Our Leadership Team

John Carte brings over 30 years of industrial distribution experience to Relevant Industrial, with a distinguished career spanning sales, operations management, marketing, supply chain, and executive leadership. During his 27+ years at MRC Global, he played a pivotal role in shaping business strategy and driving growth. As Senior Vice President for Valves, Automation, and Instrumentation globally, John led the development and execution of the segment’s $1.9 billion strategy, overseeing procurement and product business development on an international scale.

In 2015, John joined Eads Distribution as Chief Operating Officer, where he was instrumental in optimizing operations and enhancing business performance. Following the successful acquisition of Eads by FCx Performance, he was promoted to Division President, leading a $180 million+ business unit. In this role, he oversaw company sales and growth strategies, strategic initiatives, marketing, finance, branch operations, and supply chain management.

John’s leadership is marked by a deep understanding of industrial distribution and a results-driven approach to business transformation. He holds an Associate’s degree in Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, and an MBA in Organizational Leadership, equipping him with the expertise to drive strategic growth and operational excellence at Relevant Industrial.

Mike Singleton brings over 20 years of finance experience across manufacturing, fabrication, distribution, and e-commerce industries. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership roles as Finance Director and CFO for private equity-backed companies, where he played a critical role in executing strategic initiatives, optimizing accounting functions for efficiency and scalability, and leading successful acquisition integrations.

Most recently, Mike has leveraged his expertise in the e-commerce sector with Black Rifle Coffee Company and in the fabrication industry with Patriot Erectors. His ability to align financial strategy with business objectives has made him a trusted partner to senior management teams, driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Mike holds a Master of Business Administration from the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spring Hill College, bringing a diverse and analytical approach to financial leadership.

Dr. Sam Kirkpatrick brings over 30 years of aerospace, automotive, and industrial experience to Relevant Industrial, with a proven track record of leadership in engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain management. During his 24-year tenure at Caterpillar, he played a critical role in driving operational excellence and business growth across multiple divisions.

As Facility Manager in Newberry, South Carolina, Sam led the introduction of six new product lines, increasing facility revenue from $160 million to $750 million. As Global Supply Chain Manager for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division, he spearheaded a transformation of a $3.5 billion supply chain, achieving a $500 million reduction in inventory, $39 million in operating cost savings, and a 35% improvement in product lead times.

Before joining Relevant Industrial, Sam served as a Director with Alvarez & Marsal, where he specialized in operational performance improvement, helping organizations streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

Sam holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, a Doctorate in Engineering, and an MBA. He is a Chartered Engineer and an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional, bringing both technical expertise and strategic leadership to Relevant Industrial’s operations.

John Butts joined Relevant Industrial through the acquisition of Precision Fitting and Gauge in October 2019 and assumed his current role in November 2020. A seasoned executive with over 36 years of experience in sales and process control, John currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales, bringing a wealth of industry expertise and leadership to the organization.

Throughout his career, John has held roles ranging from Account Management to Process Controls Business Development, consistently demonstrating a strategic mindset and a strong ability to drive revenue growth. His deep background in process control allows him to deliver comprehensive solutions to clients while successfully navigating complex industrial challenges.

John is particularly skilled in leading high-performing sales organizations. His hands-on approach, combined with his strategic vision, has enabled teams to surpass targets and achieve sustained success. His leadership style blends mentorship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John remains dedicated to continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends. His ability to anticipate market shifts and proactively position organizations for success was a key factor in the significant growth of Precision Fitting and Gauge during his tenure.

As Senior Vice President of Sales at Relevant Industrial, John continues to drive the company’s growth with passion, integrity, and results-driven leadership. His contributions have strengthened Relevant Industrial’s position in the market, ensuring continued success in the years ahead.

John holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and an MBA with a focus on Organizational Leadership, equipping him with the strategic and operational expertise to lead in an evolving industrial landscape.

Chris joined Relevant Industrial in April 2018 as part of the Rotating Equipment business, bringing with him nearly two decades of leadership experience from Ingersoll Rand. Over his 18-year tenure at IR, he held key roles across sales, marketing, service operations, and product management within the Compression Technologies and Industrial Tools divisions. In his final role at Ingersoll Rand, Chris led global sales process improvements for the Compression Technology business, driving efficiency and revenue growth on an international scale.

Prior to that, he managed a major region of IR’s Compression Technology service centers, overseeing more than 300 employees and $100 million in revenue. His leadership is defined by a track record of profitable growth, a deep commitment to customer satisfaction, and the development of diverse, high-performing teams.

Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Leadership from Judson University and an MBA from Liberty University, equipping him with the strategic expertise to drive operational excellence and business growth at Relevant Industrial.

Krisztina Merritt is a seasoned HR executive with a strong track record of driving organizational success through strategic human resource leadership. As Vice President of Human Resources at Relevant Industrial, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring HR remains a key driver of the company’s growth and innovation. With over 20 years of experience, Krisztina brings deep expertise in talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational effectiveness. She is passionate about cultivating a workplace culture that prioritizes open communication, empowers employees to reach their full potential, and enhances overall efficiency.

Her leadership has led to the successful implementation of performance management and employee engagement strategies that have significantly reduced regrettable turnover, improved managerial effectiveness, and elevated the overall employee experience. Beyond her role at Relevant Industrial, Krisztina has held key HR leadership positions across industries including oil and gas, electronics, and finance, further broadening her perspective on workforce strategy and organizational development.

Committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, Krisztina ensures that every employee’s contributions are valued. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an MBA with a focus on Organizational Change, equipping her with the knowledge and expertise to drive meaningful transformation within the workplace.

John brings over 38 years of expertise in industrial distribution, with a career spanning multiple leadership roles across key operational areas. Beginning at Wilson Mohr in 1985, he played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion, contributing to its success in fabrication, warehouse management, inside sales, human resources, and overall operations. His strategic leadership was instrumental in scaling Wilson Mohr from $3 million to over $50 million in revenue by 2010, culminating in its acquisition by LKCM.

Today, John applies his extensive industry knowledge to Relevant Industrial, where he focuses on Acquisition Opportunities, Corporate Insurance Coverage, Contracts, and Fleet Management, ensuring the company’s continued growth and operational excellence.