt University
Russell Landscape Group, Compost360
Johann joined Sterling in 2018. Previously, he worked as an Associate in the Frankfurt office of Advent International, pursuing investments in the industrial and consumer and retail sectors. Johann started his career as an analyst in J.P. Morgan’s investment bank, focusing on M&A and capital markets transactions across North America and Europe. Johann received a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Mannheim in Germany and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
PowerGrid Services, Evergreen Recycling, Artisan Design Group, ProcessBarron, DexKo
Josie joined Sterling in 2023. Prior to Sterling, she worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Citigroup where she focused on advising clients on mergers & acquisitions and capital raising activities in the Energy sector. Josie graduated from Texas Christian University with a B.B.A. in Finance from the Neeley School of Business.
PrimeFlight, Ergotron
Mike joined Sterling in 2024 from a technology company he co-founded. Previously, he held commercially focused executive roles at Reify Health and DoorDash and was a Senior Manager at Bain where he worked exclusively with private equity clients. Mike began his career as an intelligence officer in the US Army. Mike received a BBA from the University of North Georgia senior military college and an MBA from Emory University where he was a Woodruff Scholar.
Vincent joined Sterling in 2018 as an Associate and rejoined in 2022 after business school. As an Associate, Vincent evaluated and executed prospective investments and worked alongside Sterling portfolio companies. Vincent started his career in investment banking with Jefferies and Deutsche Bank, where he executed M&A and capital markets transactions for industrial and natural resources companies. Vincent received a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration from Washington and Lee University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
PrimeFlight, L&S Mechanical, Evergreen Recycling, Greenbridge, Lynx FBO Network, ProcessBarron
Anu joined Sterling in 2020 as Vice President, Fund Accounting. Previously, she was a Director in the Private Equity Operations and Fund Administration division at Blue River Partners LLC, where she established and managed the Houston office and served several clients within the alternative asset management industry. Prior to Blue River, she was an Assurance Senior Manager at PwC and spent ten years serving clients in the financial services sector, with a concentration in asset management. Anu graduated with honors from the University of Houston with a M.S. and B.B.A. in Accountancy and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas.
Carson joined Sterling in 2024. Prior to Sterling, she worked as a Vice President at Parthenon Capital, where she pursued investments in financial services. Previously, she held roles on the investment team at Kelso & Company and in the investment bank at J.P. Morgan. Carson received a B.S. in Commerce with Distinction from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. with Honors from Wharton.
Artisan Design Group
Graham joined Sterling in 2022. Prior to Sterling, he worked as an investment banking analyst at Deloitte Corporate Finance where he focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital raising activities for companies across the Industrials, Consumer, and Business Services industries. Graham graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.S. in Economics.
Russell Landscape Group, Premier Tire & Service
Daniel joined Sterling in 2023. Previously, he was a management consultant at Altman Solon in New York, where he focused on commercial due diligence and strategy work for technology, media and telecom companies and their investors. Daniel is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a B.A. in Economics and Public Policy.
Nikhil joined Sterling in 2024 from Bain & Company’s Dallas office, where he was a part of the Private Equity Group focusing on commercial diligences in the technology industry. Nikhil is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, with a B.S. in Finance and Economics.
Neha joined Sterling in 2022. Prior to Sterling, she worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Citigroup where she focused on advising clients across the Energy sector on mergers & acquisitions and capital raising activities. Neha graduated with highest honors from The University of Texas at Austin, with a B.B.A. in Finance from the McCombs School of Business.
Frontline Road Safety, L&S Mechanical
John joined Sterling in 2018 from McKinsey & Company’s Houston office where he was an Engagement Manager focused on strategy and operational initiatives for industrial and energy businesses. Previously he worked at Madison Dearborn Partners on investments in the Industrials, Business Services, and Financial Services sectors. John received a B.S. in Systems Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Virginia, and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management and M.S. from the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University.
