For Jason, manufacturing and entrepreneurship are the ‘family business.’ He started his first company with his brother Keven while in his teens. They both learned what it takes to run an enterprise from the machine floor up to client-facing through to management and leadership. This humble start grew into a multi-million-dollar business from their investment of time, capital, sweat, and hard-won lessons.

The next venture saw the brothers expand into manufacturing for B2B enterprises – delivering key projects for Best Buy, Costco, Disney, EA Games, Intel, Roku, Starbucks, Target, Walmart, and more.

Across this experience, one theme remained constant – Made In America.  Fundamental to the Azevedo business philosophy, keeping manufacturing close and local meant higher quality, lower delivery times, less loss in translation, and a better outcome for the client, the vendor, and the economy.

This mentality fuels MRCA, ensuring the longevity of American manufacturing. From inception, this has remained the company’s goal, and it informs its acquisition approach and creation of synergies.

If Keven has a superpower, it’s the ability to spot an opportunity and immediately manifest its potential.  A hallmark of the businesses he and his brother Jason founded and ran, this is an outgrowth of painstaking attention to detail coupled with spotting and grooming key talent.

His tenure running manufacturing lines was foundational. Understanding where process improvements can be made without sacrificing quality served both the company and its clients.

A student of history, Keven keeps a keen eye on learning from the past to improve the future. A soccer player and coach, he values teamwork and excels at harmonizing team dynamics.

At MRCA, Keven serves as Chief Product Officer. In this capacity, he ensures that current clients of all portfolio companies are consistently served while ideating new opportunities for existing product lines. 

As MRCA’s Chief Brand Officer, Steve’s creative spirit and award-winning design acumen enhance our portfolio companies and deliver fresh approaches to marketing and sales materials. Steve’s design and creative background includes some of America’s best-known brands, like Amazon, Apple, HBO, Microsoft, Hulu, Porsche, Samsung, Roku, and Disney (among others).

His infusion of creativity pairs with strategic insights to deliver meaningful sales and marketing tools that move the needle.

A longstanding partnership with Jason and Keven means these three think and act as a cohesive unit – different lenses leading to the same outcome.

Like the Azevedo brothers, Steve believes in America’s manufacturing capacity and delivers the creative design to place it on par with any other country’s output.

MRCA is not a manufacturing organization. Rather, to ensure America’s factory capacity remains competitive and as veteran goods makers, we acquire existing, successful companies and help them grow.

Among the many disciplines needed when acquiring veteran factories are legal and tax. That’s where Chris comes in. A lawyer, former Court Clerk to a Chief Justice, and winner of California Super-Lawyer (3 times), Chris brings with him the legal and financial acumen that makes our deals winners.

In some cases, MRCA was not the highest bidder – we were the easiest to work with, which is a function of our leadership team: Jason, Keven, and Chris.   More than advising on acquisition strategies, Chris also addresses other legal needs within the firm and aligns with all our portfolio companies’ representation.

We’re fortunate to have Chris on our leadership team.

With over 30 years of executive leadership in financial, operational, and strategic roles, Tom specializes in mergers and acquisitions, roll-ups, and post-acquisition integrations that drive significant growth and shareholder value. Throughout his career, Tom has orchestrated complex mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions and consolidated operations for both private and public companies, consistently delivering operational synergies, cost efficiencies, and stronger free cash flow.

Tom has led over 15 mergers and acquisitions, with a cumulative deal value exceeding $1.5 billion, achieving 20–30% cost synergies through effective integration strategies. He also directed the consolidation of over 10 acquired entities across the manufacturing and distribution sectors, streamlining operations and improving EBITDA margins by an average of 15%.

In the capital markets, Tom has raised more than $2.5 billion in equity and debt for NYSE-listed companies, including Interline Brands and Airgas. His expertise spans IPO execution, corporate finance, and treasury management — optimizing capital structures, reducing the cost of capital, and enhancing free cash flow through disciplined financial leadership.

