About Us
How We Started
Carthage Holdings was founded on the belief that businesses are strongest when the people behind the work have a true sense of ownership.
That philosophy became a defining part of our story through the leadership and vision of Matt Dickinson, founder of DISTek Integration. When approaching retirement, he made the intentional decision to transition DISTek into an ESOP. Rather than pursuing a traditional exit, he created an opportunity for employees to become owners - building a culture where employees are empowered to think like owners and share in the company’s success.
Today, Carthage Holdings continues to grow with that same employee-owned mindset, focused on creating long-term value for both our businesses and the employee-owners who help drive them forward.
invested in your success
You're an employee-owner.
Employee Ownership
As a 100% employee-owned company, every employee-owner has a stake in the future we are building together.
Impact
The work our employee-owners do matters. Every decision, contribution, and improvement helps shape the future of the company and the legacy we're building together.
Long-Term Value
As the company grows and succeeds, so does the value of each employee-owner’s ESOP retirement account - creating meaningful long-term financial benefits.
Shared Success
Work alongside fellow employee-owners who are invested in supporting one another, achieving more together, and building a stronger future for all.
Our Values
We Believe People Are the Point
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Growth sustains us - people define us. Our people are at the heart of every success story. We strive to create an environment where employee-owners, clients, and partners feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We Rise Together
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Our success is shared. The greatest impact comes from mutual trust, collaboration, and a commitment to helping one another succeed. When one of us wins, we all rise.
We Take Ownership Seriously
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We embrace the responsibility of stewardship. Through integrity, thoughtful action, and accountability, we strengthen the companies, people, and opportunities entrusted to us.
We Grow with Purpose
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We refuse to stand still. Growth is how we honor our legacy. By embracing opportunities, thinking outside the box, and investing for the long term, we create lasting value for our companies, our people, and the generations that follow.
We Leave Our Mark
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When others see limits, we see possibilities. Through their own ideas, actions, and leadership, every employee-owner is empowered to shape the future. By challenging what is, imagining what could be, and creating meaningful change, we leave a lasting mark.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team is responsible for the day-to-day stewardship of Carthage Holdings and the long-term success of our companies. With deep experience across capital allocation, operations, and organizational leadership, they work closely with management teams to support strategy, execution, and sustainable growth.
As leaders within a 100% employee-owned structure, they are aligned with the same long-term outcomes as the people across our companies. Their focus is on strengthening foundations, developing talent, and making thoughtful decisions that honor the legacy of each business while positioning it to grow and adapt over time.
Leadership, to us, is not about control - it is about cultivating the conditions for people and businesses to thrive.
Jeremy Yoder
Benjamin Jefferson
Matt Walters
Jeff Sandvold
Bob Theisen
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides independent oversight and long-term guidance, ensuring the company remains rooted in its purpose and accountable to our employee-owners. The Board brings diverse expertise across governance, finance, technology, and employee ownership, helping to guide decisions that balance growth, responsibility, and resilience.
As stewards of an employee-owned organization, the Board plays a critical role in protecting our ESOP structure, reinforcing disciplined governance, and upholding a permanent ownership mindset. Their role is to ensure that the businesses entrusted to Carthage Holdings are managed with care - today and for generations to come.
Matt Dickinson
Lary Hunter
Kevin Harberts
Stacie Osako
Steve Rowe
Michelle Jensen
Chris Adee
Kevin retired as CEO and Owner of Kryton Engineered Metals after 42 years of leadership, having co-founded the company in 1981. As one of three founding partners, he acquired the interests of the other partners in 1995 and 1997, becoming sole owner. The Carthage Board benefits from his extensive manufacturing expertise, entrepreneurial success, and deep experience in business development and strategic leadership.
Lary retired in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer of DISTek Integration, where he served from 2008 to 2019. Throughout his tenure, he played a key role in guiding the company’s financial strategy, operational planning, and long-term growth.
He brings deep institutional knowledge, financial stewardship, and strategic perspective to the Carthage Holdings Board of Directors, drawing on decades of experience in financial leadership and business management.
Matt retired in 2019 as Founder of DISTek Integration, a Carthage Holdings operating company, after serving as President since 1992. He brings more than 50 years of technical expertise and 35 years of entrepreneurial leadership, business development, strategic growth, and operating company experience to the Carthage Holdings Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, Matt has served on numerous boards and currently serves on the advisory board of a local bank, as well as the boards of an insurance company and a regional hospital and clinic organization.
In retirement, Matt enjoys spending time with his six grandchildren, traveling with his wife, Becky, working on the family farm, golfing, and pursuing his longtime interest in amateur (ham) radio.
Justin Meier is our I.T. Generalist and has been a valued member of the team since 2021. Justin is known for his dependable attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to help employees navigate everyday technology challenges. From setting up computers and managing system access to troubleshooting equipment, network, and software issues, he enjoys solving problems and keeping our technology operations running smoothly.
Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his family while playing video and board games. He also enjoys woodworking, snowboarding, and paintballing. Whether collaborating on a team project, building furniture in the garage, or strategizing during game night, he enjoys bringing people together, learning new skills, and finding creative solutions wherever he can. He lives by the motto, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, and that’s why we call it the Present.”
