Category: Oklahoma

Gryphon Investors has announced its acquisition of AirX Climate Solutions (ACS), a leading designer, manufacturer, distributor, and servicer in the specialty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) markets. The investment from Gryphon will support ACS’ growth initiatives, including expanding its geographic footprint, enhancing aftermarket and service offerings, and pursuing strategic acquisitions.

ACS, founded in 1997 and based in Oklahoma City, OK, is a full-service HVAC solutions provider. They offer design, installation, maintenance, and repair services for HVAC systems in various industries such as telecommunications, data centers, energy storage, education, and commercial markets. With a workforce of over 600 employees, ACS is known for its high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

Gryphon’s Co-Heads of the Industrial Growth Group, Scott Hearn and Leigh Abramson, expressed their excitement to partner with ACS and its management team. They believe that ACS’s excellent reputation and position in the market make it an ideal platform for further growth. Gryphon plans to utilize its extensive experience in the HVAC sector to help ACS evolve and expand.

ACS CEO Rick Aldridge is also enthusiastic about the partnership with Gryphon. He is confident that Gryphon’s HVAC knowledge and network of executive advisors will contribute to ACS’s future growth. Aldridge emphasized that ACS remains fully committed to providing the highest levels of quality and service to its customers.

Mark Fuller, Managing Director in Gryphon’s Industrial Growth Group, highlighted ACS’s strong brands and dedication to innovative customer solutions. He emphasized the company’s proven track record and expressed Gryphon’s enthusiasm for supporting ACS in accelerating organic growth and pursuing additional acquisitions.

As part of the transaction, Gryphon representatives will join ACS’s Board of Directors alongside Rick Aldridge. This investment marks Gryphon’s fourth in the HVAC value chain and follows their successful exit from Heritage Distribution Holdings earlier this year.

Jefferies and William Blair acted as financial advisors to Gryphon, while Baird and Nomura served as financial advisors to ACS. Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as Gryphon’s legal advisor.

About AirX Climate Solutions:
ACS specializes in highly engineered cooling and ventilation solutions for mission-critical applications in various industries. With brands like Custom Air Products & Services (CAPS), Marvair, Specific Systems, Eubank, Industrial Climate Engineering (ICE), and Dynaline, ACS has been the preferred choice for organizations in need of high-quality HVAC systems. Their manufacturing facilities are located in Houston, TX, Cordele, GA, and Tulsa, OK.
For more information about AirX Climate Solutions, please visit their website.

About Gryphon Investors:
Gryphon Investors is a leading middle-market private equity firm focused on growing and advancing companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, and Software sectors. With approximately $9 billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes building strong partnerships with founders, owners, and executives to create lasting value. They integrate their well-proven Operations Resources Group to support their investments.
For more information about Gryphon Investors, please visit their website.

An Oklahoma woman in Broken Arrow has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding over $8 million from the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Medical Center. Leslie Ann Ameen, 62, allegedly committed large-scale wire fraud while working as a telecommunications specialist at the medical center. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that Ameen resold tablets, laptops, and phones that she purchased with funding from the medical center.

Ameen now faces the possibility of up to 20 years in federal prison for her fraudulent activities. U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson expressed his concern about the impact Ameen’s actions could have on the medical needs of the community and the educational mission of the state-funded institution. He emphasized that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with law enforcement partners, will continue to hold fraudsters and embezzlers accountable for their criminal conduct.

The case highlights the importance of maintaining financial integrity and preventing fraud within institutions that play a crucial role in providing healthcare and education services to the community. Such cases serve as a reminder for organizations to implement strict financial controls and regularly monitor and audit financial transactions to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.

The consequences of fraud can extend beyond financial losses. Fraudulent practices can negatively affect the reputation and trustworthiness of institutions, potentially leading to long-term consequences for both the organization and the community it serves.

It is crucial for individuals who suspect or have information about fraudulent activities to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities, such as the police. Timely reporting can help law enforcement agencies investigate and prosecute fraudsters, ensuring the safety and integrity of public institutions and the broader community.

Ethel Cook was a remarkable leader who brought people together through her work as a corporate trainer and as the chief of the Ottawa Tribe. She led the northeast Oklahoma tribe for 12 years until her death at the age of 72.

Cook grew up in Miami, Oklahoma, where Ottawa families were relocated in 1867. Her great-grandfather had served as chief of the tribe during that time. Cook began her career in telecommunications and eventually worked her way up to become a trainer.

After retiring, Cook and her husband returned to Miami in 2003 to take care of their aging parents. She became more involved in leadership roles within the tribe, including serving on the gaming commission. She was elected as chief in 2011 and was reelected four times.

During her time in office, Cook worked to expand the tribe’s economic base beyond gaming. She oversaw the opening of gas stations and a restaurant on Route 66 in Miami, contributing to the tribe’s economic growth. Cook was dedicated to improving the lives of tribal members and the surrounding community.

Cook strongly believed in collaboration and referred to it as a “united front.” She took an active role in supporting local schools, charities, and community groups. Cook was recognized for her achievements with various awards, including a surprise honor from the local chamber in 2021.

She also emphasized the importance of working closely with other tribes in the county. Cook believed in making sure the Ottawa Tribe was at the forefront of community efforts. She played a key role in joint tribal projects, including the development of criminal justice systems following the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt ruling.

Even while battling acute myeloid leukemia and receiving hospice care, Cook continued to work on tribal issues and projects. She had a vision for the tribe’s future, including expanding into manufacturing. The tribe recently broke ground on a new hotel and RV park.

Cook’s legacy lives on through the work she accomplished and the projects she initiated. She is survived by her husband, daughter, and grandchildren. A graveside service will be held to honor her contributions and leadership.