WARM THOUGHTS COMMUNICATIONS ENTERS NEXT CHAPTER OF GROWTH THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH AAVIN PRIVATE EQUITY

Written on: August 16, 2026

35-year energy and home services marketing agency expands its ability to serve clients while maintaining its leadership, team and culture

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Warm Thoughts Communications, a leading marketing and digital advertising agency serving the energy and home services industries, today announced a new investment partnership with AAVIN Private Equity, an investment firm focused on established businesses with proven business models and opportunities for continued growth.

The partnership marks the next chapter for Warm Thoughts. Following 35 years of leadership, founder Rich Goldberg is retiring, while longtime partners Ben Gutkin and Rich Carrione—who have been leading the company’s strategic growth and operations for years—will continue to lead Warm Thoughts.

Ben Gutkin, President, Client Strategy and Services

Rich Carrione, President, Business Operations and Finance

“One of the great privileges of building a business is knowing when it’s ready for its next chapter,” said Rich Goldberg, Founder of Warm Thoughts Communications. “I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Ben and Rich for many years, and together we’ve built an extraordinary leadership team. I’m retiring with complete confidence—not only in who will lead Warm Thoughts, but in where they can take it.”

For Warm Thoughts clients, the people, relationships and commitment they’ve come to rely on remain unchanged. The new partnership with AAVIN is designed to preserve the leadership, culture and “special sauce” that have made Warm Thoughts a market leader while providing additional resources to accelerate future growth.

“For us, this isn’t about changing who we are,” said Ben Gutkin. “It’s about becoming more of who we’ve always wanted to be. We’ve built an exceptional team, deep expertise in the industries we serve, and a culture centered on helping our clients grow.” According to Rich Carrione, “Partnering with AAVIN gives us the resources to accelerate that vision while continuing to deliver the same strategic guidance and personal relationships our clients have always relied on.”

Rich Goldberg, Founder of Warm Thoughts Communications

“Rich Goldberg built an exceptional company and a tremendous reputation over 35 years,” said Dan Gross, Partner at AAVIN. “We are excited to partner with Ben, Rich and the entire Warm Thoughts team. This is an established business with a strong market position, deep industry expertise and an outstanding client base. Our role is not to change what made Warm Thoughts successful, but to help the company build on that foundation.”

Founded in 1991 to serve the Northeast residential heating oil industry, Warm Thoughts has grown into one of North America’s leading marketing agencies specializing in the home services industries. Today, the company supports propane, HVAC, heating oil and broader home services companies and associations in 40 states throughout North America.

Dan Gross, Partner, AAVIN Private Equity

The partnership with AAVIN Private Equity positions Warm Thoughts to continue expanding its capabilities – marketing strategy, creative services, digital advertising, technology, and data-driven growth solutions – while remaining focused on the industries it knows best.

About Warm Thoughts Communications

Warm Thoughts Communications is a 35-year marketing and digital advertising agency specializing in the home services industries. The company partners with propane, HVAC, heating oil and home services companies and associations throughout North America, combining deep industry expertise with marketing strategy, creative, digital advertising, technology and data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable business success.

About AAVIN Private Equity

AAVIN Private Equity partners with established businesses and proven business models to help fuel continued growth. Through investment, strategic support and long-term partnership, AAVIN works alongside management teams to build on existing strengths and pursue new opportunities.