Michelle Pezley is the Training and Engagement Administrator for Carthage Holdings, where she has spent the past six years helping build a workplace where people feel supported, connected, and encouraged to grow. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience educating and inspiring audiences ranging from CEOs to preschoolers, she brings honesty, energy, and a down-to-earth approach that helps people feel at ease, capable, and heard, whether she's facilitating training sessions, supporting employees, or strengthening team connections.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys slowing down with a good book and spending time on creative pursuits such as crafting and sewing. She values creativity, connection, and the small moments that bring balance and joy to everyday life.
Kristyn Rodriguez joined Carthage Holdings in 2022 and is our Talent Acquisition Specialist bringing experience to Human Resources supporting talent growth and employee engagement initiatives across the organization. In her role, Kristyn focuses on the long-term, strategic process of sourcing, attracting, and hiring highly skilled talent to support business goals and strengthen organizational success. In addition to talent acquisition, Kristyn supports a variety of cross-functional initiatives including event planning, talent management, sponsorship coordination, and process documentation.
Known throughout the organization for her positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed, she is passionate about creating strong connections and delivering a positive experience for both employee-owners and candidates. Outside of work, Kristyn lives in Des Moines with her husband, Tony, and their son, Nico. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and considers herself a self-proclaimed movie connoisseur.
Charlie Myers is our Human Resources Manager who brings both heart and efficiency to the workplace each day. Armed with a master’s degree in organizational communications, she collaborates seamlessly across Carthage Holdings and its operating companies - bridging the different cultures perspectives, building trust, and fostering meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. Deeply committed to balancing the full spectrum of Human Resources, Charlie leads with empathy and trust while serving as a consistent, visible resource for our fellow employee-owners.
On a deeper level, Charlie finds joy outdoors on a hike and time spent with her animals; her pets are at the center of her world. If she could have any superpower, it would be the ability to talk to her animals, reflecting her natural compassion and love for connection in all forms.
Ashley Hirsch serves as our Marketing Strategist and unofficial Chief Warm-and-Fuzzies Officer. With nearly 20 years of experience within the organization, she blends creative thinking with a people-first approach to shape brand direction, strengthen marketing efforts, and support long-term growth. Ashley is especially passionate about people and culture and is committed to creating environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive!
When not coming up with crazy ideas at work, Ashley enjoys homesteading on a quiet gravel road with her family, caring for chickens and goats, tending edible gardens, and embracing the joyful chaos of raising two spirited country kids. She also tends to be a little “extra” and loves any excuse for a dress-up day - always going all in for themed events and occasions.
Bob serves as a leader at Carthage, where he oversees infrastructure initiatives and partners with teams across the organization to support stability, drive operational excellence, and support long-term success. With decades of experience, Bob is known for his thoughtful leadership style, his commitment to employee-ownership and putting people first, and his long-standing motto: “Strive to never get in the way of an employee’s success”. He fosters trusted relationships, encourages collaboration, and invests in the growth and success of others.
When he’s away from the office, there’s a good chance you’ll find him out on the golf course chasing a rarely achieved lower score, being pulled around town by his 15-pound ball of energy Jack Russel Terrier mix, Chance, or soaking up the sun somewhere tropical with his soul mate, Julie - preferably with their toes planted firmly in the sand.
Jeff Sandvold is our Vice President of Human Resources (and unofficial Grill Master!), bringing nearly 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of the organization. An insurance expert by trade, Jeff is known for his hands-on, people-first approach - taking the time to support employees one-on-one rather than sending them elsewhere. For Jeff, no task is too small when it comes to helping someone feel valued.
A trusted listener and advocate, he is passionate about ensuring every employee’s voice is heard while leading development efforts rooted in growth, connection, and the company’s core values.
As CFO at Carthage Holdings, Matt brings a disciplined and detail-oriented approach to financial leadership. He focuses on strong stewardship today and strategic decisions for Carthage's upward trajectory tomorrow. Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown, has had a profound impact on how Matt shows up. He values courage, clarity, and thoughtful leadership, and adopts practical methods to build trust and accountability across teams.
Outside of work, Matt loves making memories with his wife and kids. This could mean slipping away to the Caribbean for a reset or simply saying yes to whatever adventure the day brings. Closer to home, one of his favorite routines is hopping on bikes as a family and pedaling to the local ice cream shop.
Benjamin serves in a key role at Carthage, where he oversees M&A efforts and works closely with teams across the organization to support growth, strategic direction, and long-term vision. With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Benjamin is known for his practical approach and his ability to drive meaningful outcomes. He is especially known for empowering those within the organization - encouraging ownership, accountability, and professional growth at every level.
When Benjamin is not enjoying a nice nature hike or playing his guitar (not at the same time!), he likes to travel the world to volunteer at championship-level track & field meets. Closer to home, he supports local organizations that expand tech career opportunities to a wider array of people.
Jeremy serves as President of Carthage Holdings and brings more than 25 years of experience building organizations where people and performance go hand in hand. Known for his deep commitment to culture and leadership development, Jeremy has spent his career creating environments where individuals are empowered to grow, lead, and take ownership.
What drives Jeremy most is watching the people around him rise. He leads with the belief that when people thrive, great work follows. That philosophy is embedded in the company's ESOP structure and its shared commitment to building something worth owning together.
When Jeremy isn't in the office, you'll likely find him on the golf course or picking up a guitar. He and his wife are proud parents of three adult kids and enjoy spending time with family whenever they can.
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