Frank R. O’Brien Jr.

Frank O'Brien

“We believe that any entity is judged by the good that it does. Complying with just laws and simply making money, we felt, is a rather low bar to achieve. This belief led to Christy’s current set of mission and value that guide our daily efforts.”

Mr. O’Brien currently serves as Managing Partner for O’Brien Industrial Holdings, LLC dba Christy Industrial Holdings (www.christyco.com). Mr. O’Brien started his career at Babcock and Wilcox’s Refractory Division (now Thermal Ceramics). He held the positions of Application Engineer, Foundries and Non-Ferrous Metals Market Manager and Sales Engineer. He joined Christy Refractories Company in 1977 as a Sales Engineer. Successively he held the positions of Regional Sales Manager, Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Sales and Manufacturing and President. He purchased the assets of the Company in 1995. 

In 1996 Mr. O’Brien was a finalist for the Ernst and Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year. O’Brien Industrial Holdings LLC has been listed as one of INC Magazine’s INC 5000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. for 2007, 2009 and 2015.

President of the Cedar Lake Foundation
The mission of Cedar Lake Foundation is to provide spiritual education programs to people of all ages and help them grow in virtue, family life and Christian love as modeled by the Holy Family. The foundation manages a 40-acre site in St. Charles County, MO where a shrine to the Holy Family has been erected. Plans are in place for the development of a 35-bedroom conference complex and retreat center to be built in the future. For more information go to www.CedarLakeFoundation.org.

Emeritus Board Member of Family Enrichment Network
The mission of Family Enrichment Network is to provide supportive services for the optimal development of children and families. The organization offers courses developed by the International Federation for Family Development that have helped thousands of people foster strong, health families over the years. These courses teach important communication skills that empower parents to work as a team in educating their children and improving the quality of life for their family. They also provide a fantastic support system and community among participating families. For more information go to www.FamilyEnrichment.org.

Education: 

  • 1974 BS Ceramic Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • 1990 Honorary Degree of Ceramic Engineer from the University of Missouri Institute of Science and Technology
  • Emeritus Vistage member