Case Study: Chimney Collective
Chimney Collective launched in June 2026 as a partnership of leading residential chimney, fireplace, and masonry companies. It was co-founded by Branson Tibbs and Rhett Hogan of Village Partners Group, who lead it as Co-Presidents. Partner companies keep their local brand, team, and leadership while gaining the scale, capital, and support of a purpose-built platform.
The opportunity
Chimney and fireplace service is a fragmented market built by trusted local operators. Many owners want to take some chips off the table without giving up the brand, team, and customers they spent decades building.
Our approach
Chimney Collective is not structured like a traditional private equity firm or industry consolidator. Partners keep their local brand, customer relationships, team, and leadership. The Collective adds finance and accounting, people and recruiting, technology, marketing, and purchasing support, so local leaders can focus on operating. Owners retain ownership in the broader organization and share in the value created across the Collective.
Liquidity today. Opportunity tomorrow.
Timeline
“Chimney Collective creates a real path forward, whether providing veteran owners an exit strategy or giving the next generation the opportunity to scale quickly without spending 40 years to get there.”
Mark Stoner, Founder & President, Ashbusters
“We have always believed that you can build a great company by investing in your people, taking care of your customers, and maintaining high standards for safety and craftsmanship. Chimney Collective shares those values and gives us additional resources and relationships that can help us continue creating opportunities for our employees, serving our customers at a high level, and growing Four Winds for the long term.”
Anthony Valerio, Four Winds Chimney