#United States #New York #J.F. Lehman #Environmental Services #Tradewater

J.F. Lehman & Company Launches Environmental Services Platform

On January 28, 2026, J.F. Lehman & Company (JFLCO), a premier alternative asset manager, announced the establishment of a new environmental services platform. This strategic initiative marks a significant step for the company, which specializes in sectors like aerospace, defense, and infrastructure.

By acquiring majority stakes in two prominent firms, Reclamation Technologies USA, LLC (RTI) and Tradewater LLC, JFLCO aims to position itself as a leader in the growing field of environmental services. The partnership is indicative of the firm’s commitment to addressing critical challenges associated with lifecycle management of industrial gases and methane emissions.

Tradewater, which is headquartered in Chicago, IL, is recognized for its expertise in managing refrigerant and methane gases. This company is instrumental in collecting, controlling, and destructing refrigerant gases, which significantly contributes to reducing high global warming potential emissions. Through its operations, Tradewater is eliminating super pollutant gases, thereby playing a vital role in mitigating climate change. Moreover, the company's innovative approach also includes locating and sealing orphaned and leaking oil and gas wells around the United States, an initiative that further underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship.

In contrast, RTI, based in Indianapolis, IN, provides comprehensive refrigerant recovery and reclamation services. Their offerings encompass on-site gas recovery, advanced separation of mixed gases, cylinder exchange programs, and the sales of reclaimed and virgin gas. The synergistic combination of RTI and Tradewater not only establishes a leading provider of closed-loop services but also enhances capabilities related to gas waste management and lifecycle refrigerant management.

Glenn Shor, Managing Partner at JFLCO, expressed enthusiasm about the new platform, stating, "We are thrilled to enter into this growing and fragmented industry. Our investments in RTI and Tradewater will establish a market leader with unique capabilities, serving as a robust foundation for ongoing growth. We look forward to collaborating with Jeff and Katelyn to build upon the strong foundation established by both companies."

Dave Thomas, another partner at JFLCO, echoed this sentiment by underscoring the opportunities that lie ahead: "We are aligning with a skilled management team that has a proven track record in expanding specialized environmental services. With disciplined mergers, acquisitions, and organic growth, we see a distinct opportunity to elevate our position as the acquirer of choice in this highly fragmented market."

As part of this restructuring, Jeff Laborsky has been appointed as CEO, and Katelyn Imrie as President of the newly forged platform. They both bring invaluable experience in navigating complex environmental issues, an essential factor considering the pressing challenges the industry faces. Rodney Pierce will continue to lead RTI, ensuring continuity during this phase of transition.

Moreover, Tradewater’s co-founders, Tim Brown and Gabriel Plotkin, are also empowering their business with the appointment of Kirsten Dueck as CEO, keeping a close involvement in supporting its future growth.

In collaboration with legal advisor AO Shearman, as well as financial consultants Brown Gibbons Lang Company for RTI and Cypress Capital, LLC for Tradewater, JFLCO is strategically positioned to leverage its acquisitions for significant impact within the environmental sector.

Founded in 1992, J.F. Lehman & Company has specialized in investment strategies within aerospace, defense, government, and marine sectors and currently manages over $8 billion in assets across various private equity and credit strategies.

This new initiative reflects JFLCO's dedication to not only enhancing their investment portfolio but also contributing positively to our environment by addressing energy sustainability and reducing harmful emissions across multiple industries. For further information on JFLCO, please visit www.jflco.com.