Cardinal, a second-generation business serving the Madison, Wisconsin, market, was founded by Rick and Sharon Ouimette in 1984. Their sons, Craig and Keith Ouimette, joined the company after graduating from high school. Since 2015, Cardinal has experienced rapid growth, shifting its focus from construction to specializing in residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services.

“Redwood and Cardinal share a commitment to putting people first — both customers and employees,” said Richard Lewis, Redwood’s CEO. “We look forward to collaborating with Cardinal as they continue their impressive growth. With a strong reputation for offering a comprehensive range of services, they are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences. We are eager to support and contribute to their ongoing success in the greater Madison market.”

The Ouimette family will retain a significant minority ownership stake as part of the investment. The Cardinal team will continue to operate and manage the business under its banner and name, while Redwood will offer operational, strategic, and financial support to enhance the company’s growth, the press release said.

“Cardinal is deeply committed to advancing the HVAC industry through our educational programs, which provide essential professional development opportunities while maintaining the high level of service our customers expect,” said Rick Ouimette. “Partnering with Redwood will strengthen our ability to train and equip the next generation of skilled technicians, further driving innovation and the continued growth of ‘the trades’ workforce.”