Leadership

Home About Leadership

Depth, knowledge and experience.

The Vortex Companies is guided by an experienced leadership team that continues to provide innovative products and services to municipal, industrial and commercial markets. Our leadership is strictly dedicated to providing proven, trenchless infrastructure solutions to improve the quality of our water and wastewater infrastructure.

THINKING BIG. DELIVERING RESULTS.

The Vortex Companies is guided by an experienced leadership team that continues to provide innovative products and services to municipal, industrial and commercial markets.

Mike Vellano PRESIDENT & CEO / FOUNDER

Mike Vellano

PRESIDENT & CEO / FOUNDER

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mike’s primary focus is fulfilling the corporate mission and ensuring Vortex delivers on its promise of delivering the broadest range of service solutions and proven products to customers around the globe. Since the company’s founding in 2015, Mike has strategically guided its growth and maturity in the highly competitive trenchless infrastructure rehabilitation. From its highly experienced and customer-focused services division, to the cutting edge products and technologies division, Vortex is a leader in providing an end-to-end solution to its customers.

Formerly, Mike was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for one of the largest privately held trenchless underground contractors in North America. His primary responsibilities included overseeing sales, marketing, and product development functions for all business entities. He was also in charge of forging strategic business alliances as part of the company’s vision of providing the widest selection of environmentally friendly trenchless underground repair solutions to its customers. During his five-year tenure, Mike used his vision and leadership to help measurably grow the company’s revenue.

From 2001 to 2009, Mike worked for Albany, New York-based Vellano Brothers, where he rose from the ranks from local Branch Manager to Vice President. During his tenure there, he helped streamline operations, grow accounts, and increase sales exponentially. Mike resides in Houston, Texas, along with his wife Lettie, and two daughters.

Matthew Samford CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Matthew Samford

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Matthew Samford is the Vortex Companies Chief Financial Officer and oversees the corporate financial, accounting, and human resources teams charged with managing the company’s day-to-day fiscal operations. Matthew has 18 years of professional accounting and finance experience, and prior to joining the Vortex Companies he served in various leadership positions after leaving Deloitte as an audit manager. In 2016, Matthew joined Vortex as its corporate controller. His construction and Big 4 accounting background quickly proved to be a tremendous asset and he was quickly promoted to EVP of Finance, before his eventual promotion to CFO.

A graduate of Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, Matthew holds both a bachelor’s in accounting and a master’s in finance. He has been a licensed CPA in the state of Texas since 2005 and lives in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife and three daughters.

Ryan Graham CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Ryan Graham

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

As Chief Operating Officer, Ryan is focused on syncing Vortex’s Products and Services divisions for greater cross-company efficiency. Ryan is a proven leader with a history of delivering innovative customer solutions. With the company’s unique product and service contracting platform, Ryan works closely with both divisions to optimize internal partnering, cross-selling, and improved customer and technical support.

Previously SVP Services, Ryan has a history of driving the expansion and growth of the company’s extensive line of trenchless products and services. With over 12 years of experience in the trenchless infrastructure rehabilitation and water/wastewater industries, Ryan began his career working for one of the largest privately held trenchless underground contractors in the United States. Since joining Vortex at its inception, Ryan has held various roles across the company, which uniquely qualifies him for the position of COO. Ryan currently resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife Jessica, and their two children, Jack and Taylor.

Lou Gastin CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER

Lou Gastin

CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER

Lou Gastin serves as the Chief Accounting Officer for Vortex Companies, where he oversees the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and company-wide forecasting initiatives. With a career built on discipline, leadership, and financial expertise, Lou brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to managing the financial health of a fast-growing global organization.

After high school graduation, Lou enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in both North Carolina and Okinawa, Japan. His time in the Marines instilled the values of accountability, resilience, and teamwork—principles that continue to guide his leadership style today.

