The deal
Legacy Service Partners, a Tampa-based home services platform backed by Gridiron Capital, has added Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating of Milton, Fla. Terms were not disclosed.
Rodney Lunsford founded the company in 1981 as a one-man, one-truck operation. It is now a family- and veteran-owned Carrier dealer with offices in Milton, Freeport and Pensacola, holding contractor licenses in Florida and Alabama.
General manager Chris Lunsford will lead the company going forward.
A second-generation leader staying in charge is one of the strongest signals a buyer can get. It tells them the business doesn't depend on the founder. If your next generation is involved, that can be a major selling point, and it's worth deciding early whether they want to stay, sell, or both.
What this means if you own a family HVAC company
- Next-gen leaders add value. A family member ready to lead lowers the buyer's biggest risk.
- Brand partnerships help. A strong manufacturer dealership like Carrier is part of what's being bought.
- Multiple offices, more value. Three locations show a business that can grow beyond one shop.
Source: Legacy Service Partners announcement, July 2, 2026. Summary and analysis by V2 Strategy Advisors.