As a strategic and people-focused executive, Tom has built and led finance teams of up to 150 professionals, fostering cultures of accountability, innovation, and performance. Passionate about driving transformative growth and operational excellence, Tom continues to pursue opportunities that advance the next generation of U.S. manufacturing.

Carrie Allen is the Chief Financial Officer at Morris Manufacturing, where she oversees all aspects of financial reporting, treasury management, and compliance. As the company’s primary point of contact for audits, financial reviews, and tax matters, Carrie ensures accuracy, transparency, and fiscal integrity across all operations. Her leadership extends beyond Morris Manufacturing, as she also plays a key role in shaping the accounting strategy for MRCA, supporting the organization’s broader financial goals and long-term growth.

With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Indiana State University, Carrie combines a strong academic foundation with years of practical experience in finance and accounting. She is both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), achievements that reflect her commitment to professional excellence and her ability to align financial strategy with organizational performance. Her work continues to strengthen the economic health and strategic direction of Morris Manufacturing and its affiliated companies.

Outside of work, Carrie enjoys attending concerts and music festivals, spending time outdoors camping, and tending to her growing collection of houseplants—though she maintains that “too many plants” is simply a matter of opinion.

Since 2001, Joe Cramer has served as Vice President of Operations at Hose Assemblies, guiding the company through remarkable growth and modernization. In 2024, Joe took on the role of General Manager. Under his leadership, Hose Assemblies has quadrupled sales while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and customer service. Joe has cultivated strong, decades-long relationships with both customers and suppliers, ensuring the company’s reputation as a trusted partner in the industry. His forward-thinking approach has positioned Hose Assemblies as a model of operational excellence and innovation.

Before joining Hose Assemblies, Joe served as Vice President of Merchandising at Busk Brothers Furniture from 1986 to 2001. In that role, he oversaw merchandising and managed six retail locations for the regional furniture retailer, honing his skills in operations, logistics, and customer engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University, providing a strong foundation for his leadership and business acumen.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe takes great pride in his family and community involvement. He and his wife have raised eight children—each now a contributing member of society—and are the proud heads of an immediate family of 24, including children, spouses, and grandchildren. An avid soccer fan, Joe coached at the high school level for more than 12 years, fostering teamwork and discipline in young athletes. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, having hiked more than 20 national parks across the country.

Misti serves as the Group Controller for MRCA, bringing a wealth of financial expertise and leadership to the company’s multi-entity operations. With a career spanning both hands-on manufacturing and corporate finance, Misti plays a pivotal role in ensuring MRCA’s financial health and transparency. She oversees the consolidation of five intercompany financial statements each month, manages daily cash flow and forecasting, and leads the monthly and annual close process—streamlining reporting cycles and strengthening overall accuracy across the organization.

Before joining MRCA, Misti built a strong foundation in financial management through her tenure as Controller for both Wisconic and Tailor Made Products, positions she held concurrently since 2013. Her career began on the manufacturing floor as a Drill Press Operator at Brunner Manufacturing, giving her a practical understanding of operations that now enhances her financial oversight and decision-making. This unique perspective allows Misti to bridge the gap between production and finance, aligning financial reporting with the realities of manufacturing.

Misti earned her Associate in Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University, where she developed the analytical and organizational skills that continue to define her professional success. Beyond her career, she treasures spending time with her partner, children, and grandchildren—especially when it involves relaxing vacations at the beach. For Misti, family moments and ocean breezes are the perfect balance to her high-level corporate responsibilities.

David Jolley serves as Director of Technology at Morris Manufacturing, bringing over three decades of Quality Assurance expertise to the company. His career began at Mattoon Precision Manufacturing, where he developed a deep understanding of precision engineering and process improvement. Over the years, David has built a reputation as a results-driven leader who merges technical excellence with operational efficiency to deliver world-class manufacturing outcomes.