Following his military service, Lou pursued a degree in accounting and began his professional career with a Big Four accounting firm in upstate New York. There, he gained a strong foundation in auditing, financial controls, and corporate accounting practices while working with a wide range of clients and industries.

In 2008, Lou relocated to Texas and joined a global construction company as Controller, where he spent several years leading financial operations and supporting strategic growth initiatives. His experience managing complex financial structures and operational reporting prepared him for his next chapter with Vortex Companies.

Lou joined Vortex in 2018 as Corporate Controller and quickly became a key member of the leadership team. In 2023, he was promoted to Chief Accounting Officer in recognition of his contributions to the company’s financial infrastructure, operational efficiency, and long-term planning. In his current role, Lou oversees the entire general ledger function, financial reporting processes, and forecasting efforts that support Vortex’s continued expansion and strategic vision.

Pete Dannenberg CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Pete Dannenberg

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

As the Chief Revenue Officer Pete oversees the Vortex Services and Products sales teams. Pete is responsible for implementing best practices and integrating Vortex Services on a national scale. Pete’s in-depth knowledge of the practical application and sales of specialty technologies in the trenchless infrastructure rehabilitation space has been a tremendous asset to the company’s growth in the water and sewer technologies market.

Pete also served as SVP Technologies for four years, where he was instrumental in the growth of its sewer robotics, UV technologies, training and sales.

Prior to joining Vortex in 2020, Pete worked for several industry-leading sewer technology companies where he held positions of Regional Sales Manager and Lead Field Engineer. This ground-level experience, where he worked closely with contractors, gives him unique insight into their needs and expectations.

Pete is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ram Vela CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

Ram Vela

CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

As Chief Strategy Officer, Ram works closely with the executive management team to ensure the company’s long-term strategic vision and growth initiatives are aligned across domestic and international markets. Prior to this role, Vela served as the company’s SVP of Corporate Development & Analytics where he oversaw all aspects of the acquisition process, from sourcing and due diligence to closing and integration.

Prior to the Vortex Companies, Ram owned and managed a small business consulting firm based in Annapolis, MD, Vela Associates LLC. The company targeted clients that were pre-revenue or early in their revenue generation and aided in key areas such as implementing business development strategies, marketing and advertising, and private capital fundraising. Prior to that, Ram was a Senior Analyst at Greenspring Associates (acquired by StepStone Group Inc.), a full-service provider of venture capital solutions.

Ram is a 2010 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Economics. While there, Ram was also a standout varsity football player and Distinguished Graduate Award recipient. Ram lives in Houston with his wife, Jenny, and two children, Blake and Rambo Vela.

Tim Kutz CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Tim Kutz

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Over 25 years of senior leadership experience that includes CIO, EVP, SVP, and Partner positions in $1B – $5B private equity and public companies. Hands-on, collaborative approach to driving large-scale digital and business transformations, operating platform rationalization and modernization, PMI, and high-performance team building. M&A leader for all digital/IT aspects of transactions to/from private equity firms and strategic buyers. Deep automation/AI, Industry 4.0, BI/analytics, cybersecurity, and large-scale program delivery experience for global manufacturing, distribution, and logistics-tech industries.

Quin Breland, ESQ. SVP, SHARED SERVICES

Quin Breland, ESQ.

SVP, SHARED SERVICES

As Senior Vice President of Shared Services, Quin helps bridge the company’s products and service divisions to maximize knowledge, equipment, logistics, and materials to streamline processes and level out resources to be more responsive to the company’s customers. Quin works closely with the executive management team to create an environment that broadens the company’s middle management and sales personnel decision-making authority to keep processes moving forward and products going out the door.

Prior to this role, Quin served as Managing Director of Vortex Europe, where he played an integral role in its early growth. Quin also serves as the company’s General Counsel. Formerly a shareholder with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, he has extensive experience in entity formation and management, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, lending/finance, and construction law. He has represented publicly traded and privately held corporations in complex mergers, stock and asset purchase transactions, corporate financing arrangements, distribution and supply agreements, and other transactional matters.