PrimeFlight, West Star Aviation, Fencing Supply Group, Tangent Technologies, Lynx FBO Network, Evergreen North America, Saxco International
Jenny joined Sterling in 2020, bringing 15 years of experience evaluating and underwriting debt capital and equity co-investments. She has underwritten over $11 billion of senior, second lien, mezzanine and equity co-investments. Jenny joins Sterling from BNP Paribas where she was a Managing Director responsible for the Southwest US Merchant Banking office and led a team focused on providing leveraged credit solutions for private equity sponsors. Jenny and Credit Fund Partner Sean Davenport were partnered in their efforts at BNP Paribas for over eight years, providing unique team continuity, as well as complementary skill sets, relationships and experience. During Jenny’s tenure at BNP Paribas, Jenny was the lead lender to the majority of Sterling’s portfolio company financings since 2010. In addition, her expertise in originating, structuring and executing senior and subordinated debt and equity co-investments resulted in close, long term relationships with a wide variety of sponsors who share Sterling’s partnership lending philosophy. Jenny received a B.B.A. from the University of Texas.
John joined Sterling in 1992 after graduating from business school. He has been involved in every aspect of Sterling’s business over his 30 plus years at Sterling including recruiting much of the current team, overseeing the firm’s transition from a fundless sponsor, and driving the firm to excellence in all areas of core competencies. Prior to business school, John was on the professional staff of Arthur Andersen & Co. He received a B.S.B.A. in accounting from the University of Tennessee and an M.B.A. with honors from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.
PowerGrid Services, Fencing Supply Group, Bad Boy Mowers, Tangent Technologies, Lynx FBO Network, Highline Aftermarket, Specified Air Solutions, Saxco International, Liqui-Box, B&G Crane, Velcon Filters, North American Energy Partners, BTEC Turbines and Exopack
Stephanie joined Sterling in 2023. Prior to Sterling, she worked in the Accounting and Reporting Advisory practice at Deloitte. She received a B.B.A. in Accounting and a Masters in Financial Management from Texas A&M University.
Brian joined Sterling in 2008. Brian co-leads the firm’s Improvement Committee, which drives best practices and continuous improvement in Sterling’s value creation model. He was involved in or led Sterling’s investments in Roofing Supply Group, B&G Crane, Saxco International, Stackpole, SafeFleet, Construction Supply Group (Chairman), Artisan Design Group, Tangent Technologies (Chairman), Fencing Supply Group (Chairman) and White Cap. Brian spent the first decade of his career driving operational improvements at Siemens, Motorola and Amphenol. In addition, he worked in the investment banking division of UBS. Brian received an M.B.A with concurrent Masters in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from the University of Texas and a B.S. in mechanical engineering.
White Cap, Gulf Winds, Fencing Supply Group, Artisan Design Group, Tangent Technologies, Construction Supply Group, Safe Fleet, Saxco International, Stackpole, B&G Crane, Roofing Supply Group
Will joined Sterling in 2024. Prior to Sterling, he was an Analyst at Houlihan Lokey where he focused on mergers and acquisitions for companies in the industrials sector. Will received a B.B.A. and an M.P.A. in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.
Premier Tire & Service
Jonathan joined Sterling in 2024, bringing 15+ years of middle market private equity experience focused on investments in the services, industrial and food sectors. Previously, Jonathan was a Managing Director at Sun Capital Partners. Jonathan received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley.
Overhead Garage Door, Compost360
Meet joined Sterling in 2023. Prior to Sterling, he worked as an investment banking analyst with BlackArch Partners in Charlotte where he focused on advising clients on M&A across various sectors including Industrial Products and Specialty Distribution. Meet graduated with highest distinction from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Evergreen Recycling
Franny joined Sterling in 2010 to lead the firm’s fundraising and investor relations efforts. During Franny’s time at Sterling, the firm has raised seven funds across its Middle Market, Lower Middle Market and Private Credit strategies totaling over $9 billion in capital commitments. Franny brings experience from the Private Wealth Management Groups of Morgan Stanley and Lehman Brothers in New York, where she was responsible for fundraising, asset allocation, manager selection and investor relations for family offices and foundations. Franny received a B.A. in Art History from Princeton University.
