Jackim Woods & Co. Leads Buy-Side Roll-Up in the CDL Training Sector
When a large Title IV vocational college set out to acquire multiple commercial-driver-license (CDL) training schools, they turned to Jackim Woods & Co. for a focused, results-driven buy-side campaign — and we delivered. Below is how we helped them navigate complexity, act with speed, and close acquisitions that strengthen their national footprint.
What the Mandate Was
Our client’s objective was to acquire one or more high-quality CDL training providers in key U.S. states, to build scale quickly as part of a national roll-up strategy. Their criteria were strict: geographic location, size, proximity to major airports (for future logistics), and the potential for seamless integration into a growing national CDL division.
Our client had a regulatory and strategic mandate to close by end of 2025, and to hit a combined CDL-division revenue target of at least $6 million. By working swiftly and eliminating unnecessary delays, we met those targets, positioning our client for full compliance — and for accelerated growth.
Our role at Jackim Woods & Co. was to represent the buyer, source targets, and manage the acquisition process from first outreach through closing.
The first CDL acquisition we helped them close was CL Driving Academy — a premier commercial driver training center located in Charlotte, NC. Three months later, we helped them acquire Apex Technical Institute, a leading CDL school in Kansas City, KS.
How We Worked: Our Value-Added Buy-Side Process
- Highly Targeted & Data-Driven Deal Sourcing
We began with a broad universe — roughly 693 potential CDL school targets — then filtered that down to around 300 that met our client’s criteria (geography, size, infrastructure, airport proximity, and more). This data-driven screening ensured that we spent the client’s time on only the most promising candidates. - Proactive Outreach & Seller Engagement
Using a mix of personalized emails and phone outreach, we contacted each owner/operator in the filtered target list. That initial campaign produced 15 schools interested in further discussion.
We then conducted introductory calls with 12, arranged six conference calls between our client and potential sellers — and helped formulate offers on two schools - Fast, Focused Execution & Negotiation
In the case of CL Driving Academy, our campaign from first contact to closing wrapped up in just 92 days.For Apex Technical Institute, the process took 184 days — a slightly longer timeline because we needed to negotiate a post-closing employment contract with the owner to assume a leadership role and manage our client’s multi-state CDL division.
- Strategic Integration Planning (Owner-Operator Retention)
Recognizing the importance of leadership continuity in a roll-up, we helped our client identify a strategic leader who could help them manage their growing CDL division. negotiate a deal structure that retained the prior owner of Apex Technical Institute — bringing him in as Divisional Vice President for the new national CDL business. This eased transition, preserved institutional knowledge, and boosted the credibility of the combined enterprise.
Outcome & What It Means
Thanks to our buy-side advisory, our client successfully acquired two high-quality CDL training schools, giving them an immediate multi-state presence in a consolidating industry. More importantly, they gained not just assets — but operational leadership and a scalable platform for future acquisitions.
From a strategic perspective, this gives them:
- A streamlined path to national scale in the fragmented CDL training market.
- Operational leverage via back-office and administrative consolidation.
- Enhanced negotiating power with large carriers or employers seeking to hire CDL-trained graduates.
- A foundation to continue roll-up efforts — strengthened by credibility, cash capital, and a proven acquisition process.
Why Jackim Woods & Co. Was the Right Partner
Our success hinged on combining deep domain expertise with disciplined process execution:
- We know the vocational education and CDL-training sector — enabling us to build immediate credibility with school owners.
- We executed a comprehensive, data-driven target search — not a scattershot approach.
- We engaged directly and persistently with owners, building trust and opening doors for negotiation.
- We drove speed without sacrificing due diligence or post-closing strategy.
If you’re a buyer seeking to acquire assets in a fragmented sector — whether education, vocational training, logistics, or other specialized services — we offer a proven, structured buy-side process that gets results.
Meet the Dealmaker Behind the Strategy
Richard Jackim is founder of Jackim Woods & Co and the head of our education group. A former Wall Street attorney and bulge-bracket investment banker, Richard has advised on over 120 transactions totaling more than $2.3 billion in market value. Since he founded the Exit Planning Institute and sold it in 2012, he has focused on privately-held small and mid-sized companies in the education sector — including vocational schools, training and certification providers, edtech companies, and niche educational assets. He is a frequent author of white papers on education M&A and has spoken at industry summits.
Contact us to Learn More
If you represent a private equity firm, vocational college, or strategic buyer — and considering making an acquisition in education, training, or other specialized sectors — reach out. We’ll build a tailored buy-side acquisition campaign designed to move with speed, discretion, and strategic clarity. Contact: Rich Jackim at rjackim@jackimwoods.com
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Strategic Buyer Seeks Commercial Truck Driving Schools
Jackim Woods & Co. is conducting a buy-side search for our client, a large 100% employee-owned (ESOP) training company based in Arizona.
