Champions
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Blackstone
What PE Will Likely Do
Reduction in technician training programs leading to lower quality repairs and installations
Consolidation of local service brands under Champions name, eliminating customer choice and competitive pricing
Shift from employed technicians to 1099 independent contractors with less accountability and consistency
Reduced inventory of specialized parts, leading to longer wait times for repairs and more 'good enough' temporary fixes
Implementation of dynamic pricing algorithms that raise rates during peak demand periods (summer AC failures, winter heating emergencies)
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements about 'enhancing customer experience' and 'operational excellence'; quiet termination of senior technicians with highest salaries; introduction of new 'efficiency' scheduling software
“6 to 12 months months”
First wave of acquired local competitors rebranded to Champions; customer complaints rise about unfamiliar technicians; service call prices increase 15-25%
“12 to 24 months months”
Noticeable decline in first-visit fix rates; customers report being told parts 'need to be ordered' repeatedly; emergency response times lengthen; technician turnover visibly high
What You Can Do
Actions
Lock in any existing maintenance contracts before terms change or prices rise
Document all current warranty terms in writing; expect future claims to face heavier scrutiny
Build relationships with specific technicians now—request them by name before employee turnover accelerates
Get multiple quotes for major system replacements before and after acquisition closes
Consider establishing service relationships with independent local providers as backup options
Alternatives
Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses