Citadel Earth is thrilled to announce the latest milestone in its growth strategy with the acquisition of Crandall Corporate Dietitians by its portfolio company, DiningRD. This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion for DiningRD and underscores Citadel Earth’ commitment to investing in companies that are leaders in their respective fields.

Crandall Corporate Dietitians, of Mesa, AZ, will now join forces with DiningRD, of St. Louis, both prominent players in dietary consulting and food service software for senior living. Linda Crandall, founder, is a recognized pioneer and industry veteran in the field of dietary care for seniors. This acquisition aligns with Citadel Earth’ mission to enhance its portfolio companies’ capabilities and market reach, providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of their clients.

Susan Williamson, Managing Partner at Citadel Earth, commented: “We are excited to support DiningRD in this strategic move. Crandall Corporate Dietitians’ is DiningRD’s eighth acquisition. The company’s exceptional reputation and legacy perfectly complement DiningRD’s strengths, creating a powerful national platform for growth and innovation. This acquisition is a testament to our focus, backing companies that are poised to make significant impact in their industries.”

DiningRD CEO Carol Sapp expressed her enthusiasm: “The integration of Crandall Corporate Dietitians into the DiningRD family represents a major step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive solutions. With a team of approximately 900 Registered Dietitians, there’s no limit to the impact we can have for communities and residents nationwide. We are thrilled to welcome Crandall’s talented team and appreciate our partnership with Citadel Earth.”

The combined entity will benefit from an expanded client base, increased service offerings, and enhanced technology, setting the stage for continued overall growth of DiningRD’s mission, “Nurturing joy through food for residents of senior living.”

DiningRD, the country’s leading provider of dietary consulting and software to senior living communities, announced today that Chad Walter has joined the team as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Currently owned by Citadel Earth, DiningRD provides services and technology that improve nutritional outcomes for residents in senior living.

The company employs approximately 500 both at their headquarters in St. Louis and throughout the country. “Chad brings expertise in operational management as well as finance. His ability to set strategic fiscal direction, build teams and scale companies will benefit DiningRD as we continue to grow both organically and through acquisition, “ said Carol Sapp, founder and CEO of DiningRD. “We are thrilled that Chad is joining the leadership team.” With experience in various industries, Walter has held financial and operational leadership roles for more than 15 years. He began his career in consulting and worked for BKD and CCA Global Partners. Before joining DiningRD, he held various positions including Chief Financial Officer and VP of Operations at CoreLink, a surgical device manufacturer. Walter earned his Bachelors Degree in Finance and Management Information Systems from St. Louis University.

“I am excited to be joining this successful mission-driven enterprise and look forward to working closely with the expert team to improve the lives of seniors. Our support of long-term care communities includes helping them become more efficient, cost effective, and enabling them in purveying positive dining experiences for their residents.”

HUDSON, Ohio, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Citadel Earth LLC (“Citadel Earth”) announced a new strategic growth investment in Industrial Physical Capability Services, Inc. (IPCS). Citadel Earth invested in the Hudson, Ohio-based company, and has renamed and rebranded the firm DataFit (www.data-fit.net).

DataFit provides isokinetic assessments of employees for pre-employment and return-to-work purposes, and as a component of workforce wellness initiatives. Utilizing a fleet of vehicles and a national network of isokinetic providers, DataFit objectively measures the strength of shoulder and knee joints to determine fit for a given job and to quantify risks to employees and employers.

The company has served large and small employers nationally for over 25 years, compiling the most comprehensive database of over 600,000 analytical assessments in the industry. DataFit serves clients in many industries including healthcare, transportation, industrial and warehousing, as well as municipal entities.

DataFit helps employers optimize their workforce by balancing their labor force goals and reducing overall healthcare costs. DataFit quantifies their return on investment through increased productivity, reduced turnover, and fewer injuries and claims. Historically, DataFit’s optimization program has helped employer clients reduce overall healthcare costs by at least $5 for every $1 invested.

