The Riverside Company’s Latest Investment Creates Pipeline of Value for EverSmith Brands Platform

The Riverside Company, a global investment firm focused on the smaller end of the middle market, has invested in 1-Tom-Plumber, a fast-growing franchisor of emergency plumbing and drain cleaning services. This investment marks the sixth add-on to Riverside’s portfolio company, EverSmith Brands, a unique B2B focused platform of franchised concepts.

Founded in 2018, 1-Tom Plumber has quickly built a nationwide footprint through its differentiated brand, strong digital marketing engine and robust franchisee support model. Today, the company serves customers through 37 franchisees operating 57 territories across 22 states. 1-Tom Plumber’s model has resonated especially well with experienced small business owners, many with backgrounds in restoration services.

“As the newest add-on to EverSmith, 1-Tom Plumber enhances our mission to build a multi-brand franchisor of commercial-focused business services,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “The company has created a powerful brand and an exceptional value proposition for franchisees, and we look forward to supporting continued expansion.”

1-Tom-Plumber joins an expanding EverSmith Brands portfolio that includes Clintar, milliCare, Kitchen Guard, US Lawns, Prism Specialties Restoration, and, most recently, The Seals. Together, the brands create a suite of strong, growing franchised brands uniquely focused on the commercial facilities sector.

“With this partnership, we see significant opportunities to drive value for franchisees and customers,” said CEO of EverSmith Brands Ken Hutcheson. “We look forward to building on 1-Tom Plumber’s strong foundation through accelerated franchise development and deeper commercial penetration.”

“These initiatives align closely with Riverside’s thesis for our business, including accelerating new franchise sales, supporting the new franchise owners to launch and open their business responsibly, enhancing commercial customer acquisition and deepening cross-sell opportunities across EverSmith Brands, including the meaningful overlap with Prism Specialties’ large network of restoration contractor relationships,” said EverSmith Brands President & Chief Operating Officer Justin Ghadery.

“Plumbing franchisors with a strong book of commercial business are rare, and 1-Tom Plumber brings scale, growth momentum and an exceptional brand to EverSmith,” said Riverside Senior Partner Brian Sauer. “The company unlocks a new vertical for the platform and enhances EverSmith’s ability to provide comprehensive solutions for commercial facilities."

Riverside has long specialized in investing in and growing franchisors, applying operating expertise, strategic add-ons, marketing innovation and commercial infrastructure to help brands scale. The Riverside Franchising Specialization team seeks to source and integrate add-on opportunities, drive growth and capture potential.

Working with Schlachet and Sauer on the deal for Riverside were Partner Steve Rice, Assistant Vice President Alex Abramovitz, Associate Brooklyn Button, Analyst Claire Hayes, Senior Operating Partner Michael Eblin and Finance Director Kyle Anderson. Partner, Origination, Grant Marcks sourced the deal for Riverside.