Andrea joined Sterling in 2022. Prior to joining Sterling, she worked at ConocoPhillips in corporate FP&A, supporting budgeting, planning, and project management for global IT. Andrea graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas with a B.S. in Finance and Supply Chain Management and a minor in Economics from the Walton College of Business.
Avery joined Sterling in 2024 from Tellurian, where she was the Corporate Recruiter and Talent Acquisition coordinator. Previously, she worked at the Addison Group staffing positions in IT and Digital Marketing. Avery received a B.S. in Business Management from McNeese State University where she was a 4-year member of the volleyball team.
Max joined Sterling in 2015 as the firm’s first in-house legal counsel. Prior to Sterling, Max worked in the private equity groups of Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP, where his practice focused on representing private equity firms and strategic investors in leveraged buyouts, minority investments, public and private mergers, acquisitions and divestitures and other general corporate matters. Max received a B.A. with honors in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a J.D. with honors from the Emory University School of Law.
Joseph joined Sterling in 2023. He started his career with Ernst & Young in their Toronto, ON office as part of the Company’s audit practice, primarily servicing Financial Service Organizations. Joseph holds a B.B.A in Accounting and a MAcc from Saint Francis Xavier University and Carleton University, respectively. Joseph is a certified Chartered Professional Accountant accredited by CPA Ontario.
Meghan joined Sterling in 2022 from White Deer Energy where she was a Principal focused on investing in products and services businesses in the energy, industrials and infrastructure end markets. Previously she was with Crestview Partners and Citigroup. Meghan received a B.B.A. from the University of Texas, graduating Beta Gamma Sigma, and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business.
Gulf Winds, Ergotron
Amanda joined Sterling in 2021 as Tax Manager. She started her career with PwC in their Houston office as part of the Financial Services Tax Group with a focus of providing asset and wealth management services to private equity fund clients. Amanda graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University, Mays Business School in the Professional Program of Accounting with a M.S. in Finance and a B.B.A in Accounting and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas.
Claudine joined Sterling in 2017 to lead Human Capital. She is responsible for developing and implementing people and talent management strategies at Sterling, as well as working across the firm’s portfolio to help drive growth through comprehensive people strategies and the identification and acquisition of talent. Claudine joins the firm from Jacobs Engineering Group in Houston where she was the head of Human Resources for the Petroleum and Chemicals businesses and was responsible for approximately 5,000 employees in several U.S. locations, Canada and Mexico. Prior to this, she led human resources planning and recruitment at Emerson Electric Canada Limited. She has lived and worked in Canada and the United States and has 13 years of human resources experience. Claudine holds a Bachelor of Management, with a major in human resources from the University of Lethbridge in Calgary, Canada.
Scott joined Sterling in 2014 from The Boston Consulting Group where he focused on operational improvement initiatives for industrial and energy companies. Prior to entering the private sector, Scott was a Ranger qualified officer in the United States Army where he led a scout platoon during the troop surge in Iraq, and later served as a company commander in charge of 120 personnel. Scott’s first investment at Sterling was American Bath Group, a turnaround effort and industry consolidation in the bathware manufacturing industry. Scott embedded with the company for a year, using his experience leading teams and driving operational change to completely transform the company’s transportation and logistics program, as well as executing four strategic acquisitions. Scott received a B.S. in Economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from the Wharton School.
B'laster Holdings, West Star Aviation, Evergreen Recycling, Greenbridge, Lynx FBO Network, Evergreen North America, Highline Aftermarket, American Bath Group
Jack joined Sterling in 2024. Prior to Sterling, he worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Jefferies where he focused on mergers, acquisitions, equity financings and debt financings across the Diversified Industrials sector. Jack graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University, with a B.A. in History and a minor in Business concentrating in Finance.