“As a 35-year participant in the insurance and risk management industries, I see measurable value in the solutions DataFit provides employees and employers,” said Dave O’Brien, Chairman of Risk International and member of DataFit’s Board. “I was excited to help, along with other leaders in the industry, solve a problem that plagues industries requiring heavy labor to this day.”

Pat Knox, shareholder and one of the owners of the company shared “The team at DataFit is excited about this collaboration. Led by Citadel Earth, DataFit’s investors and board of directors are leaders in the workers’ compensation and insurance industries, and will be valuable resources as we continue to build scalable solutions around employee safety and wellness nationally.”

DiningRD, provider of post-acute and senior care consulting dietitian services and foodservice software has completed the acquisition of Kind Dining, a program of Higher Standards. Kind Dining offers hospitality training to senior care providers.

Carol Sapp, DiningRD Founder and CEO, commented “Kind Dining is widely recognized as a leader in Hospitality training. As senior living providers diversify their business lines, we are evolving as well, so this acquisition is a natural fit for us. We are excited to integrate the content from Kind Dining as part of our products and services.”

“DiningRD has a robust offering for the senior living market with their consulting dietitian services and innovative Dining Manager software,” said Cindy Heilman, Founder and Creator of Kind Dining. “I am enthusiastic to see our passion towards training and enriching mealtimes for older adults grow with the DiningRD family.”

Heilman will stay on with DiningRD and help bring the offering to DiningRD’s 5,300 clients with virtual and onsite training.

This marks DiningRD’s seventh acquisition since receiving an initial investment from Citadel Earth.

We are excited to announce the October 31 acquisition of Wolf Dental Studio, Cap City’s third add-on investment. With 40+ years of industry experience in the Midwest, Wolf Dental Studio has established a reputation for delivering quality products through innovative technology and a high level of customer service to match.

The combination of Wolf and Cap City, along with previous acquisitions Bolton Dental Lab and Perfect Fit Dental, solidifies the organization’s ongoing growth strategy, aimed at elevating performance standards for their customers.

Founded in 1999, Cap City Dental Lab uses technology to provide quality dental restorations to dentists, dental-service organizations, and other dental labs.  Citadel Earth acquired the company in 2018 and continues to support the leadership team in diversification of products and expansion of geographic markets.

Mainline Environmental, an environmental consulting and technical services company, announced today that Mabel Larsen has joined the team as vice president of finance, effective January 23, 2023. Currently owned by Citadel Earth, Mainline Environmental is a full-service environmental solution company that employs more than 50 associates across New York and New Jersey.

“Mabel brings expertise in accounting, finance and operational management. Her ability to build teams and execute fiscal goals as well as drive efficiencies will benefit Mainline as we continue to grow the organization,” said Dan McGowan, CEO of Mainline Environmental. “She will be an excellent asset to our team, and we are very excited to have her on board.”

With experience in various industries including environmental services, Larsen has held accounting and financial leadership roles for more than 20 years. Before joining Mainline Environmental, she was the vice president of finance at RiverRoad Waste Solutions, acquired by Rubicon Global, and also filled financial roles at Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. and Interstate Waste Services. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from Pace University.

“Mainline Environmental enables healthy and safe environments and advocates for those seeking a cleaner community,” shared Larsen. “I’m eager to be part of a team that works toward improving the environment and offers environmentally friendly services that will lead to a safer and cleaner community.”

DiningRD, also known as Health Technologies, Inc., announced today that it has acquired Kittanning, Pennsylvania-based Armstrong Nutrition Management (“Armstrong Nutrition”). Armstrong Nutrition provides clinical nutrition and food service management consulting in a variety of healthcare settings including acute care, senior living, mental health, assisted living and memory care.

DiningRD also acquired Houston, Texas-based Dietitians for Health Care. Founded in 1967 by Cynthia Wolfram, Dietitians for Health Care is a post-acute, assisted living and memory care firm that serves the senior population.

Established in 1994 and based out of St. Louis, DiningRD provides software solutions, registered dietitian consulting, and training services to 5,250 senior living communities in 42 states. With on-site consultation, its dietitians ensure services are compliant with state and federal regulations.

