November 2020 marks the three year anniversary of Pye-Barker Fire’s acquisition of Allstate Fire Protection, a thriving company owned and operated by Robert Whitley in Rocky Mount, NC. We were able to follow up with Robert to ask him how things are going now for himself and his team.
Robert shared that after 31 years in the industry, he has decided to start slowing down a little. Following the acquisition in December 2017, Robert remained with his team as branch manager. He wanted to guide his employees and his customers through and beyond the transition of ownership.
Now that his branch has continued to thrive, Robert is ready to shift his role with the company to one with more flexibility and less demands. He will be staying with Pye-Barker Fire in a consultant/designer role, offering his talents to North Carolina’s seven branches and traveling as needed.
“After 28 years, I worked real hard to build a business on integrity and honesty. I wanted to carry on forward with the same attitude and keep my guys happy,” Robert said. “I knew it was going to be better for the guys. They would have more benefits, more control and growth potential. Pye-Barker just had everything I needed.”
He shared that he did not lose a single customer or employee as a result of the acquisition. His current team has been with him 17, 16, 15, and 8 years, along with one who recently retired in June. Though it was an adjustment at first, they have remained happy since joining the Pye-Barker Fire family.
“You know, I’m not going anywhere. I love Pye-Barker and I really do. But it’s time to kind of step back and we have the people in place,” Robert said. “I would absolutely recommend Pye-Barker, without a doubt. It was just a smooth transaction. Whatever I needed, all the resources, Pye-Barker would give me. It’s like a dream really, it still feels like a dream.”
PBFS is proud to have Robert’s expertise helping keep the communities of North Carolina safe and prepared. It was an honor to purchase his business and we value the trust placed in us to carry on his legacy as he begins to enjoy his lighter load. After three decades without vacation, Robert, you certainly deserve it!
Looking for an exit strategy or ready for your business to take the next step toward growth while increasing opportunities for your employees? We would love to hear from you! Contact our VP of Business Development Chuck Reimel at 910-612-6252 or fill out the confidential form at www.pyebarkerfire.com/acquisitions to hear if the Pye-Barker Fire option is right for you.