Smith & Oby Welcomes Jake Wattenbarger as New President and General Manager

Chicago-based private equity firm, McNally Capital, is excited to announce the appointment of Jake Wattenbarger as the new President and General Manager of portfolio company, Smith & Oby. With over 24 years of experience in engineering, project management, and commercial construction, Wattenbarger brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to his new role. This strategic hire will further strengthen Smith & Oby's capabilities and drive its growth trajectory.

Smith & Oby is a leading HVAC and plumbing mechanical contractor and services provider, primarily serving the healthcare, education, commercial & industrial, and civic sectors in the Midwest. The company has established itself as a highly reputable brand name in the industry over its 125-year history.

The selection of Wattenbarger as the new President and General Manager of Smith & Oby followed a thorough and successful search process led by McNally Capital alongside the management team and board. Ravi P. Shah, Principal at McNally Capital, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to have found Jake for this role. His industry acumen, leadership skills, and local relationships make him the perfect fit for Smith & Oby. We believe his expertise will contribute significantly to the company's strategic growth and development."

Wattenbarger's extensive experience includes leading multi-million-dollar construction projects from planning to delivery, addressing complex issues efficiently, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. His proven track record in business development, operational management, and financial oversight will be crucial in driving Smith & Oby's continued success.

In his new role, Wattenbarger expressed his honor in joining Smith & Oby and leading such a historically significant company. He stated, "It is an honor to join the Smith & Oby team and to lead such a deeply historied company that has established itself as a highly reputable brand name in the industry. I look forward to helping them expand upon the exceptional growth they have already achieved over the past 125 years."

McNally Capital, founded by the McNally family, who owned and operated Rand McNally & Company, focuses on lower middle-market private equity investments in the United States. The firm seeks to acquire founder and management-owned companies and applies its hands-on experience, institutional capabilities, and proprietary value creation framework to drive growth and build value for its investors.

Smith & Oby, a privately owned and operated mechanical contracting firm, has been delivering exceptional services for 125 years. The company offers a range of services, including HVAC, plumbing, process piping, project budgeting and estimating, 3D-BIM, design/build, engineering, service & maintenance, and 24/7 emergency service. Smith & Oby is recognized for its commitment to expert craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and overall performance excellence in the construction industry.

By staying at the forefront of technology and prioritizing customer expectations, Smith & Oby remains a benchmark for quality and professionalism. The company's dedication to efficiency and expediency has positioned it as one of the finest turn-key mechanical services providers in the region. In 2019, Smith & Oby was honored as the Mechanical Contractor of the Year by Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine.

The addition of Jake Wattenbarger to the leadership team marks an important milestone for Smith & Oby as it continues to build on its legacy and drive future growth. With his expertise and strategic vision, Wattenbarger is poised to lead the company to new heights in the industry.

For more information about McNally Capital, please visit [www.mcnallycapital.com](https://www.mcnallycapital.com).

To learn more about Smith & Oby and its services, please visit [www.smithandoby.com](https://smithandoby.com/).