How Redwood Services Maximizes the Value of Your Service Business
Who Is Richard Lewis and What Is Redwood Services?
By Joe Crisara
If you’ve been in the home service industry for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the name Richard Lewis. Richard grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and after spending more than a decade at ServiceMaster, he launched Redwood Services in 2019 with one clear mission:
To partner with top-performing HVAC and plumbing companies not to strip away their identity, but to protect their legacy and help them grow.
Today, Redwood supports 15 partner companies across the U.S., generating over $350 million in revenue and employing 1,700+ team members. That’s not just growth it’s proof that the right kind of partnership works.
Learn more about Richard and his team: Redwood Services Team
Watch the full episode here: How Redwood Services Maximizes the Value of Your Service Business
or
Listen to the podcast here: How Redwood Services Maximizes the Value of Your Service Business
A Different Kind of Investor
Let’s be honest: when most contractors hear “private equity,” they picture a big corporate group buying up local brands, slapping a new logo on the trucks, and running the show from some distant office.
That’s not Redwood.
Here’s what makes them different:
No forced rebranding
No gutting your team or systems
No corporate micromanaging
Instead, Redwood’s focus is on pure-play residential service companies and helping them grow profitably and sustainably.
Richard puts it best:
“We don’t do your marketing or accounting for you—we coach you through it. We support. We don’t control.”
This is why contractors who partner with Redwood keep their culture, their identity, and their pride intact while gaining the resources to reach the next level.
What Redwood Looks for in a Service Business
If you’ve ever wondered whether your company might be a fit, here’s what Redwood prioritizes:
Residential Focus – Serving “Mrs. Jones” (the homeowner), not chasing commercial projects or new construction.
Strong Culture & Leadership – Great people and a strong story are non-negotiable.
Growth Mindset – A willingness to invest in training, systems, and operational excellence.
Operational Discipline – Tools like ServiceTitan, Intacct, or QuickBooks, plus proper HR, financial controls, and business best practices.
Richard summed it up perfectly:
“We’d rather invest in an $8M purely residential business than a $25M one with heavy new construction exposure.”
That focus is what makes Redwood partnerships so powerful.
The Power of Saying “No”
Here’s something I respect about Redwood: they’ve reviewed thousands of companies in the past four years—yet they’ve only partnered with 15.
Why? Because they don’t just buy businesses. They build relationships. They’d rather say “no” than force a partnership that doesn’t align.
If your goal is **generational wealth not just a quick exit **this kind of discipline matters.
Watch this video for a deeper dive: Richard Lewis on Redwood
Why Pure-Play Residential is More Valuable
If your business serves 50,000+ homeowners, you’re in an incredibly strong position. Pure residential service companies are the most attractive to investors because:
They create recurring revenue.
They build lifetime customer value.
They are scalable and predictable.
I say this all the time:
“Every consumer is an opportunity. Pure residential businesses command more value because they deliver repeatable success.”
And that’s exactly why Redwood invests in them.
What Happens After You Partner with Redwood
For a lot of owners, selling feels like the end of the road. But with Redwood, it’s just the beginning.
Here’s what you gain:
1. Coaching & Operational Support
Redwood brings in over 30 industry experts—sales coaches, marketing advisors, accounting mentors, and business strategists—who help you sharpen your operation and grow faster.
2. Access to Capital
Need trucks? A larger building? Funding for acquisitions? Redwood gives you access to their balance sheet so you can scale without risking your personal finances.
3. Collaboration with Elite Partners
With 15 high-performing businesses in the Redwood family, you gain a network of owners who share what’s working.
As Richard puts it:
“This isn’t a massive best-practices group. It’s a small, elite family where everyone shares to help each other grow.”
The “Second Bite of the Apple”
One of the biggest myths about selling is that you have to walk away. Redwood’s model lets you:
Take upfront liquidity to secure your financial future.
Keep a meaningful stake in your business.
Participate in a “second bite” when the business grows and recapitalizes.
I compare it to Shark Tank except it’s better:
“Redwood is like having Mark Cuban on your team not just for the money, but for the strategy, expertise, and commitment to your success.”
Building Your Legacy
If you’re serious about building a business that outlasts you one that supports your team, your family, and your legacy. Redwood is worth a conversation.
“Redwood Services: Equity to Support and Enhance the Legacy of Your Service Business.”
Even if you’re not looking to sell today, talk to Richard and his team. See what’s possible.
Email: Richard@redwoodservices.com
Website: RedwoodServices.com
LinkedIn: Richard Lewis
And if you want to sharpen your sales skills in the meantime, join the Service MVP Club. You’ll get expert-guided training and live weekly coaching with me and my team.
Join the Service MVP Club
Final Thoughts
Redwood is proving that growth doesn’t have to mean giving up your identity. They don’t just invest in businesses—they invest in people, culture, and long-term success.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, this might be the partnership you’ve been waiting for.
To your transformation,
Joe Crisara
America’s Service Sales Coach
Founder, Service MVP
