Our Team

Experienced, highly-skilled and dedicated to growth.

Our Leadership

  • Steve is a highly accomplished executive with over 15 years of CEO experience known for rapidly growing PE-backed, blue- and white-collar service-based companies and nurturing strong corporate cultures. He led EN Engineering as CEO, doubling their revenue from $128 to $260M during his tenure and prior to that, served as CEO of Wood Group Mustang, achieving remarkable growth from $250M to $1.8B. Steve holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and Advanced Management from Harvard and currently serves as an Independent Board Member of Integra Testing Services, a Commercial HVAC Testing and Balancing business (not affiliated with NexCore).

Steve Knowles

  • As CDO, Brian leads the sourcing, underwriting, and closing of NexCore’s acquisition activities.  He possesses over fifteen years of capital markets experience, including leadership roles as an investment banker, sponsor finance lender and corporate development professional.  Prior to joining NexCore, Brian was the Vice President of Corporate Development at Sweeping Corporation of America, Inc., a private equity backed environmental services company, where he led a team that closed and integrated thirty-three acquisitions.  Brian earned his B.A. in Economics from Villanova University and an MBA from DePaul University.

Brian Nienstedt

  • As CHRO, Al leads NexCore’s strategic employee initiatives including employee engagement, talent acquisition, total compensation, health and safety and oversees the NexCore Academy which focuses on career development and leadership training. Al possesses more than twenty-five years of executive HR leadership experience with a focus on scalable programs in support of acquisition diligence and integration. Prior to joining NexCore, Al was CHRO for an agriculture chemicals company and SVP, Human Resources at a leading commercial printing and packaging company where he participated in more than twenty acquisition integrations. Al earned his B.S in Industrial Management and an MBA from the University of Akron.

Albert Rollins

  • As COO, Brandt brings unique leadership experience in scaling multi-company organizations in commercial service industries. Prior to joining NexCore, he served as Chief Growth Officer for a national commercial landscaping platform where he also led its largest operating company as President. His earlier experience includes working as a management consultant in Bain & Company's private equity practice, where he performed M&A due diligence and portfolio company value creation initiatives for private equity clients. A former pitcher at Stanford, Brandt began his career as a professional baseball player after being drafted by the Houston Astros. He holds a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

Brandt Walker

  • Craig is a highly-accomplished operational finance executive with over a decade of C-suite leadership experience across various privately held and private equity-backed organizations. Before joining NexCore, Craig successfully built and led high-performance finance teams.

Craig Wilson

  • Jay provides critical insights, guidance, and support to the CEO in navigating through complex business challenges, capitalize on growth opportunities, end-to-end strategic development, execution, optimization, fostering innovation, digital transformation, including talent acquisition to achieve the CEO's strategic priorities enabling NexCore to steer through dynamic landscapes and realize ambitious goals. Recognized for his ability to synthesize complex information, cultivate strong stakeholder relationships, and develop actionable strategies to maximize short and long-term value.  With over 25 years of experience, he has successfully founded and co-founded companies in IS, Software Development, eCommerce, and Talent Acquisition industries. In addition to his education in Business Management, he is currently enrolled in the MIT Sloan School of Management:  Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics program and is co-authoring a book on the Symbiotic and Precise Correlation of variables that define both the Physical and Commerce Universe explained by applying principles of Quantum Mechanics.  Jay can often be found at the intersection of old school wisdom and bold new actionable ideas that accelerate revenue, increase efficiencies, and strengthen market leadership.

Jay Trivedi

  • As Vice President of Business Development, Robert is responsible for evaluating new acquisitions, conducting due diligence, underwriting, and working in partnership with NexCore’s existing partner companies. He possesses over eight years of middle market sell-side and investment experience, including roles as an investment banker and private equity investor. Before joining NexCore, Robert was a Senior Associate at Concentric Equity Partners, a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on the middle market. At Concentric, Robert was responsible for originating new investment opportunities, executing investments, and supporting portfolio companies. Additionally, Robert served as a Board Member of several portfolio companies, including a residential buy-and-build HVAC and plumbing platform. Robert earned his B.S. in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

Robert Vechiola

  • As Vice President of Human Resources, Kaye brings over 30 years of experience leading strategic HR initiatives, fostering a positive workplace culture, and driving talent acquisition and development. With a focus on employee engagement and deep understanding of workforce dynamics, Kaye has a proven track record of aligning HR strategies with business objectives, consistently delivering results that support organizational growth and employee well-being.  Before joining NexCore, Kaye led HR Operations for large-scale distribution and manufacturing organizations.  Kaye holds two professional HR certifications; SHRM-CP and PHR. 

