Foundral

How shared services reduce risk

foundral

by

For mechanical contracting companies, acquisition by a capital partner can bring many advantages, including greater ability to bid on big projects and expand into new markets. However, one of the most significant advantages often goes overlooked: by offering a platform of shared services, the right capital partner can help reduce risk.

When a business grows, so does the level of risk it faces. Compliance requirements become more demanding, cybersecurity threats increase and payroll becomes more intricate. These are all areas where contractors may experience increased vulnerability, but enterprise-level shared services can provide a level of protection.

Risk mitigation through a shared service platform

For an example of how shared services minimize risk, just consider payroll. Payroll errors can be extremely costly, and thankfully they can largely be avoided through a centralized payroll process. That’s something capital partners can deliver.

When capital partners bring established back-end infrastructure, it typically means a high level of standardization. It means proven processes and internal systems for handling payroll, ensuring accuracy and precision. It means contractors no longer have to figure out things like labor laws and reporting requirements all on their own; they have direct access to credible resources and expertise.

All of this helps decrease the fines and penalties that can arise from inconsistency or from administrative errors, which in turn helps safeguard the contractor’s reputation and profitability.

Cybersecurity is just as perilous. Contractors can be prime targets for hackers, and many contractors lack the resources they need to ensure their digital assets are safe. Shared IT services typically mean more robust security measures, more consistent backups and more regular system upkeep, all without the contractor having to become an IT expert.

These are just a few examples of the risks that mechanical contractors face, and of how a shared service platform can keep those risks in check. Find out more about the advantages of working with a capital partner by contacting Foundral today.

by

Prestigious honor reflects overwhelmingly positive feedback from employees, attesting to healthy and supportive culture

CHICAGO — April 27, 2026 — Smith & Oby, a leading mechanical contracting company and part of the Foundral platform, has been certified as a Great Place to Work®. The honor, based on extensive surveys of current Smith & Oby employees, validates the company’s positive culture and high levels of workforce satisfaction.

The survey data finds that 88% of Smith & Oby employees say that the company is a great place to work; by comparison, the average rating at a typical American company is just 57%. Additionally, 85% of Smith & Oby employees say that new hires are made to feel welcome.

“Our company has a history that extends back 125 years, an achievement that we attribute to our high caliber of people,” said Jake Wattenbarger, president and general manager of Smith & Oby. “Though we bring diverse skill sets to work each day, we share a commitment to building structures that last throughout the Midwest. That mutual respect and passion are a big part of what makes Smith & Oby a Great Place to Work.”

Smith & Oby provides extensive mechanical contracting services, including plumbing and process piping, HVAC installation and retrofitting, sheet metal fabrication and more. The company is actively partnered with more than 300 companies in healthcare, education and commercial markets. Since 2022, the company has been aligned with Foundral and its backing partner, McNally Capital.

“We’re not just investing in companies; we’re investing in people,” said Jason Richards, CEO of Foundral. “Great Place to Work certification validates the investment we’ve made in Smith & Oby, confirming that their remarkable work stems largely from the fact that they simply love coming to work each day.”

For more information about Smith & Oby, visit www.smithandoby.com.

For more information about Foundral, visit www.foundral.com.