Quin received his Bachelor of Science in Management (double-major in Finance and Management) magna cum laude from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business, and his Juris Doctor cum laude from Tulane University Law School. Quin resides in Houston, Texas with his wife, Martha Claire, and their three daughters.

Matthew Peterson EVP, PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGIES

Matthew Peterson

EVP, PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGIES

As the Executive Vice President of Products and Technologies, Matt oversees the strategic direction and growth of Vortex’s full product portfolio, including UV curing technologies, sewer robotics, mortars, polymerics, grouting solutions, and specialty materials. He also oversees initiatives focused on research and development, product standardization, and performance optimization across the organization, to ensure alignment between product development, field performance, and customer needs.

Matt began his career 20 years ago, working for his family’s business, Lusid Technologies, a manufacturer of industrial and automotive coatings and paints.

Matt then founded AFI Paint Supply in 2004, a distributor of industrial coating and paint products. In 2010, Matt started Stag Technologies, a polymerics formulation manufacturing and installation company. Acquired by Vortex in 2018, Stag Technologies was folded into the Company’s growing products division, where he stayed on as the VP/General Manager of the Polymerics group.

Matt’s ability to bring groundbreaking new materials to the market, and commercialize them faster and more efficiently, led him to his latest role at Vortex. Having introduced more than 100 infrastructure repair materials to date, Matt stands above the rest and demonstrates his value to each one of Vortex’s projects. Matt resides in Bluffdale, Utah, with his wife Brittany, and four children.

B.J. Kerstiens EVP, SERVICES

B.J. Kerstiens

EVP, SERVICES

As EVP, Services, B.J. is focused on all of the company’s service divisions. Since joining Vortex Companies in 2019, B.J. has drawn on his 20 years of construction experience, (15 of which have been spent in the trenchless infrastructure rehabilitation industry) to drive significant growth and innovation across the organization.

B.J.’s expertise in trenchless rehabilitation, combined with his extensive experience in managing various business units, has been instrumental in identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities. His strategic leadership has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within Vortex, ensuring that the company not only meets but exceeds industry standards.

Throughout his time at Vortex, B.J. has served in multiple roles, showcasing his ability to adapt and grow within the company. His hands-on experience with the technical and operational aspects of the business, along with his keen understanding of market trends, has enabled him to lead teams that consistently deliver top-tier services to clients. B.J. holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Concrete Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University and is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, B.J. lives with his wife Tamara and their two children, Will and Charlotte.

Brent Keller SVP, SERVICES – WESTERN REGION

Brent Keller

SVP, SERVICES – WESTERN REGION

Brent Keller is Senior Vice President of Services – Western Region, where he is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance and strategic direction of the region. He oversees SanCon Technologies and Vortex Services operations in Minnesota, the Southwest and Rocky Mountains, while also leading the integration of future acquisitions across those markets. Keller previously served as Senior Vice President of Process and Integration, where he led the implementation of standardized processes and integration efforts across the Vortex platform.

Prior to that, he was Senior Regional Vice President for Vortex Southwest, helping drive consistent double-digit growth in the region. With more than 24 years of experience in the trenchless rehabilitation industry, Keller brings deep operational expertise, strategic leadership and a strong track record of performance and growth. He resides in Houston with his wife, and together they have two grown children.

Brent earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mississippi, in 1995.

David Fletcher SVP, STRATEGIC ACCOUNTS – UK & IRELAND

David Fletcher

SVP, STRATEGIC ACCOUNTS – UK & IRELAND

David “Dave” Fletcher is a highly respected leader in the global trenchless technology industry, bringing more than 35 years of experience in strategic sales, market development, and business growth. As Senior Vice President of Strategic Accounts for Vortex Companies, Dave leads market expansion initiatives throughout the UK and Ireland, working closely with Vortex International and executive leadership to strengthen the company’s global presence and accelerate growth across the Vortex Products division.