Kaye Nichols

  • As Director of Information Systems and Integrations, Andy is responsible for overseeing the implementation of payroll, accounting, and operations software systems across NexCore’s partner companies. He brings over a decade of experience in ERP implementations, system integrations, and optimizing business processes within a variety sectors. Andy has extensive experience in building ERP software applications, having led the development and integration of accounting and operational systems at companies like BuildOps and W Energy Software. Before joining NexCore, he managed large-scale ERP projects, spearheaded successful product launches, and drove client acquisition. Andy earned his B.S. in Finance and a Master’s in Accounting from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business.

Andy Nguyen

  • Gene Brown is a highly accomplished executive with over two decades of experience in leading organizational transformations that drive profitability, revenue growth, and market valuation. His experience is broad ranging from startups to Fortune 100 organizations within Telecommunications, Healthcare, Semiconductor, and Manufacturing industries. Throughout his career, he has managed all aspects of IT. Gene's educational background is robust, holding a Master of Science in Information Decision Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from San Diego State University. He is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, which underscores his commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. Gene's leadership extends beyond corporate roles to board memberships, where he provides invaluable insights into performance metrics, market opportunities, and strategic expansion plans. His thought leadership is also recognized through his publications and as a speaker at professional societies nationwide.

Gene Brown

Dan Randow

  • Dan is a strategic finance executive with a track record of driving EBITDA growth, optimizing financial operations, and delivering data-driven insights to executive leadership and private equity sponsors. Prior to NexCore, Dan served as Senior Vice President of Operations at American Medical Staffing.

Our Partner Leaders

  • With over 25 years in the commercial HVAC business, Jason knows what it takes to thrive in the industry. That’s exactly how he’s taken Alliance Group to its industry-leading status, serving as President for over 13 years.

Jason Patnaude

  • After co-founding Alliance Group in 2010, Shaun has helped to build the company and led its efforts to expand across multiple states and to serve hundreds of customers annually.

Shaun Patnaude

  • Tyler Johnson is President of Alliance Group

Tyler Johnson

  • Stephen has over 30 years of commercial HVAC experience. Serving 15+ years as President, Kennedy has grown into a multi-faceted mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection installation and service for commercial and residential customers under Stephen’s leadership. Stephen received his bachelor’s degree in business from Niagara University.

Stephen Cassidy

  • Darren has 38+ of commercial HVAC experience. After joining Kennedy in 1988 as a technician, Darren climbed the ranks and has served as Vice President of Kennedy for over 25 years. Darren has been an integral part of Kennedy’s growth and success, helping service customers across upstate New York.

Darren Englert

  • Eric Knaak joined Kennedy Mechanical in October 2025 as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Service for Hoffmann Brothers in St. Louis, Missouri. Before joining Hoffmann Brothers, Eric held the position of Vice President of Operations for Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing in Phoenix, Arizona. Eric began his career with ISAAC Heating and Air Conditioning in Rochester, New York, where he spent 33 years serving in multiple roles, including Service Technician, Commercial Installation Mechanic, Warehouse Manager, Service Manager, and various Vice President positions. During his tenure with Isaac, Eric attended a 4 year apprenticeship and is a certified Environmental Systems / Controls Installer through the New York State Apprenticeship program. Upon his departure from ISAAC in December 2022, he was serving as Company President.

    Throughout his career, Eric has been actively involved in community and professional organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Junior Achievement. Professionally he has also played a significant leadership role in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), serving both as a Board Member and as National Chairman from 2019 to 2020. Eric has contributed to education and workforce development initiatives as a member of the Advisory Board at the Applied Technology Center of Monroe Community College and was appointed to the New York State Workforce Development Board by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022. Eric has also spent 12 years as a member of Vistage International as he sharpens his professional skills. A proud veteran, Eric served four years in the United States Marine Corps from 1985 to 1989. He is a 1983 graduate of Albion High School in Albion, New York, and currently resides in Penfield, New York, with his fiancée, Christine. He has two grown children, Kendall and Griffin, and enjoys traveling the globe, photography, hiking and outdoor winter sports.

Eric Knaak

  • Louis has 38+ years of experience in the commercial HVAC space. Prior to Sylvester & Cockrum, Louis worked for York International for 14 years as a Senior Application Engineer. Louis joined Sylvester & Cockrum in 2008 as a General Manager. In 2020, Louis and his partner, Matt Berg, acquired Sylvester & Cockrum from the company’s founders and Louis serves as President of the organization. Under Louis’ leadership, Sylvester & Cockrum has grown from a single branch office to a five-branch business that spans multiple states in the Southeast.  

Louis Broyles

  • Matt has 25+ years of experience in the HVAC and industrial industry. Matt started his career as a field technician and worked his way up through the ranks over time. Matt learned the trade while serving in the U.S. Air Force and he has a deep sales background that has been a contributing factor to Sylvester & Cockrum’s success. Matt joined Sylvester & Cockrum in 2008 as a Vice President and Sales Manager. In 2020, Matt and his partner, Louis Broyles, acquired the business from the company’s founders. 

