Tampa, FL – January 6, 2026, Triage Partners (“Triage”) is a rapidly growing technology-enabled services and software provider for the telecommunications sector, primarily focused on fiber installation and repair (“I&R”) services as well as integrated supply chain solutions. Benton Technical Services (“Benton”) is a turnkey telecommunications services provider specializing in fiber, coax, aerial, underground, and fiber-to-the-home (“FTTH”) installations. J. Carlson Services (“JCS”) is also a turnkey telecommunications services provider specializing in fiber underground outside plant (“OSP”) construction, splicing, and FTTH installations.
Founded in 2003, Triage has a long-standing reputation across the industry for unmatched service, highly qualified technicians, and exceptional customer support. Benton and JCS become the first companies to join Triage in its mission to build a national leader in telecom services that is trusted by broadband providers to ensure every community has access to the future through reliable fiber internet. With both of these acquisitions, Triage is able to offer an enhanced value proposition with additional capabilities across the fiber buildout and installation value chain, truly providing full turnkey solutions to its customers in urban and rural markets across the country.
James Han, CEO of Triage, who possesses deep experience leading enterprise, startup, and military teams, will lead the combined business as CEO from the company’s headquarters in Tampa, FL. Industry veterans Eric Conger, Jeremy Kintz, and Sarah Phillips will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of Benton, while industry veterans Corey Blotske, Jake O’Bryan, and Chad Sutherland will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of JCS, all collectively assisting in accelerating the combined company’s growth trajectory.
"By welcoming Benton and JCS into our family of companies, we're expanding a group united by a shared mission: bringing reliable fiber internet to every community. Each company adds its own story, culture, and expertise, and we're committed to supporting their growth while honoring what makes them unique. Together, we're building a stronger, more capable organization – one that can help our customers connect more families than ever before," said James Han, Triage CEO.
In a joint statement, Benton founders Eric, Jeremy, and Sarah said: "Joining Triage marks an exciting new chapter for Benton. We're proud of the reputation our team has built through years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service. Partnering with Triage – and alongside the talented JCS team – strengthens our collective ability to deliver one of the most comprehensive turnkey fiber solutions in the industry."
"Joining Triage is an exciting step for JCS and the customers we serve. We've built our reputation on quality, safety, and doing the job right, and Triage shares those same standards. Together, we'll be able to scale our impact, expand our capabilities, and help deliver the fiber infrastructure America needs for the future," said Jeffrey Carlson, founder of JCS.
Johannes Zwick, Managing Partner at Broadtree Partners, added, “Both the Benton and JCS acquisitions are highly strategic transactions for all three organizations. The combined business will be able to offer full turnkey construction, installation, repair, and maintenance services to its telecom and electric cooperative customers across the country. With the addition of Benton and JCS, Triage is well positioned to drive continued growth as a leading provider of end-to-end fiber infrastructure services.”
Broadtree Partners, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a lower middle market private equity firm focused primarily on business services, government services, healthcare services, and technology. Broadtree has made 16 platform investments and 36 total acquisitions since inception. Central to Broadtree’s strategy is a commitment to identify and partner with talented executives to drive value while preserving legacy and core values through flexible acquisition arrangements ranging from operational partnerships to seamless, coordinated exit and transfer of leadership solutions.
Holland & Knight served as legal counsel to Broadtree Partners and Triage Partners for both the Benton and JCS transactions.
TI Partners served as the financial advisor and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton served as legal counsel to Benton Technical Services.
Vermillion Capital served as the financial advisor and Fredrickson served as legal counsel to J. Carlson Services.
The acquisitions were completed in partnership with JP Morgan Chase and Northwest Bank, who acted as the lead arranger and admin agent for the senior secured credit facilities.