Known throughout the industry for his deep technical expertise, relationship-driven leadership style, and commercial acumen, Dave plays a key role in the continued commercialization and international expansion of the Vortex brand. His extensive experience developing strategic partnerships and driving market adoption has made him a trusted advisor to contractors, municipalities, and infrastructure leaders worldwide.

Prior to joining Vortex Companies in 2022, Dave directed global sales and business development efforts for Applied Felts Inc. and MaxLiner USA, two internationally recognized leaders in cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liner technologies and resin systems. His longstanding influence within the trenchless rehabilitation sector has helped shape growth strategies and expand adoption of advanced infrastructure renewal solutions across key markets.

Widely recognized for his industry knowledge, sales leadership, and negotiation expertise, Dave continues to be instrumental in advancing Vortex Companies’ long-term strategic growth objectives worldwide. He and his wife, Maura, reside in Newtown, Connecticut, and are proud parents of four children.

Dan Watson SVP, MANAGING DIRECTOR – VORTEX INTERNATIONAL

Dan Watson

SVP, MANAGING DIRECTOR – VORTEX INTERNATIONAL

As Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Vortex International, Dan Watson leads strategic growth and operational oversight for Vortex’s expanding operations across Europe and the United Kingdom. With over two decades of experience in trenchless technologies, Dan is recognized for his technical expertise, innovative mindset, and proven record of building teams and businesses that deliver excellence in underground infrastructure renewal.

Now part of the Vortex Companies, Dan began his career with McAllister Group in 2003, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s trenchless capabilities. With a background spanning tunnelling, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), and CIPP lining, Dan led McAllister’s rehabilitation division for nearly a decade—driving technical advancement and service excellence.

His leadership extended globally, as he helped establish and deliver complex trenchless projects across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain. In 2012, Dan relocated to England to establish McAllister’s London operations, transforming a small four-person team into a thriving workforce of over 85 employees by 2021. Under his direction, McAllister became one of the UK’s leading trenchless solution providers, known for innovation, safety, and technical capability.

In 2021, Dan was appointed Managing Director for McAllister Group GB, overseeing company development, finance, health and safety, and environmental compliance. His ability to scale operations and drive sustainable growth have been the cornerstones of his success.

A passionate advocate for innovation and continuous improvement, Dan remains committed to advancing the trenchless industry through technology, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Matt Timberlake PRESIDENT, UNITED FELTS, INC. (A VORTEX COMPANY)

Matt Timberlake

PRESIDENT, UNITED FELTS, INC. (A VORTEX COMPANY)

When Vortex acquired Applied Felts, Inc., Ferratex Solutions, and MaxLiner USA, Matt was tapped as the President of the new entity. Rebranded as United Felts, Inc., Matt is overseeing the reshaping and expansion of the nation’s largest manufacturer of dry and wet-out liners. A 27-year veteran of the underground utility industry, Matt is a third-generation member of the family-owned Ted Berry Company, Inc., where he served as the president until it was acquired by Vortex in 2018.

Over the course of his career, several industry associations have recognized Matt for his contributions to the advancement of trenchless solutions and underground utility repair. These include: the Northeast Trenchless Association Founders Award, the Maine Wastewater Control Association Presidents Award, the Maine Water Environment Association Communications

Award, and the Maine Water Utilities Association with its Jim Doherty Award. Matt currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife, Christine, and children.

Brooke Malone SVP, HUMAN RESOURCES

Brooke Malone

SVP, HUMAN RESOURCES

Brooke Malone, SVP of Human Resources, oversees the continues expansion and refinement of the company’s global HR functions, strategy, and implementation enterprise wide.

Since joining in 2019, Brooke has built an HR foundation to support Vortex’s aggressive growth strategy, drives strategies to source and retain talent, and has led its teams through unprecedented times. Brooke has over 17 years of talent management, system implementation, and policy and compliance experience in several different industries and companies of all sizes, including Brinker International and National Oilwell/Varco.

