#USA #Winston-Salem #infrastructure services #Enceladus Partners #Smith Excavating

Enceladus Partners Strengthens Portfolio with Strategic Investment in Smith Excavating

Enceladus Partners, a prominent family office focused on the lower middle-market, has made waves in the business landscape by announcing its recent investment in Smith Excavating, LLC (commonly known as SMEX). This partnership aims to elevate SMEX’s capabilities in the essential infrastructure services sector, marking a significant milestone for both firms. The announcement, made on December 9, 2025, emphasizes their shared vision of aligning operational goals with sustainable growth strategies.

A Look at Smith Excavating

Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Smith Excavating has carved out a niche in providing critical maintenance services across the Mid-Atlantic region. Over its 20-plus years of operation, the company has established itself as a tech-enabled service provider specializing in essential tasks such as right-of-way vegetation management, infrastructure asset repair, and industrial site services. Driven by core values emphasizing safety and sustainability, SMEX is well-positioned to respond to its customers' needs across various industries, including utilities and government services.

Partnership Goals and Vision

The collaboration between Enceladus Partners and Matthew Smith, the CEO of SMEX and a second-generation family member, arises from a mutual understanding of the dynamics within the utility services sector. Enceladus Partners brings a wealth of experience in nurturing family-owned businesses, aiming to accelerate SMEX's development and regional footprint. The partnership will leverage proprietary Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, enhancing SMEX’s reputation for safe and high-quality service delivery.

Matthew Smith expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This partnership with Enceladus Partners is a logical next step in our evolution. Their commitment to our core values, combined with their operational expertise and flexible capital, will enable SMEX to serve our existing customers better and expand our footprint into new territories. I am confident that together, we are poised for significant, sustainable growth."

Enceladus Partners' Perspective

On the other side of the partnership, Enceladus Partners is equally optimistic about collaborating with SMEX. Josh Bucher, Principal at Enceladus Partners, highlighted the significance of the investment, describing SMEX as a compelling opportunity to support a critical infrastructure services platform with a proven track record of quality and safety. He noted, “We look forward to working closely with Matthew and the entire team to invest in the fleet, technology, and personnel needed to strategically scale the business across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.”

Looking Forward

As both firms embark on this new journey together, industry observers are keenly watching to see how this partnership unfolds. By investing in personnel and technology, the focus will not only be on maintaining the high-quality services they are known for but also on enhancing the operational efficiencies that come with innovative practices.

About Smith Excavating

Founded in 2003, Smith Excavating is dedicated to maintaining the reliable operation of utility and municipal networks throughout the Mid-Atlantic. They are recognized for their safety, quality, and technical expertise in providing specialized services, making them a key player in infrastructure maintenance.

For more information, you can visit smexllc.com.

About Enceladus Partners

Enceladus Partners operates as a family office focused on partnering with founders and management teams of small to mid-sized businesses. The firm’s flexible investment strategy, combined with a foundation built on honesty and transparency, aims to create tailored financial solutions for its partners. To learn more about their services, visit EnceladusPartners.com.