Warm Thoughts Communications enters partnership with AAVIN Private Equity

Warm Thoughts Communications, a marketing and advertising agency serving the energy and home services industries, formed a new investment partnership with AAVIN Private Equity, a firm that invests in established businesses with room for growth.

The deal marks a leadership transition at Warm Thoughts. Founder Rich Goldberg is retiring after 35 years leading the company. Longtime partners Ben Gutkin and Rich Carrione, who have overseen its strategic growth and operations, will continue to run the business.

“One of the great privileges of building a business is knowing when it’s ready for its next chapter,” says Goldberg. “I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Ben and Rich for many years, and together, we’ve built an extraordinary leadership team. I’m retiring with complete confidence, not only in who will lead Warm Thoughts, but in where they can take it.”

Company officials say clients should not expect changes to the staff and relationships they currently work with. The partnership with AAVIN is intended to preserve Warm Thoughts’ existing leadership and culture while adding resources for growth, the company says.

“For us, this isn’t about changing who we are,” says Gutkin. “It’s about becoming more of who we’ve always wanted to be. We’ve built an exceptional team, deep expertise in the industries we serve, and a culture centered on helping our clients grow.”

Carrione says the partnership provides resources to accelerate that vision while maintaining the company’s approach to client relationships.

Dan Gross, a partner at AAVIN, says Goldberg built a strong company and reputation over 35 years. “We are excited to partner with Ben, Rich and the entire Warm Thoughts team,” states Gross. “This is an established business with a strong market position, deep industry expertise and an outstanding client base. Our role is not to change what made Warm Thoughts successful, but to help the company build on that foundation.”

Warm Thoughts was founded in 1991 to serve the Northeast residential heating oil industry. It now serves propane, HVAC, heating oil and other home services companies and associations in 40 states across North America.

The partnership positions Warm Thoughts to expand its capabilities, including marketing strategy, creative services, digital advertising, technology and data-driven growth solutions, while remaining focused on the industries it serves.