Written on: August 18, 2026 by ICM
Warm Thoughts Communications, a marketing and digital advertising agency serving the energy and home services industries, announced a new investment partnership with AAVIN Private Equity, an investment firm.
GOLDBERG
Following 35 years of leadership, Warm Thoughts 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.
“One of the great privileges of building a business is knowing when it’s ready for its next chapter,” said Goldberg.
“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.”
GUTKIN
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 and culture while providing additional resources to accelerate future growth.
“For us, this isn’t about changing who we are,” said 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.”
CARRIONE
According to 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 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.”
GROSS
Founded in 1991 to serve the Northeast residential heating oil industry, Warm Thoughts has grown into a marketing agency 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.
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.
