Growth Partner for Fleet Services Companies

About Mantle Fleet Services

Mantle Fleet Services is a growing network of fleet services and truck repair companies building the go-to maintenance and repair partner for American fleets.

Partnering with Mantle

Resources and Support for Local Leaders

Culture and Legacy

We invest in companies with strong teams and cultures, and we work with management teams to provide advancement opportunities to employees while preserving the legacy they’ve built.

Founder-Focused Deal Structures

We provide capital to invest aggressively in growth, strengthen your company’s infrastructure and take care of employees in a way that fits the unique needs of each situation.

Tailored, Custom Support

Real, in-person support with hiring, payroll, purchasing, insurance, marketing and technology so you can focus on running your shop and serving your customers.

Opportunities at Scale

Access the resources, capabilities, and customer opportunities that come with a scaled organization while keeping local autonomy.

What We Look For In A Partner

  • Strong leadership and growing market share within their region
  • Committed to leveraging technology including a shop management or CRM system
  • Motivated to scale both organically and through strategic regional acquisitions
  • Leadership teams focused on market leading service and commitment to customers

Options for Founders

Continue Running the Business

Take advantage of the growth opportunities and resources that come with a partnership, while still maintaining autonomy over your shop.

Stepping Away

We work with you to develop a transition plan on your terms. You tell us your preferences, and we create a clear path forward that works for all parties.

Fleet Types and Service Offerings

Fleet Types

  • Tractors
  • Trailers
  • Municipal
  • Vocational
  • Construction
  • Heavy Equipment

Service Offerings

  • Shop Service
  • On-Site Mobile
  • Roadside Service
  • Towing
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Inspections
In their words

Founder Testimonials*

Shaun was a fantastic partner to me from the day we met through the acquisition and beyond. He treated me like a partner, protected my investment like it was his own, and took care of my people.
Marc Barhonovich
Founder
When I decided to bring on a partner at Grace Hill, my goal was to take the foundation we built and turn it into the undisputed leader in our space. Together, with John and his team, we quickly closed multiple acquisitions, completely reshaped the market, and achieved a phenomenal exit. When John and his team commit to a growth plan, they execute.
Joe Bailey
Founder

*Testimonials describe investments made while Mantle’s partners were at prior firms.

Team

John McKernan

Director

John McKernan is a Director at Mantle Fleet Services and Managing Partner at Ardente Capital. He spent sixteen years at The Riverside Micro-Cap Fund, most recently as a Senior Partner, where he led acquisitions across a range of platforms in B2B essential services. He began his career in M&A advisory and mezzanine investing at First National of Nebraska and holds a B.S. in Finance and Accounting, magna cum laude, from Creighton University.

Shaun Kelley

Director

Shaun Kelley is a Director at Mantle Fleet Services and a Co-Founder and Operating Partner at Ardente Capital. He was previously an Operating Partner at The Riverside Company and has led businesses from under $5mm to over $75mm of EBITDA in roles from business unit leader to Chairman. Shaun and John have worked together for five years on two realized investments and one unrealized investment. Shaun was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and holds a B.A. from Salve Regina University.

Nick Giacco

Director

Nick Giacco is a Director at Mantle Fleet Services and a Co-Founder at Ardente Capital. He was previously a Vice President at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, where he led business development and built sourcing processes, and before that a Manager at Axial Networks, working with hundreds of middle market private equity firms. Nick holds a B.A. in Political Science from Trinity College.