PE Firm Launches Access Control Platform, Buys Piedmont Door Solutions

Alpine Investors announced the launch of Cobalt Service Partners, a new platform focused on buying and building access solutions businesses. Alongside the launch, Cobalt acquired Piedmont Door Solutions, a Charlotte, N.C.-based provider of commercial doors and entrance solutions with locations across the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic. 

According to the announcement, Cobalt buys market-leading businesses across the following access solutions categories: overhead doors and docks, commercial doors, security gates, access control systems, and video surveillance systems. 

Piedmont Door Solutions was founded in 2001 by Pat Keane and has been led by industry veteran Chris Mitchell since he invested in the business in 2016. The company provides design, installation and maintenance services across a variety of commercial door products. 

Under Cobalt’s ownership, Mitchell will continue as CEO of the business, while Tarrell Graham has been promoted to COO, and Keith Mehltretter and Jim Adams have been promoted to regional vice presidents. 

“I couldn’t be more excited for Piedmont’s future,” said Mitchell. “We’ve achieved so much as a team, and this partnership with Cobalt enables us to go faster and bigger than we ever imagined would be possible. It also secures Piedmont’s future for generations to come. On behalf of the entire Piedmont team, we’re thrilled for what lies ahead.” 

“I feel tremendous pride in what we’ve accomplished over the past 22 years and gratitude that Piedmont’s legacy will live on under Cobalt,” said Keane. “I couldn’t be more excited about the possibility of Piedmont’s model and mission expanding nationwide.” 

Tyler Hoffman and Anthony Gonzalez will lead Cobalt as co-CEOs, with Hoffman overseeing M&A and Gonzalez overseeing organic growth. Hoffman was previously CEO of Radicle Health, an Alpine software business that completed eight acquisitions during his tenure. Gonzalez served in Congress from 2019 to 2023, where he represented his hometown district of Cleveland. He previously worked as COO at InformedK12, an EdTech startup, and led sales at Beneco, an Alpine portfolio company. Gonzalez was also a first round-draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.