AN ESOP COMPANY
100% Employee-Owned
As a 100% employee-owned company, we believe there’s a better way to build businesses. Our ESOP model creates a culture where success is shared, long-term thinking is prioritized, and employees have a meaningful stake in the future of the company. By doing things differently, we create stronger teams, stronger businesses, and lasting value for generations to come.
Our Approach
At Carthage Holdings, we believe the best businesses are built by the people who know them best. That’s why we take a partnership-driven approach centered on long-term support - not short-term control.
We work alongside leadership teams to provide strategic guidance, operational support, and resources while allowing businesses to maintain day-to-day autonomy.
Maintain Operational Independence
Retain your brand, culture, and values
Keep leadership empowered at the local level
Ensure decisions stay close to customers and employees
Unlike traditional short-term investment models, we take a patient and supportive approach focused on empowering each company's leadership team to strengthen operations, identify growth opportunities, and achieve long-term success.
Our Team
Ashley Hirsch
Michelle Pezley
Charlie Myers
Justin Meier
Kristyn Rodriguez
Shared Services
Our shared services approach provides centralized expertise and support across finance, human resources, information technology, and marketing — allowing our companies to operate more efficiently while staying focused on growth, innovation, and long-term success.
Finance
Our Finance team provides strategic financial leadership and operational support across our companies, helping drive long-term growth, stability, and responsible decision-making.
Human Resources
Our Human Resources team helps cultivate a strong employee-owner culture by supporting talent development, employee engagement, and the long-term success of our people and companies.
IT
Our IT team delivers the technology, infrastructure, and support needed to keep our businesses secure, connected, and operating efficiently.
Marketing
Our Marketing team helps strengthen brands, communicate value, and support business growth through strategic messaging, creative solutions, and market insight.
OUR PURPOSE
Leave your mark in every ring.
At Carthage Holdings, we believe every employee-owner has the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on our companies and our culture. Like the rings of a tree, strong businesses are built over time through perseverance, growth, and shared commitment. “Leave Your Mark in Every Ring” reflects our belief that every contribution matters - and that the work we do today creates lasting impact for future generations of employee-owners.
Get in Touch
Interested in building something that lasts? Learn more about how we partner with businesses to grow, thrive, and create lasting impact.
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.