Our client is actively seeking to acquire one or more commercial truck driving or CDL schools in the following states:
- Arizona
- Florida
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Other states will also be considered
Ideal Target Profile:
- $2,500,000+ in annual revenue
- Strong reputation in the local market
- Not reliant on federal funding sources
- Established training programs with strong student outcomes
Why Consider This Buyer:
- Large, financially stable organization with a strong balance sheet
- Able to close quickly with no bank debt
- 100% employee-owned (ESOP) provides a fantastic opportunity for your employees to participate in the success of your business when you sell
- Committed to preserving the legacy of acquired schools
- Ability to provide additional resources and growth opportunities
Our client is prepared to pay a premium for well-run truck driving schools that align with their acquisition criteria.
Referral Fees Available: We are happy to pay referral fees for introductions that result in successful transactions.
Our client is paying our fee, so there is no cost or obligation to you. For confidential discussions regarding this opportunity, please contact:
Rich Jackim
Jackim Woods & Co.
rjackim@jackimwoods.com
Connect with us today to explore how this opportunity might be the ideal exit strategy for your trucking school or a perfect fit for someone in your network.
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Well-Funded Buyer Seeks Title IV Vocational College
Our client is a well-funded teaching dental clinic that provides a 1- and 2-year dental residency program for dentists and a training program for Dental Assistants.
They have grown organically over the years and now have multiple locations, but they are now looking to accelerate its growth by acquiring a Title IV college so students can participate in the Federally Guaranteed Student Loan Program.
ACQUISITION CRITERIA:
> Post-Secondary Educational Institution that participates in the Title-IV Student Loan Program.
> Certificate & diploma programs less than two years in duration
> Allied Healthcare, Dental Assisting/Hygienist, and Nursing programs are of great interest, but all programs will be considered
ACCREDITATION:
> ABHES or ACCSC preferred (but other accreditors will be considered)
LEGAL/REGULATORY:
> Clean regulatory record with no outstanding issues with U.S. DOE or the school’s accreditor
> No past or current litigation or outstanding claims
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:
> Annual revenue between $200,000 and $5 million
> Profitable operations preferred (will also consider schools that are losing money or at break-even)
LOCATION:
> OH, PA, IN, MI, KY, WV (but other locations will be considered as well)
BENEFITS OF SELLING:
> Motivated strategic buyer (accredited by the Joint Commission, AAAHC and CODA)
> A strong balance sheet with ready access to capital
> Proven growth strategy
> Career opportunities for you and your employees
NEXT STEPS:
Contact Rich Jackim at Jackim Woods & Co. (rjackim@jackimwoods.com or 847-682-4997) to learn more and determine if partnering with us would help you meet your personal and business goals.
Read MoreCorporate Buyer Seeks Title IV Allied Healthcare School
We have been retained by a national operator of urgent care centers to help them acquire a nationally accredited, Title IV career college with an emphasis on allied healthcare programs, including, but not limited to, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS); Health Information Technology (HIT); Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology; Noninvasive Cardiovascular Sonography (NICVS); Surgical Tech, Medical Assisting or Licensed Practical Nurse programs.
The ideal candidate will have revenues between $1 million and $3 million. Our client’s urgent care centers and community hospitals can provide excellent clinical sites and can help the school expand strategically into new markets.
If you own a school that fits this general description, please contact Rich Jackim at (224) 513-5142 or rjackim@jackimwoods.com to schedule a confidential, no-obligation call to learn more.
Read MoreStrategic Buyer Seeks Manufacturers & Distributors of Special Education Products
Jackim Woods & Co. is representing a strategic buyer interested in acquiring manufacturers or distributors of special education and/or autism related products.
They have a specific interest in companies with revenues between $3MM and $10MM and gross margins of 30% or better. It would be ideal if the company had a significant percentage of sales that came from schools or school based therapists and special education teachers. Proprietary or patented products would also be a strong plus.
Our client has been a leader in the education market for over 50-years. They have a strong balance sheet and have made several successful acquisitions. They believe in keeping the current management team in place and are comfortable paying a premium for the right company.
If you have a company that fits these criteria, please contact Rich Jackim at (224) 513-5142 or at rjackim@jackimwoods.com.
Read MoreStrategic Buyer Seeks Education Related Distribution Companies
Jackim Woods & Co. is representing a strategic buyer interested in acquiring retailers or distributors that specialize in:
- School Nurse & Medical Supplies
- Early Childhood and Early Intervention Supplies
- Health Education and Physical Education Supplies
- Special Education Products and Resources
- Speech Language Therapy Products
- Occupational Therapy Products
- Physical Therapy Products
- Autism Products and Solutions
To be of interest, companies should have revenues between $3MM and $20MM and gross margins over 30% or better.
Our client is a third generation family owned business with a healthy balance sheet, and is able to close transactions quickly using flexible transaction structures. The company has a history of making successful acquisitions and has a strong belief in keeping the current management team in place.
If you have a company that fits these criteria, please contact Rich Jackim at (224) 513-5142 or at rjackim@jackimwoods.com.
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Jackim Woods & Co. Advises Good-Lite Co. on Acquisition of Richmond Products
ELGIN, IL, July 14, 2015 – The Good-Lite Company, the worldwide leading manufacturer of eye charts and LED-based illumination cabinets, is pleased to announce that it has acquired the assets of Richmond Products, a leading provider of handheld vision testing and evaluation equipment.