Brooke earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) in affiliation with HRCI and SHRM. She lives in Houston with her husband of 14 years, and their Golden doodle, Boodles.

Steve Rohr GENERAL COUNSEL

Steve Rohr

GENERAL COUNSEL

Steve Rohr serves as General Counsel for Vortex Companies, LLC where he oversees the company’s global legal strategy, corporate governance, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and compliance initiatives. In this role, he partners closely with executive leadership to support Vortex’s continued growth as a leading provider of trenchless water and wastewater infrastructure solutions.

Steve brings more than two decades of legal and executive leadership experience across industrial, energy, technology, and growth-oriented businesses. Prior to joining Vortex, he served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for TAS Energy, where he led the company’s legal, strategic transaction, financing, and corporate governance functions. During his tenure, Steve also served as Interim Chief Financial Officer, providing operational and financial leadership during a period of significant organizational growth and transformation.

Earlier in his career, Steve was a partner at O’Connor, Craig, Gould, Evans & Rohr, where he advised clients on complex commercial litigation, intellectual property, corporate transactions, and business strategy. He also co-founded the nationally recognized Prison Entrepreneurship Program, reflecting his longstanding commitment to leadership development and community impact.

Steve earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law. He resides in Houston, Texas with his wife Katie and their three children.

John Doolin VP, FINANCE

John Doolin

VP, FINANCE

John Doolin is Vice President of Finance at Vortex Companies, where he leads financial strategy, planning, and operational performance initiatives across the organization. In his role, John works closely with executive leadership to drive business growth, improve operational efficiency, support strategic decision-making, and ensure strong financial governance. His day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, operational analysis, cash flow management, and partnering cross-functionally with business leaders to align financial objectives with company priorities. He is also actively involved in leadership collaboration around acquisitions, integration efforts, long-term planning, and organizational performance initiatives.

Prior to joining Vortex Companies, John built a diverse background across finance, operations, and leadership roles within industrial and energy-focused organizations. He began his career with Nielsen Company in its Financial Leadership Program and Internal Audit organization, where he developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, controls, and business operations.

John later joined Stanley Black & Decker, where he held various finance and operations leadership roles within the company’s Oil & Gas division, CRC-Evans. During his tenure, he served in positions of increasing responsibility, including Business Unit CFO, supporting global operations and strategic growth initiatives.

John earned a Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Economics from Virginia Tech and later completed his MBA at Texas A&M University.

He lives in Houston with his wife and two children. Outside of work, John enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time at the beach with his family.

We Win BIG Together^®

Get in touch

Leadership

Depth, knowledge and experience.

THINKING BIG. DELIVERING RESULTS.

We Win BIG Together^®

Latest News

Vortex Companies Promotes Brooke Malone to Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Vortex Companies Strengthens Midwest Presence with Acquisition of Municipal Pipe Tool Company LLC

Vortex Promotes Matthew Peterson to Executive Vice President of Products & Technologies

Vortex Companies Acquires Mainlining America LLC to Expand Service Capabilities within the Potable Water Space

Vortex Fortifying its Services Division, Promote BJ Kerstiens and Brent Keller

Get… In The Vortex^™

Leadership

Depth, knowledge and experience.

THINKING BIG. DELIVERING RESULTS.

We Win BIG Together®

Latest News

Vortex Companies Promotes Brooke Malone to Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Vortex Companies Strengthens Midwest Presence with Acquisition of Municipal Pipe Tool Company LLC

Vortex Promotes Matthew Peterson to Executive Vice President of Products & Technologies

Vortex Companies Acquires Mainlining America LLC to Expand Service Capabilities within the Potable Water Space

Vortex Fortifying its Services Division, Promote BJ Kerstiens and Brent Keller

Get… In The Vortex™

We Win BIG Together^®

Get… In The Vortex^™