At Morris Manufacturing, David oversees Quality Assurance, Information Technology, and Engineering operations, driving innovation and continuous improvement across all departments. Under his leadership, the company has achieved multiple Supplier Awards from both General Motors and Stellantis—recognition of Morris Manufacturing’s consistent performance, reliability, and commitment to quality. His strategic vision and technical acumen have been instrumental in strengthening Morris’s position as a trusted partner in the automotive industry.

David holds a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University in Albany, New York, an education that allows him to bridge complex engineering challenges with practical business strategies. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and caring for his four German Shepherds, finding balance and inspiration in the time he shares with them.

With a blend of engineering precision and steady leadership, Jaime Kuhn has guided Wisconic’s Elroy, Wisconsin operation for nearly two decades as General Manager. Overseeing all facets of the facility, Jaime ensures that every process—from production to people—runs with efficiency, innovation, and integrity. His ability to balance technical expertise with a genuine commitment to team success has made him a cornerstone of Wisconic’s continued growth and reliability.

Jaime began his career as an Engineer with Orbis Corporation, where he developed a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and operational excellence. His drive and leadership abilities quickly advanced him into management roles, ultimately leading to his current position at Wisconic, where he has proudly served for the past 19 years. Among his many accomplishments, Jaime successfully oversaw the building and launch of more than 150 molds into production—a milestone that highlights his ability to turn complex technical projects into lasting achievements.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Jaime combines analytical skill with a passion for hands-on problem-solving. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing—especially for musky—along with golfing and spending time with his family and his English Bulldog, Winnie.

Theresa McGuire serves as Group Treasurer for MRCA, overseeing the company’s core financial operations, including controller functions, accounts payable, payroll, and audits. With her extensive on-the-job training and deep institutional experience, Theresa plays a vital role in maintaining MRCA’s financial health and ensuring the company’s fiscal accuracy and efficiency. Her dedication and attention to detail have been integral to MRCA’s continued growth and stability.

In addition to her treasury responsibilities, Theresa manages all portfolio groups to ensure compliance with established accounting standards. She has also played a key role in selecting insurance policies that apply across the entire MRCA portfolio, helping to safeguard company assets and promote consistency in coverage. Her broad understanding of financial operations across multiple entities makes her an essential leader in aligning MRCA’s financial practices with its long-term strategic goals.

Theresa holds the distinction of being MRCA’s longest-serving employee, having been with the company long before MRCA was formed and the principal partners were running other companies. Her loyalty and expertise have made her a cornerstone of the organization’s success and culture. Outside of her professional achievements, Theresa enjoys spending time with her four children and eight grandchildren and pursues her personal passions for genealogy, travel, gardening, and Polynesian dancing.

As General Manager at Morris Manufacturing, Steve McMains leads the day-to-day operations of the plant with a focus on efficiency, safety, and quality. Since joining the company in January 2006, he has played a key role in driving production excellence and operational growth. Steve brings a steady leadership style shaped by decades of hands-on experience in manufacturing environments, combining technical expertise with a practical understanding of what it takes to keep a plant running smoothly and successfully.

Before joining Morris Manufacturing, Steve spent 15 years with Happico, a Japanese automotive supplier producing components for leading manufacturers such as Nissan, Subaru, Isuzu, and Toyota. During his tenure, he held several key positions, including Supervisor of Extrusion and Roll Forming Operations, Engineering Department Manager, Automation Technician, Plant Manager, and Maintenance Manager. His diverse experience across departments provided him with a comprehensive view of manufacturing systems and process integration.

Steve’s time with Happico also included extensive training in Japan, where he immersed himself in the core principles of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), 5-S, Continuous Improvement, Kanban, and Kaizen. This international training not only enhanced his technical expertise in roll forming and plastic extrusion die design but also shaped his management philosophy—focusing on efficiency, precision, and respect for the process.

Outside of work, Steve values time spent with his family and enjoys hunting, fishing, and woodworking. His balance of professional dedication and personal fulfillment reflects the same steady, hands-on approach that defines his leadership style at Morris Manufacturing.