Matt Berg

  • After working in the commercial HVAC industry for 8 years, Dave decided to focus his efforts on a new venture, founding DWC Mechanical in 1995.  DWC Mechanical is a commercial HVAC contractor, and in 2025, will celebrate 30 years of growth under Dave’s leadership and guidance.  Dave continues to be an integral part of the DWC team by encouraging his beliefs of hard work, problem solving and an unwavering dedication to customer service.  DWC Mechanical is in an industry leader in the HVAC market with a well-known and respected in presence in Western NY and Tampa Florida.

Dave Cloy

  • Joining DWC in 1999, Rich Wagner is a Vice President at DWC Mechanical. Rich has over 27 years of experience in the HVAC industry, with prior experience in the installation department and serving as both a project coordinator and project manager before stepping into his current role. Rich also serves as a Safety Director at the company.

Rich Wagner

  • Vinny has over 40 years of experience in the HVAC commercial and industrial market. Vinny began his career as a mechanical engineer, while also working towards getting his contractor license.  He worked at an engineering firm from 1981-1983 before transitioning into full-time contracting. In 1990, Vinny partnered with a sheet metal contractor and ultimately transformed it into one of the largest mechanical contracting companies in the state of Connecticut. Under Vinny’s leadership, Action Air Systems has become one of the most respected companies around the state. Today, Action Air proudly services customers in the Connecticut and Western Massachusetts markets.

Vincent Savino (“Vinny”)

  • Bob Webster co-founded Accutemp Engineering in 1978 with a vision to deliver HVAC solutions rooted in integrity, hard work, and quality. From a small 20’ x 20’ garage, he grew the company into one of Massachusetts’ most trusted providers by investing in people and fostering a culture of excellence. More than 45 years later, Accutemp continues to thrive under the mission he helped shape: “There’s no challenge our team can’t handle.”

Bob Webster

  • Bob joined Accutemp Engineering in 1994 and has played a vital role in the company’s growth and success for more than 30 years. With a career in the HVAC industry that began in 1975, Bob brings a wealth of hands-on experience and leadership to his role. He began his career as a technician specializing in commercial refrigeration and ultra-low-temperature applications before advancing to manager of custom scientific systems serving the medical, research, and defense industries.

    When he joined Accutemp, Bob applied his technical expertise to expanding the company’s design-build refrigeration applications serving the life sciences and institutional research sectors. Today, as Senior Vice President, he oversees Accutemp’s design-build and construction divisions, as well as the project management, engineering, and safety teams.

    A graduate of New England Institute of Technology’s HVAC and Refrigeration program, Bob has built his career on technical excellence and a commitment to quality. He is proud to work alongside his son-in-law at Accutemp and is the father of four successful children. Outside of work, Bob enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciates the same craftsmanship and attention to detail that have defined his career.

Bob Clark

  • Matt began his Accutemp journey in 2008 as a Service Technician and has worked his way through the roles of Service Manager and Service Director to his current leadership position. With 29 years of one-of-a-kind experience in the HVAC industry, his career started in refrigeration school at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, while serving in the Marines. During his service, Matt was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and a Certificate of Commendation. At Accutemp, he successfully managed two divisions for more than a decade, contributing significantly to their continued growth and success. Outside of work, Matt is a proud father of three sons, two of whom also work at Accutemp, and he remains actively involved with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts Veterans Committee.

Matt Richards

  • Gina has spent more than 30 years in construction finance, bringing exceptional expertise and leadership to the Accutemp Engineering team since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Management from Merrimack College, giving her a well-rounded understanding that extends beyond the industry. In 2015, Gina was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts. She’s also proud to work alongside her daughter at Accutemp and takes great pride in both of her children.

Gina Doherty

  • Jon joined Accutemp Engineering in 2020 and brings more than 13 years of HVAC industry experience to his leadership role. He began his career as an apprentice plumber while attending vocational school, where his strong work ethic and attention to detail led him into estimating. Over the years, he built a deep understanding of both plumbing and HVAC estimating and eventually led an HVAC department before joining Accutemp.

    As Vice President of Pre-Construction, Jon oversees Plan and Spec sales and operations, guiding projects from initial estimating through handoff to the operations team. In just five years, he has made a tremendous impact on the construction department and the company as a whole. His leadership and commitment earned him a place on the executive team in 2023, where he continues to advance Accutemp’s pre-construction capabilities and support the team’s ongoing growth.

    A licensed Master Plumber and soon-to-be Master Pipefitter, Jon values family above all else. He is proud to work alongside his cousin and brother-in-law at Accutemp. When he is not working, Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, whether they are cheering on Boston sports teams or playing a round of golf.

Jon Koytila