Multi-Unit and Franchising

When Joe Dickman founded Emerald Transportation Solutions in 2001, he was a one-man show with a passion for solving customer's needs. Together, Joe and co-owner Todd Cawley built Emerald into the nation's premier manufacturer and seller of refrigerated trucks and vans. Emerald now serves thousands of customers across the U.S., ranging from local retail businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

SITUATION

Before Joe and Todd met the Georgia Oak team, they knew they needed a partner with the capability to supercharge Emerald in its next phase of growth. A partner who would help craft a defined roadmap and growth strategy was needed for the next chapter to be successful. However, neither owner was ready to lose control through a majority equity investment. As they interviewed numerous private equity firms, they struggled to find a partner who was willing to listen to their desire for a minority equity investment. Finally, after an open dialogue and brainstorming session in the first meeting, it was clear that a fruitful partnership was already in the works between Emerald and Georgia Oak.

WHY GEORGIA OAK?

"Before Georgia Oak, we decided we wanted to put ourselves out there for private equity, but it wasn't a good experience. Then, when we first met Mike and Dean, there was an immediate sense of comfort. That meeting went really well. It was important for us to work with someone who could add to what we were doing – not just working for the money but helping us accomplish our goals and wanting to see us succeed. Looking to the future, I know Georgia Oak will be instrumental in growing Emerald to new heights."