We respect the judgment of operators who know their people, customers, and markets firsthand. Our companies stay independent, keep their identity, and make decisions close to the work, with standards and guidelines added only where it protects safety, financial integrity, or long-term value. We avoid synergy and cost-cutting agendas and focus instead on steady, durable growth built on strong teams, reliable service, and long-term customer relationships.

We partner with established electrical service businesses serving industrial, commercial, and institutional customers. Our focus is behind-the-meter low- and medium-voltage work; companies providing maintenance, service, and installation that keep facilities running reliably. We also selectively consider high-voltage and transmission opportunities where the model, culture, and scale fit our approach.
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The common thread is reliability, quality, and deep customer trust. We work comfortably in both union and non-union environments.

In a word: forever. We’re built never to sell. There’s no fund, no exit clock, and no pressure to move on.

We’re also pragmatic. If one day our ownership structure or capital base isn’t what’s best for the business, we’d consider what change makes sense. What matters is that we never enter a partnership with an exit in mind; our intent is to be the company’s long-term home.

Shepherd isn’t a private equity fund or a strategic buyer. We invest permanent capital and have no requirement to sell, and we don’t run an integration or consolidation playbook. Operating companies remain independent, and leadership stays in control of day-to-day decisions. Our role is to provide long-term stability, disciplined standards, and support that helps strong service businesses grow on their own terms.

We approach valuation the same way we approach partnership: with balance and transparency. A fair deal has to work for you and for the business long after close.

When we evaluate a company, we look at more than numbers. Market position, earnings, growth outlook, and customer mix matter, but so do leadership depth, workforce stability, safety record, and the repeatability of the work. We consider how durable those strengths are and how risk is shared between us, then design a structure that rewards what you’ve built while keeping the business on solid ground for the future.

The structure of each partnership reflects your goals, the business’s realities, and our shared view of risk and continuity. Most structures include some combination of cash up front, rolled equity, and deferred consideration.

The exact mix depends on practical factors, and we’re transparent about the reasoning behind every decision. The outcome should feel balanced and fair; you’ll always understand the principles that guide the design.

It starts with a short introductory call. After signing an NDA, we review basic financial and operating information, confirm we understand the story, and prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI) that outlines a deal we can stand behind. Once signed, we complete diligence and finalize terms, typically within 45 to 60 days depending on the complexity and readiness of your business.

We try to make the process as straightforward as possible. It’s a shared effort to understand the business. Our goal is clear timelines, open communication, and no surprises. Whatever the outcome, we want the experience to be a positive one.

It depends on what makes the most sense for you and the business. Some owners want to stay involved and keep building; others are ready to step back or retire. Both work for us.

What matters is clarity. We’ll decide together what role, if any, you want to play after close, and make sure the right leadership and support are in place for the business to succeed. Whether you stay for six months or six years, the goal is the same: a smooth handoff and a strong future for your people and customers.

If you’re unsure whether your company is the right fit or you’re not ready to sell, that’s fine. A conversation isn’t a commitment. We’re happy to learn about your business, understand your goals, and build a relationship for when the timing feels right.

We value clarity, balance, and steady improvement. We’re patient and deliberate in how we approach growth and risk, and we avoid shortcuts that undermine long-term health. We act in ways that support people: safe operations, honest communication, practical standards, and aligned partnerships. Over time, the result should be simple: a stronger, higher-quality business that still feels like the one you built.

Your team, brand, and culture are likely what drew us to your business in the first place; they’re part of what we’re investing in. We keep leadership and decision-making close to the work. We don’t rebrand, consolidate, or integrate operations into a corporate platform. The goal is to protect what makes the business distinct while adding support where it helps – things like systems, financial discipline, and shared learning across the group.

Transitions vary, but the goal is always the same: protect continuity while setting the business up for long-term success.

We’ll work with you and your team to agree on a clear, step-by-step plan before the deal closes. That includes defining responsibilities, communication, and how we’ll support the business through change. Depending on the situation, that may involve preparing new leaders, strengthening systems, or simply providing steady oversight while things continue as usual. Nothing happens overnight, and everyone understands what’s changing, when, and why.

We draw clear lines between where we set standards and where we advise or defer to local judgment. In areas tied to safety, governance, and financial integrity, we maintain clear and consistent minimum standards across all companies. Everywhere else, it’s a partnership: we provide tools, capital, resources, and practical precedents, and local leaders decide what fits their business.

We focus on steady, incremental improvements that compound over time, not transformational programs for their own sake. Our philosophy is straightforward: progress through clarity, consistency, and trust.