Watchtower Capital Welcomes Will Keesler as New Managing Partner

In an exciting development for the financial landscape, Watchtower Capital, a notable private equity firm dedicated to investing in founder-led and family-owned businesses, has officially announced the addition of Will Keesler as a Managing Partner. This strategic move, which highlights Watchtower's commitment to its mission, sees Keesler joining fellow partners Casey Lanza and Mike Minchella, who have long been friends and collaborators in the private equity industry.

Keesler brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as a Managing Director at Cortec Group since 2018. His background includes invaluable time spent at Sun Capital Partners, where he and his current partners launched their private equity careers. With over 45 years of collective experience in the industry, the leadership team at Watchtower has successfully invested over $2 billion throughout their careers, showcasing their extensive knowledge and skill in navigating the complex world of finance.

The firm’s inaugural investment was made in Ally Services, a family of HVAC and plumbing services established in 2023. This investment has demonstrated remarkable growth, nearly quadrupling in size through organic development and the completion of seven acquisitions since its inception. Such impressive results underline the capability of Watchtower's focused investment strategy.

Reflecting on his new role, Keesler stated, “Casey, Mike, and I share similar values and have been discussing building a next-generation investment firm together for years. I have been consistently impressed by their dedication and hard work, and I look forward to contributing to the solid foundation they have laid for Watchtower.” This sentiment reflects the strong professional and personal connections that drive the firm’s collaborative culture.

Lanza emphasized Keesler's past support and advisory role to Watchtower, expressing excitement about having him on board as a partner. He remarked, “Will's extensive experience dealing with transactions involving founder and family-owned service businesses is highly complementary to our strategy.” This alignment of professional goals suggests that Watchtower is well-positioned for future success.

Minchella highlighted the firm’s foundational objectives: “We set out to build Watchtower with the simple goals to work hard, have fun, and collaborate as true partners with founders and management teams to help businesses reach their growth potential.” This vision is reinforced by the robust pipeline of attractive transaction opportunities the firm is currently pursuing, indicating a bright future ahead.

Moving forward, Keesler, a North Carolina native, will be relocating to Charlotte in 2025, marking an expansion for Watchtower as they prepare to open a new office in the city. Given Charlotte's reputation as a growing hub for finance and business, this development aligns with Watchtower's ambition to establish deeper connections within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About Watchtower Capital
Watchtower Capital stands out as a private equity firm committed to partnering with founder and family-owned businesses. The firm’s investment strategy encompasses the consumer services, commercial services, and B2B product sectors, often targeting initial platform investments up to $100 million. Adopting a hands-on operational approach, Watchtower manages a concentrated portfolio, facilitating fast growth for high-achieving founders and business owners seeking to elevate their enterprises.

To learn more about Watchtower Capital and their investment strategies, visit their website at www.watchtowercp.com and follow them on LinkedIn for updates.