Keith is the Chief Business Officer at MRCA, where he leads business development and strategic growth initiatives across the company’s diverse portfolio. In his current role, Keith focuses on forging high-impact partnerships with major clients, identifying new business opportunities, and developing tailored strategies that drive both revenue and innovation. His leadership philosophy blends strategic vision with hands-on execution, ensuring that MRCA’s solutions remain both client-focused and future-ready.

Before joining MRCA, Keith built an impressive career spanning leadership roles in technology, consulting, and business development. He served as Vice President of Business Development and Founder at Discovix, Cyberoi, and Cloudify—ventures that highlight his entrepreneurial drive and expertise in scaling technology-focused organizations. Earlier in his career, he held key positions, including VP of Technology at Robert Half International, Enterprise Program Management Leader at Avery Dennison, and VP of Consulting and Solutions at TTS VP, where he guided large-scale digital transformation and enterprise modernization efforts for Fortune 500 clients.

Keith’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in German and Mathematics from Berea College, reflecting his balance of analytical precision and a global perspective. Among his many professional accomplishments, he is particularly proud of founding an AI company that delivered life-saving technology solutions for government agencies. This achievement reflects his passion for harnessing innovation to create a meaningful impact.

Outside of work, Keith embraces an active and inquisitive lifestyle. He enjoys learning new languages, exploring cultures through travel, and immersing himself in nature. A lifelong athlete, he also competes in the Masters U.S. National High Jump Championship, demonstrating the same dedication and discipline that define his professional pursuits.

Phil Ortega serves as General Manager at Wells, where he leads with a focus on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. With over two decades of experience in manufacturing and operations management, Phil brings a results-driven approach to every facet of production, emphasizing efficiency, quality, and employee accountability. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering teams to deliver consistent, predictable results through collaboration and innovation.

Before joining Wells, Phil held key leadership roles at several prominent manufacturing organizations. He served as Vice President of Manufacturing for Monster Digital, where he optimized large-scale production systems. At Centric Parts Amesbury, he served as Director of Operations and held various leadership roles at Johnson Controls, spearheading initiatives that improved workflow and performance across multiple facilities. His ability to transform operations, build employee engagement, and maintain strong customer relationships has been a hallmark of his career.

Phil’s achievements include earning the prestigious JCI Operations Excellence Award, which recognized his success in consolidating two manufacturing plants into a single, streamlined operation utilizing Lean methodologies. The transition was completed without disrupting customer deliveries and achieved measurable cost reductions—an accomplishment that reflects his deep understanding of operational efficiency and strategic execution. His expertise in Lean Manufacturing and process improvement continues to drive growth and innovation at Wells.

Outside of work, Phil enjoys spending time with his family at the beach, especially with his children and grandchildren. He is also passionate about giving back to the community and volunteers his time building homes for underprivileged families in Mexico. His blend of professional excellence and personal compassion makes him a valued leader and respected member of the Wells team.

Elton Rivas serves as EVP, Head of Transformation & DTC at MRCA, where he leads the company’s enterprise transformation and the operating systems that drive performance across all portfolio companies and DTC brands. Using lean principles, he partners closely with GMs and the executive team to drive impact through clear priorities, defined roles, and a consistent cadence for how teams execute and measure progress.

He directs MRCA’s strategy and practical adoption of AI, developing workflows that improve forecasting, reporting, and operational decision-making. Elton’s approach blends innovation with real-world utility, ensuring AI becomes an everyday advantage for teams rather than a theoretical concept.

Over his career, Elton has led organizations through every stage of growth, from early venture building to scaling, integrating acquisitions, and stabilizing complex operations. He is people-centric and systems-supported, and believes operating models work only when teams are aligned and empowered. Known for simplifying complexity, he helps teams move with clarity, focus, and speed. His experience across startups, manufacturing, brand-building, marketing, and corporate innovation gives him a balanced mix of strategic and operational leadership.

Based in the Pacific Northwest, he finds balance and inspiration outdoors with his family, often cycling, hiking, backpacking, trail running, or keeping his “Turns All Year” ski streak alive each month.