--- title: "Capstreet announces further expansion of Operating Executive Team, as well as Investment Team Promotion" description: "HOUSTON, TX, February 3, 2022, The Capstreet Group (“Capstreet”), a Houston-based lower middle market private equity firm, announced today that Kirk Harrell..." url: https://capstreet.multisites.ai/news/capstreet-announces-further-expansion-of-operating-executive-team-as-well-as-investment-team-promotion publisher: Capstreet phone: +1-713-332-2700 contact: https://capstreet.multisites.ai/contact --- # Capstreet announces further expansion of Operating Executive Team, as well as Investment Team Promotion OtherPublished February 3, 20223 min read ![Capstreet team members at Houston Reads Day](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/_astro/houston-reads-day.DxNd9bIr_Z23gxjt.webp) HOUSTON, TX, February 3, 2022 — The Capstreet Group (“Capstreet”), a Houston-based lower middle market private equity firm, announced today that Kirk Harrell has joined the firm’s Operating Executive Group as Senior Vice President of Talent, a newly created position. In addition, the firm announced that Brian Hopkin has been promoted to Vice President. Mr. Harrell comes to Capstreet with nearly 20 years of executive search experience, most recently at Focus Search Partners, where he was a Managing Director responsible for leading senior executive assignments for clients ranging from early-stage startups and private equity-backed companies to publicly traded global organizations. Prior to that, he was a Managing Director at Taylor Winfield, which was acquired by Focus Search Partners. His experience spans a broad spectrum of industries including Software, Tech-Enabled Services, Industrial, eCommerce, and Digital Media. Mr. Harrell holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Baylor University. Rick Pleczko, CEO Operating Executive Group at Capstreet, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kirk to Capstreet. His deep understanding of building successful teams, coupled with his familiarity with diverse industries, will be invaluable as we continue to expand the knowledge base and resources available to our portfolio companies.” Capstreet’s Operating Executive team was formed in early 2019 and expanded in 2021 with the addition of Rick Pleczko as CEO, Cathy Francis as Chief Revenue Operations Officer, and Walker Kahle as Senior VP, Portfolio Operations. “I am excited to become part of the Capstreet team and look forward to working with my colleagues and portfolio company executives to help drive value creation and help build enduring, profitable businesses,” said Mr. Harrell. Mr. Hopkin started as a Senior Associate at Capstreet last April and has been involved in portfolio company management, business development, and deal execution, including Capstreet’s recent investment in hh2 Cloud Services. Prior to joining Capstreet, he was a Senior Associate at McCarthy Capital and earlier spent several years as an Associate at Platte River Equity. He began his career as an investment banking analyst at Barclays. Mr. Hopkin holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. “We are pleased to recognize Brian’s hard work and contributions over the past year with this well-deserved promotion and look forward to his playing a key role at the firm going forward,” said Neil Kallmeyer, Managing Partner at Capstreet. ## About The Capstreet Group Founded in 1990, Capstreet invests in lower middle market software, tech-enabled services and industrial business services companies. With over 45 platform investments and over 200 add-on acquisitions since inception, Capstreet’s investment strategy is focused on utilizing its Capvalue FrameworkTM to accelerate growth and profitability and creating long term sustainable businesses. The majority of Capstreet’s investments have been with founder or entrepreneur-owned businesses. For more information, visit the Capstreet website, [www.capstreet.com](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/). ## Terms on this page - [Lower Middle Market](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/glossary/lower-middle-market) - [Private Equity](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/glossary/private-equity) - [Value Creation](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/glossary/value-creation) ## Keep reading - [Automotive technology private equity for dealer-focused companiesCapstreet invests in automotive technology businesses that help dealerships. The firm targets solutions for sales, marketing, finance and insurance, and service lane operations. It describes several recent investments in the sector and looks for owners with $3 to $15 million of EBITDA who want a majority capital partner.](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/industries/automotive) - [Business Succession and Exit Options: How to Choose the Right Next Step for Your CompanyOwners have five main exit paths: transfer to family, sell to management, sell to employees through an ESOP, sell to a strategic buyer, or partner with private equity. Each trades price, speed, control and legacy differently. Start planning at least three to five years before you want to step back.](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/business-succession-and-exit-options) - [Buy and Build Strategy: How a Platform Company Grows Through Add-On AcquisitionsA buy and build strategy starts with one well-run platform company and adds smaller businesses to it over time. The goal is a larger, more capable company than any single piece could be. It fits fragmented industries best. Owners of smaller firms can sell to a platform and often stay on.](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/buy-and-build-strategy) - [Construction technology private equity for software ownersCapstreet believes technology can drive large changes in construction efficiency and project delivery. It targets software businesses that support project and financial management for general contractors and sub-contractors. The firm sees the industry as early on its technology adoption curve and looks for owners with $3 to $15 million of EBITDA.](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/industries/construction) - [Capstreet deal criteria: the companies we look forCapstreet looks for entrepreneur-owned business services companies with $3 to $15 million of EBITDA. We make primarily majority investments, and entrepreneurs reinvest alongside Capstreet. We want a tenured team, solid financials, a defensive business model, untapped growth potential and a niche advantage. We invest across 12 industries.](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/deal-criteria) - [The due diligence checklist for owners selling to private equityDue diligence is the buyer's check of your business after you sign a letter of intent. Private equity firms review five areas: financial (quality of earnings), operations, tax, HR and benefits, and legal. Owners who gather clean records before the process starts shorten it and face fewer surprises.](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/guides/due-diligence-checklist-for-owners) ## Ready to get started? Let’s talk. Tell us about your company and what you want next. Conversations are private, and there is no obligation. [Start a conversation](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/contact) [(713) 332-2700](tel:+1-713-332-2700)[connect@capstreet.com](mailto:connect@capstreet.com) ![Capstreet team members at a Houston elementary school for Houston Reads Day](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/_astro/houston-reads-day.DxNd9bIr_tggWP.webp)