Small-Town Roots, Global Reach: Grove Electric’s Remarkable Transformation
This article appeared on MSN.com.
In the quiet town of Grove, Oklahoma, a local electrical supply company is making waves far beyond its regional footprint. Grove Electric & Lighting Supply, a trusted name in its community for nearly 30 years, has not only posted record-breaking growth in 2025 but also taken the bold leap into European capital markets—a rare move for a small U.S.-based business.
So how did this hometown staple become a rising international player?
A Turning Point: New Ownership, Same Values
Everything changed in September 2024, when Grove was acquired by Raven Resources Corp., a strategic investment firm with a broader vision. The deal marked the end of an era for longtime owner Jerry Smith, who had built Grove into a cornerstone of the regional electrical supply chain. Before his passing shortly after the acquisition, Smith gave his full support to the transition, confident that Raven shared Grove’s customer-first approach and community values.
Despite the change in ownership, the company’s day-to-day operations remained in familiar hands. Tim Williams continues to manage the business, now backed by Raven’s senior leadership, including Jamie Moss and Steve Kelly. Their collaborative approach has helped integrate Grove into a wider strategic network—without compromising the autonomy and service culture that customers have trusted for decades.
Skyrocketing Growth
Since the acquisition, Grove has entered an explosive growth phase. First-quarter revenue in 2025 nearly doubled compared to the previous year, up a staggering 98.6%. Monthly gains were just as striking—64% in January, 140% in February, and 86% in March. And the momentum hasn't let up: June revenue jumped 76% year-over-year.
What’s fueling this growth? A mix of operational support, strategic capital, and an unwavering focus on customer service—all rooted in Grove’s long-standing relationships with vendors and contractors. Many team members have been with the company for more than 17 years, creating an environment of trust and continuity that’s increasingly rare.
Going Global: A Big Step into European Markets
While the local business is booming, Grove’s ambitions now reach across the Atlantic.
In mid-2025, Grove achieved a significant milestone: formal approval from Germany’s BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) to publish a Securities Information Sheet under ISIN US3999172022. This allows the company to market securities across the European Economic Area—effectively giving Grove access to a vast new pool of institutional investors.
“This approval signals a new phase in Grove’s journey,” said Paul Scribner, CEO of Raven Resources. “It opens doors to European investors and affirms our commitment to regulatory transparency.”
Achieving this approval required coordination with a global team of advisors, including Frankfurt-based Dr. Wolfgang Hess, McDermott Will & Emery’s international team led by Joseph B. Evans, and Ryan Ricke of Kane Russell Coleman and Logan. European onboarding was supported by Black Manta Capital Partners and Van Sterling Group’s Sven Büchel, with oversight from both Grove and Raven executives like Gregory Man, Siddharth Jaideep, and Kelly Delp.
Dealmakers Behind the Scenes
The original acquisition of Grove Electric was itself a carefully orchestrated transaction. Chuck Woolley of Kingsley Group brokered the deal on behalf of the seller, while Raven’s legal team included Derek R. Staub (Frost Brown and Todd) and Mike Nichols (Spencer Fane). Caisha Wholesale Electric, the prior owner, was represented by Logan Hathcoat of Hathcoat Wade. Tax and financial diligence were led by Amanda Kastler, CPA, and financing came through OakStar Bank.
A Model for Modern SMEs
Grove Electric’s evolution is impressive not just because of its growth, but because of how it’s been achieved: by staying true to its roots.
While many small businesses struggle to adapt to changing markets or resist outside influence, Grove has shown that it’s possible to embrace global financial practices while keeping the heart of a local service business intact. It's become a test case for how traditional SMEs can access international capital markets—without losing the culture and relationships that made them successful in the first place.
As Grove Electric continues its upward trajectory, it stands as more than just a regional leader. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when small-town integrity meets strategic ambition.