Richmond Products, based in Albuquerque, NM, will continue to operate with its current staff from its current location where it provides over 2,000 vision testing products including eye care’s most comprehensive color vision test, the HRR Pseudoisochromatic Plate Test 4th Edition.
Good-Lite will continue manufacturing the industry standard ETDRS charts and LED-based cabinet as well as LEA SYMBOLS® and LEA NUMBERS® pediatric acuity products. Both firms will work together to sustain expansion of their Vision Training product offerings.
The acquisition of Richmond Products by Good-Lite cements the close working relationship the two companies have had for many years. “The acquisition will enable both organizations to expand our leadership positions in our respective segments of the eye care market,” said Chris Greening, Good-Lite’s General Manager. “Richmond’s strong presence in medical schools and their exclusive distribution rights to several innovative products will complement our complete range of vision testing products.”
The acquisition will increase the ability of both firms to make investments in key solutions for Optometry and Ophthalmology. “We will be able to support the expanded development of solutions for the emerging areas in eye care such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Vision Rehab, Binocular Vision and Pediatric Ophthalmology and Optometry,” said Lloyd Powell, President of Richmond Products.
The two companies will work closely with customers, employees and suppliers to make the integration as smooth as possible. There are several things that will not change:
- Customers and suppliers will continue to work with the same employees in each firm as they have in the past
- Good-Lite and Richmond Products staff will be retained in their current roles
- Customer Service, pricing and order fulfillment will not change
- Location of each firm remains unchanged
- Existing phone numbers and web sites will continue unchanged.
- Richmond will continue to operate under the Richmond name as a division of the Good-Lite Company.
Rich Jackim with Jackim Woods & Co. represents Good-Lite Company and School Health Corporation in its corporate development activities and arranged the transaction.
About Good-Lite Company
Founded in 1930, Good-Lite Company (www.good-lite.com) offers a complete range of vision testing and evaluation products, including the new self-calibrating ETDRS Standardized Viewer, Cortical Visual assessment, near and distance acuity charts including the LEA SYMBOLS® and LEA NUMBERS®, high and low contrast, stereo vision and color vision testing.
About Richmond Products
Richmond Products (www.richmondproducts.com) focuses on Neuro, Pediatric and General Eye Care and has been an innovator in the manufacture of eye examination products. Richmond’s HRR Pseudoisochromatic Plates provide the most comprehensive and clinically verified diagnosis for genetic and acquired color vision defects. Other products address Ocular Motility, Visual Field, Contrast Sensitivity, Disease Detection, and Binocular Vision.
School Health Corporation Acquires EnableMart
HANOVER PARK, IL January 12, 2012 — School Health Corporation (SHC), the leading provider of medical supplies and equipment to school nurses, announced today the acquisition of EnableMart, a leading provider of assistive technology to the special needs community. MidCap Advisors, LLC (MidCap) represented SHC and arranged the transaction.
In recent years, School Health has successfully expanded into the complimentary markets of early childhood and special needs. “These are growing markets for us to build upon our focus of improving the health and well being of students,” said Susan Rogers, School Health’s President. “EnableMart’s leading position in the assistive technology space, e-commerce expertise and exclusive distribution rights to several innovative products made EnableMart particularly attractive to us.”
The companies plan to maintain and enhance the EnableMart brand and grow the channel by adding items from School Health’s wide selection of over 20,000 products.
“We are excited about the opportunities that this acquisition will provide to the business. School Health’s strong schools oriented sales force, with feet on the street in every major market in the country, and a strong catalog distribution program means that our mutual customers will have access to more products and even better service. We expect to grow each business by cross selling our collective products both directly and through our catalogs and websites. This will also allow the EnableMart team to provide more personalized attention to our non-school customers such as State Departments of Rehabilitation throughout the country,” said David Lindmeir, CEO of EnableMart.
“Students with special needs deserve the same opportunity as other students – to reach their maximum educational potential,” said Scott Cormack, Chief Strategy Officer, EVP for School Health. “Through our acquisition of EnableMart, we can help give students with special needs that opportunity with assistive technology.”
Rich Jackim, a partner at Jackim Woods & Co. advises School Health Corporation on its corporate development strategy and acquisition program and arranged the transaction.
About School Health Corporation
School Health Corporation (www.schoolhealth.com) is the leading supplier of health supplies and equipment to schools. More than 95% of the top 500 school districts and largest universities in the United States purchase their products from the company annually. School Health offers customers more than 20,000 products from over 600 manufacturers. This third-generation, family-owned business, was founded in 1957 and currently employs more than 100 people.
About EnableMart
EnableMart (www.enablemart.com) is a worldwide leader in assistive technology distribution. The company has deep expertise in technology for special education and is listed as an approved vendor in most school districts throughout the U.S. EnableMart provides over 3,000 assistive technology and assistive living devices from over 200 manufacturers to customers in all 50 States and over 45 countries worldwide. EnableMart continually seeks out and provides the best assistive technology products at the most affordable prices and remains steadfast in its mission to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.
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