The Smith & Oby Company

The Smith & Oby Company

Mechanical contracting for plumbing and HVAC

Overview

Smith Oby Company is a mechanical contractor based in Ohio that installs and maintains complex building systems. They focus on plumbing, HVAC, and pipe fabrication for commercial and industrial clients, delivering services through project-based contracts and ongoing maintenance. Technicians use GPS-enabled service vehicles and other technologies to ensure timely, efficient work and accurate service delivery. The company differentiates itself through a long history (established in 1898), a strong reputation for quality and professionalism, and industry recognition (Plumbing 2019 Mechanical Contractor of the Year). Its goal is to reliably support modern buildings by providing expert mechanical contracting and maintenance, primarily in the Ohio market.

Significant Headcount Growth

About The Smith & Oby Company

Simplify's Rating
Why The Smith & Oby Company is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Industrial & Manufacturing

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Walton Hills, Ohio

Founded

1898

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • April 2026 Great Place to Work certification supports recruiting and retention.
  • McNally's 2025 add-on strategy gives Smith & Oby acquisition-backed growth runway.
  • Current job postings in Ohio and West Virginia show ongoing demand and expansion.

What critics are saying

  • Private equity ownership since 2022 and sale activity in 2025 signal exit pressure.
  • Charleston, WV openings for DSO show integration risk across distant operating units.
  • Skilled-trades hiring remains hard; open HVAC and plumbing roles expose capacity constraints.

What makes The Smith & Oby Company unique

  • Founded in 1898, Smith & Oby brings rare multi-generation mechanical expertise.
  • McNally describes Smith & Oby as a union-backed Midwest mechanical platform.
  • Its capabilities span HVAC, plumbing, process piping, BIM, design-build, and 24/7 service.

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Benefits

Training Programs

Professional Development Budget

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

14%

1 year growth

14%

2 year growth

14%
InvestingReviews
Dec 11th, 2023
Smith & Oby Welcomes Jake Wattenbarger as New President and General Manager

Chicago-based private equity firm, McNally Capital, is excited to announce the appointment of Jake Wattenbarger as the new President and General Manager of portfolio company, Smith & Oby.

McNally Capital
Jul 12th, 2022
McNally Capital, LLC invested into Smithandoby on Mar 1st 22'.

In March 2022, McNally Capital invested in Smith & Oby, a leading commercial HVAC installation and services provider based in Cleveland, Ohio.

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