Who we are

At The Heat Exchanger Group, our mission is clear: to be the only heat exchanger and pump supplier you’ll ever need to call. We are driven by a vision to provide the highest quality heat exchanger services and products, delivered safely, efficiently, and on time—all while helping our customers reduce costs.

Our Leadership

Steve Knight, President and Managing Director

 

Steve Knight graduated from Texas A&M University in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.  Working in the Petrochemical and Refining world of the United States Gulf Coast for over 37 years

He partnered with Mike Blackmon to form Heat Exchanger Group in December of 2020.  Mike and Steve have taken a simple philosophy of “Customer Service, Customer Service and more Customer Service” and built HEG into the premier Heat Exchanger and Pump sales and service company in the United States.  

We have a team with experience in all facets of manufacturing and repair and they are backed by years of experience working as maintenance managers and technicians in the Petrochemical, Refining and other production facilities.

Mike Blackmon, Executive Vice President and Managing Partner

Mike's career spans over two decades in the heat exchanger industry. Mike has managed service facilities, spearheaded sales for new and aftermarket services, and gained extensive experience working with leading OEM manufacturers like Tranter and APV. His expertise in heat exchanger replacement, troubleshooting, and repair solutions has earned him a reputation as a trusted expert in the field.

Mike’s roots in hands-on craftsmanship as a certified Tig/SMAW welder gave him the foundation to manage multimillion-dollar projects in the food and beverage industry and repair railcars for Phillips Petroleum. This combination of technical skill and leadership experience allows The Heat Exchanger Group to deliver solutions that are as practical as they are innovative.

Outside of work, Mike is a proud Texan and father to three children. He’s happiest in the great outdoors—whether he’s hunting, fishing, or playing a round of golf.

Scott Kesterson, Vice President Sales and Service

Scott, with over 30 years of experience in the pump and equipment industry, has honed his skills in various fields. During his 23-year tenure at Syngenta Chemical Company, he managed the maintenance department and pursued numerous technical certifications, including HVAC, journeyman electrician, water treatment, refrigeration, and welding.

At Syngenta, Scott actively worked on various pump and equipment brands, gaining valuable experience in troubleshooting, PLC programming, robotics, and project management.

After Syngenta, Scott transitioned to The Walling Company, where he held roles in outside sales, sales manager, and general manager. During his time at TWC, Scott adopted a hands-on approach to driving operational excellence and managing commercial issues. He prioritized maintaining strong business relationships with channel partners, manufacturers, customers, and team members, ensuring customer service was always at the forefront.

Scott, a lifelong Iowan, has built a family with his wife, Mary, and their four children, Melissa, Kelly, Kyle, and Emily. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and training bird dogs.

Our Team

Curt Dowding

Heat Exchangers - Pumps

Sales and Service

Contact: 402-429-8528

Andy Daly

Heat Exchangers - Pumps

Sales and Service

Contact: 920-851-4283

Kyle Kesterson

Pumps

Service Technician

Dave McKechnie

Heat Exchangers

Operations

Melissa Mark

Heat Exchangers - Pumps

Application Engineer

Contact: 402-658-2023

Mitch McKnight

FIre Pump/Industrial Pump Service Manager

Contact: 515-631-8441

Mary Kesterson

Pumps

Inside Sales

Contact: 402-658-2022

Christine Rails

Heat Exchangers

Inside Sales

Contact: 713-301-6604

Drew Blackmon

Heat Exchangers

Service Technician