Fencing Supply Group, Greenbridge
In the role of Operating Partner, Jud works closely with Sterling’s investment professionals and portfolio management teams to drive growth and build capabilities for Sterling portfolio companies. Jud brings over 25 years of operations experience gained in various roles: as an engineer and project manager at ExxonMobil, operations transformation leader at McKinsey & Company, general manager at Valerus Compression Services, and most recently as a Director of TPG Capital’s Operating Group. In his role as the Chair of Sterling’s Operations Committee, Jud leads internal continuous improvement in the operational value creation process. Jud received bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and Plan II Liberal Arts Honors at the University of Texas and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management.
Nikhil joined Sterling in 2022 from Contentful, where he focused on strategic initiatives for a high growth tech company. Previously, he was a Manager at Bain’s Houston office, spending time in the Private Equity Group and on strategy and operational topics for industrial and tech businesses. He has also held roles at Google and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Nikhil received a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Texas Austin and an M.B.A. with honors from the Wharton School.
Jared joined Sterling in 2022 to expand the firm’s sourcing efforts in the Northeast. Prior to Sterling, he spent twelve years in investment banking, most recently with Stifel and RBC Capital Markets in New York, advising clients on acquisitions, divestitures and financings across the Diversified Industrials sector. Jared graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Finance.
Cesar joined Sterling in 2023 with experience in the technology and oil & gas industries. Prior to joining Sterling, Cesar worked at Amazon Web Services supporting Infrastructure Finance with reporting and rate variance analysis, budgeting, and business process improvements. He began his career at ConocoPhillips where he worked to implement emerging technologies across global finance and supported various organizations in Corporate FP&A. Cesar graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.B.A. in Finance from Mays Business School.
Nate joined Sterling in 2019. Previously, he was Director of FP&A at Warby Parker over a period in which the company scaled revenue 10x and significantly increased profitability. He started his career as a strategy consultant at Monitor Group in New York, focusing on the consumer and industrial sectors. He received a B.A. as a double major in History and Political Science from Yale, where he was a 4-year member of the Varsity Heavyweight Crew, and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Pavement Preservation Group, L&S Mechanical, Frontline Road Safety, Greenbridge
Gary has been associated with Sterling as a Partner or operating executive since 1987. After clerking for a Federal appeals court judge, Gary practiced law as a Partner at Vinson & Elkins. However, he wanted to run, not counsel, businesses. His first operating role was as a member of the senior management team at Cain Chemical, the 1987 Sterling investment comprised of 7 world scale ethylene and derivative plants carved-out from 5 sellers in multiple closings. The resulting billion dollar plus entity was effectively built from the ground up and provided a unique opportunity for operational improvements, lean administration, and strong revenue and margin growth. Gary was a driving force in Cain Chemical’s creation, operation, and subsequent highly profitable sale. Gary then joined Sterling as a Partner. Subsequently, he took on numerous operating roles including Executive Chairman of HydroChem and Chief Executive Officer of AXIA, both prior Sterling investments, as well as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of publicly held Wheatley TXT Corp. and as Executive Chairman of privately held Diamond Products International. Gary rejoined Sterling in 2005. He has continued to bring his many years of transactional and management experience to acquiring and transforming Sterling portfolio platforms. Gary is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College and of Harvard Law School and was the Charles Henry Fiske Scholar at Trinity College, Cambridge University.
Evergreen Recycling, Greenbridge, Highline Aftermarket, Safe Fleet, CST Industries, Stackpole International, BTEC Turbines and Hudson Products, with management roles at HydroChem, AXIA, and Cain Chemical
Aryan joined Sterling in 2019 from McKinsey & Company’s Houston office, where he was an Engagement Manager focused on strategy and operational improvement initiatives across both B2B and B2C businesses – including those in the industrials, energy, and retail sectors. A Houston native, Aryan received a B.A. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Rice University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Henry joined Sterling in 2024. Previously, he worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Harris Williams, where he focused on mergers & acquisitions for companies in the Industrials sector. Henry graduated Cum Laude from Washington and Lee University with a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics.
