Our Team
Michel Petit
Founder and CEO
NHL Veteran | Hockey Operations & League Liaison | Youth & Community Development
Michel brings the experience of an 18-year NHL career, where he earned respect as both a player and leader. With decades of involvement in youth hockey coaching, programming, and league administration, he serves as the face of WSS to NHL leadership—leveraging trusted relationships with league owners, executives, and the NHLPA. Michel leads the development of WSS’s youth and adult programs, school partnerships, and community outreach initiatives. His credibility and influence are instrumental in advancing franchise expansion discussions with the NHL and AHL, while ensuring strong grassroots engagement across local schools and hockey organizations.
Billy Whittaker
President and Co-Founder
Entrepreneur & Local Business Owner | Investor Relations & Business Strategy
Billy is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator based in Houston, with a personal background in hockey and a strong track record of building and scaling local businesses. As an inventor in the energy technology sector, he has developed and launched multiple innovative solutions that address real-world business challenges. Billy brings deep connections within the regional business community and extensive experience in fundraising and launching growth-stage ventures. At WSS, he leads investor relations, drives strategic partnerships, and oversees business modeling and sponsor negotiations.
Rey Black
EVP Design and Construction
Licensed Architect | Facility Design & Construction Oversight
Rey is a licensed architect and a native New Yorker who has worked on many high-profile and large-scale projects, such as Hudson Yards, The Seaport in Lower Manhattan, and MiMA, to name a few. Rey brings over 35 years of experience, including mixed-use luxury high-rise residential, hotel, and mixed-use entertainment facilities. She leads all aspects of facility planning and architectural design, working closely with engineers, city officials, and real estate developers to bring large-scale projects to life. Rey is the driving force behind the vision and execution of WSS’s state-of-the-art, multi-use hockey and entertainment venue designed to meet NHL and AHL standards, while creating a significant community destination and cultural landmark.
Sergio Grado
Chief Operations Officer
Commercial Construction | Growth Strategy
Sergio is a second-generation builder with more than 26 years of experience in custom residential, remodeling, and commercial construction. In 2009, he was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the National Graduate Master Builder of the Year and honored as Emerging Business of the Year by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Over the course of his career, Sergio has owned and operated two construction companies, managed a green building products retail store, and served as a restaurant owner and partner in Market Street. After transitioning from the construction industry eight years ago, he brought his entrepreneurial expertise to the corporate world, contributing to global companies such as Mitsubishi Electric, Webber/Ferrovial, and CenTrio. In these roles, he focused on sales, business development, and growth strategy for new markets.
Known as a “quiet powerhouse,” Sergio’s leadership and impact are often more felt than seen. His dedication to community and mentorship is evident through his service as a graduate of Leadership Montgomery County, a past board member of The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership, and an instructor and mentor at Lone Star College Montgomery and Tomball campuses.
Today, Sergio continues to shape the industry through his involvement in national negotiations with major retailers in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Francesca Salvatore
EVP Finance & Business Operations
Corporate Finance & Strategic Planning | Construction Management
With 15+ years of experience in corporate finance, strategic planning, and construction management, Francesca brings a sharp, results-driven approach to every project. Armed with a BBA in Accountancy and Business Management and a Certificate in Buildings & Construction, she bridges financial strategy with on-the-ground execution. Francesca excels at leading complex development initiatives, optimizing capital structures, and driving data-informed cultures that fuel innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth.
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