Insights

Georgia Oak and Emerald Transportation Solutions

Background

Emerald Transportation Solutions, a designer and assembler of refrigerated trucks and vans, had reached a crossroads. Founder Joe Dickman contemplated selling the business but felt a deep sense of responsibility toward its untapped potential and his own legacy. He wanted to ensure the company could continue to grow while maintaining the values and vision he had worked tirelessly to build.

When Joe discovered Georgia Oak Partners, the option of a minority investment became a game-changer. This partnership allowed Joe to retain control, preserving his legacy while benefiting from Georgia Oak’s expertise and resources.

Georgia Oak’s Contributions

Georgia Oak brought more than just capital to the partnership—we became a collaborator in preserving and building upon Joe’s legacy. Here’s what we brought to the table:

• Capital Infusion: Providing the financial backing necessary for Emerald’s next stage of growth.


• Strategic Leadership: Adding Operating Partner and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Dean Ditmar to the board and guiding the creation of Emerald’s first strategic plan and budget.


• Operational Improvements: Supporting facility consolidation, which boosted capacity by 50%.


• Talent Acquisition: Helping recruit and hire key executives to strengthen the leadership team.


• Expansion Insights: Engaging third-party consultants to evaluate greenfield opportunities with tax incentives.


• Ongoing Support: Offering regular guidance on HR, operational challenges, and future planning.

A Legacy Preserved

For Joe, the partnership wasn’t just about numbers—it was about ensuring Emerald could grow while remaining true to its roots. Reflecting on the collaboration, Joe shared:

“We had put Emerald up for sale, but with reservations. We still thought the business had a lot of upside, and I wasn’t ready to retire. When we met Georgia Oak and found we could do a minority deal with them, we were sold. I’m thankful to be able to stay at the wheel, and we’ve already grown significantly with Georgia Oak’s help.”
— Joe Dickman, Founder

Results

In just 2 short years of the partnership, Emerald’s EBITDA has doubled, driven entirely by organic growth levers. The business continues to grow stronger while staying true to the principles and vision Joe established.

Conclusion

This partnership highlights Georgia Oak’s commitment to preserving the legacies of founders while driving sustainable growth. By providing support tailored to the organization’s needs and respecting Joe’s leadership, Georgia Oak helped Emerald build upon its strong foundation, ensuring that its success aligns with the founder’s vision and values. Our partnership demonstrates the power of minority investments in protecting a founder’s legacy and achieving sustainable growth.