B'laster Holdings
Brad started his career in investment banking with Goldman Sachs, followed by a transition to private equity with Capital Royalty. Brad joined Sterling full time after graduating from business school in 2008. Since joining Sterling, Brad has had the opportunity to leverage his transaction execution experience with a strong interest in strategy, operations, and human capital. Brad played a fundamental role in driving Sterling towards a set of best practices for company evaluation and transaction execution, and now oversees the firm’s Human Capital committee. Brad received a B.B.A. in Finance and Business Honors from the University of Texas, and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
Pavement Preservation Group, Ergotron, Frontline Road Safety, Time Manufacturing, ProcessBarron, Specified Air Solutions, Express, Universal Fiber Systems and Velcon Filters
John Henry joined Sterling in 2020 as an Associate and rejoined in 2024 after business school. As an associate, John Henry evaluated and executed prospective investments and worked alongside Sterling portfolio companies. John Henry started his career in investment banking at Moelis & Company, working on M&A and restructuring transactions for energy, chemicals and infrastructure companies. John Henry received a B.S. and M.S. in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
L&S Mechanical, Fencing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, DexKo
Bryan joined Sterling in 2022 after having worked as a Corporate Development & Strategy partner at Creation Technologies, an electronics manufacturing services company. Previously, he worked at Lindsay Goldberg on investments in the industrial and services sectors and began his career as an equity investment analyst at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Bryan received a B.A. from The University of Chicago, where he was a 4-year member of the varsity football team, and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School. Bryan is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
Russell Landscape Group, Compost360
Jack joined Sterling in 2023 from The Riverside Company, where he worked on investments in the industrial and services sector. Jack began his career at Houlihan Lokey, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions for companies in the industrials sector. Jack received a B.A. with Honors in Finance from Michigan State University, where he was an Evans Scholar.
OGD Overhead Garage Door
Patrick joined Sterling in 2021. Previously, he worked as Operations Supervisor for ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, where he drove multiple operational excellence initiatives. Patrick started his career with ExxonMobil in their pipeline engineering group, where he held various roles, with responsibilities including project management and engineering supervision. Patrick received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, graduating as a George F. Baker Scholar.
White Cap, B'laster Holdings, West Star Aviation, Evergreen North America
Kent joined Sterling in 2001 after graduating from business school. Kent has been involved with Sterling investments totaling in excess of $4.0 billion in total enterprise value during his 23 years at the firm. Kent serves on the ESG committee, and also has strategic oversight of the firm’s lending relationships, many of which have worked with Sterling over several decades. Prior to business school, Kent managed an energy loan portfolio at Long-Term Credit Bank. Kent started his career at Coopers & Lybrand. Kent received a B.B.A. and an M.P.A. in accounting from the University of Texas and an M.B.A. with honors from the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago.
PowerGrid Services, Bad Boy Mowers, Artisan Design Group, Time Manufacturing, Evergreen North America, DexKo, Saxco International, B&G Crane, Stackpole International, Universal Fiber Systems, Hudson Products, Panolam Industries, Propex and North American Energy Partners
Claire joined Sterling in 2024. Prior to Sterling, she worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Citigroup where she focused on advising clients across the Energy sector on mergers & acquisitions and capital raising activities. Claire graduated from Rice University with a B.A. in Computational and Applied Mathematics and a minor in Data Science.
PowerGrid Services
Annika joined Sterling in 2019 as the Management Company Controller. Annika joined Sterling from Trussway Manufacturing, LLC where she served as Assistant Controller. She started her career in Ernst & Young’s assurance practice. Annika is a Texas CPA. She received a B.B.A. in Accounting, with honors, and M.S. in Accounting from Texas A&M University.
Anel Yesmagambetova joined Sterling in 2023. Prior to Sterling, Anel worked at Big Tex Investments as a property manager. She received B.B.A. in Finance from C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston and obtained the Accounting Certificate to be CPA eligible.
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