--- title: "The Capstreet Group Announces Expansion of Operating Executive Team" description: "Houston, Texas, (October 13, 2021):The Capstreet Group, a Houston, Texas based private equity firm, is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its..." url: https://capstreet.multisites.ai/news/the-capstreet-group-announces-expansion-of-operating-executive-team publisher: Capstreet phone: +1-713-332-2700 contact: https://capstreet.multisites.ai/contact --- # The Capstreet Group Announces Expansion of Operating Executive Team AutomotivePublished October 13, 20213 min read ![Capstreet team members at Houston Reads Day](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/_astro/houston-reads-day.DxNd9bIr_Z23gxjt.webp) \*\*Houston, Texas – \*\*(October 13, 2021):The Capstreet Group, a Houston, Texas based private equity firm, is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its Operating Executive team, with the addition of Rick Pleczko as CEO, Cathy Francis as Chief Revenue Operations Officer, and Walker Kahle as Senior VP, Portfolio Operations. Rick Pleczko brings over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and senior executive, most recently serving as the CEO of symplr, a Capstreet III, L.P. portfolio company. Under his leadership, symplr rapidly grew from a niche software provider to a leading Software-as-a-Service platform for healthcare governance, risk management and compliance. Rick leads the Capstreet Operating Executive team in its mission to accelerate the value creation process at portfolio companies. He also advises on the evaluation and diligence of new investment opportunities. Cathy Francis has over 20 years of experience in go-to-market strategy, sales operations, performance management metrics and analytics, spanning across Fortune 500 corporations and private equity backed companies. Cathy works with portfolio companies in implementing high velocity go-to-market models, infrastructure, and management metrics. Walker Kahle joins the Operating Executive team following his promotion to a Senior VP, Portfolio Operations. Having been a part Capstreet’s investment team since 2014, Walker brings extensive knowledge of Capstreet’s investment strategy and portfolio companies’ operations to the Operating Executive team. Walker manages the execution of accelerated value creation process across the portfolio, from onboarding to exit. Capstreet’s Operating Executive team was formed in early 2019 with the appointment of Wayne Washburn as VP of Technology, subsequently promoted to Chief Technology Officer, and Bob San Julian as an industrial sector consultant. “Having worked with the Capstreet team as a portfolio company CEO and board member since 2014, I’m absolutely thrilled to join as CEO of the Operating Executive Group,” said Rick Pleczko. “We have an accomplished team and a strong network of operating advisors and service providers. We are looking forward to working together to drive value creation at portfolio companies.” “With these recent additions, we’re excited about the breadth and depth of business knowledge within Capstreet’s Operating Executive team,” said Neil Kallmeyer, Managing Partner at Capstreet. “This highly experienced team of functional experts will only enhance our repeatable and proven investment process”. George Kelly, Managing Partner at Capstreet, added: “This continues Capstreet’s evolution and the expansion of our operationally focused investment strategy as we strive to build enduring, growing and profitable businesses.” ## About The Capstreet Group Founded in 1990, Capstreet invests in lower middle market software, tech-enabled and industrial product, service and distribution companies. With over 45 platform investments since inception, Capstreet’s investment strategy is focused on utilizing its CapValue Framework™ to accelerate growth and profitability, and create long term sustainable businesses. The majority of Capstreet’s investments have been with family or entrepreneur owned businesses. For more information, visit The Capstreet Group 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)