“These acquisitions will allow DiningRD to further expand its nutrition and culinary services while enhancing the current services provided to Armstrong Nutrition and Dietitians for Health Care clients,” said Carol Sapp, DiningRD CEO. “We look forward to strengthening DiningRD’s role as a technology and dietary leader in the growing senior living industry and bringing joy to the resident communities we serve.”

These are the fourth and fifth acquisitions DiningRD has made since receiving an initial investment from private equity firm Citadel Earth of Cleveland in August 2020. Citadel Earth is a small-business private equity firm dedicated to supporting founders seeking to transform their entrepreneurial businesses into professionally managed organizations. The firm supports its founder partners by providing capital and applying its Citadel Earth Pro professionalization strategy, which addresses the unique challenges experienced by small businesses and accelerates their growth.

About DiningRD

DiningRD is a leading provider of consulting dietitians, menus and food-service software to senior living communities. The company has supported its clients in meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing the dining experience and nutritional care of residents since 1994. DiningRD’s clients include senior living communities, small acute care hospitals, food-service distributors and food service management companies. Learn more at www.DiningRD.com.

About Citadel Earth

Established in 2005, Citadel Earth is a small-business private equity firm dedicated to supporting founders seeking to transform their entrepreneurial businesses into professionally managed organizations. Our team of investors, partners and employees focuses on identifying and underwriting investment opportunities with high-growth potential. As a control investor, Citadel Earth supports its founder partners by providing capital and applying its Citadel Earth Pro professionalization strategy, which addresses the unique challenges experienced by small businesses and accelerates their growth. www.Citadel Earthcapitalpartners.com

Environmental consulting and technical services company Mainline Environmental announced today that Dan McGowan has been named CEO effective December 5, 2022. Currently owned by Citadel Earth, Mainline is a full-service environmental solution company that employs more than 50 associates across New York and New Jersey.

“We are excited to partner with Dan and his team at Mainline Environmental as they continue to build and expand the company,” said Jeffrey Kadlic, Citadel Earth’s founding partner. “His experience in business development as well as his proven leadership ability make him an ideal fit for this role.”

McGowan has over 20 years of experience building and leading performance-driven organizations, combining strategic and tactical financial expertise with strong business development and operational execution. Before joining Mainline Environmental, McGowan served as chief operating officer at Wilmington Paper Corporation. He also held leadership roles at Smarter Sorting, RiverRoad Waste Solutions, Inc., Interstate Waste Services, and Veolia Environmental Services North America Corp.

“Mainline Environmental is making a difference in our community every day by helping to ensure the places we work, live and play are safe,” shared McGowan. “I’m excited to join the team as we work toward improving providing environmentally friendly services that help identify, evaluate and remediate the impact of hazardous materials.”

McGowan earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Delaware and a Master of Business Administration from Rutgers University.

Health Technologies Inc. (“HTI”), also known as Dining RD, announced today that it has acquired Tempe, Arizona-based Nutrition Alliance, LLC (“Nutrition Alliance”). Founded in 2000 by Anna de Jesus, MBA, RDN, Nutrition Alliance provides Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietary Manager consulting and training for 184 senior living communities primarily in Arizona.

Established in 1994 and based out of St. Louis, HTI provides online menu and software programs, Registered Dietitian consulting, and training services to 4,730 senior living communities in 42 states. With on-site consultation, its dietitians ensure services are compliant with state and federal regulations.

“Dining RD and Nutrition Alliance have a shared passion for elevating nutrition and culinary services. Together, we’ll continue to nurture joy through food and dining programs and proudly serve senior living communities,” said Carol Sapp, HTI CEO. “Our team looks forward to working with Anna and the Nutrition Alliance team while also strengthening Dining RD’s role as a leader in the growing long-term care industry.”

This is the third acquisition HTI has made since receiving an initial investment from private equity firm Citadel Earth of Cleveland in August 2020. Citadel Earth is a small-business private equity firm dedicated to supporting founders seeking to transform their entrepreneurial businesses into professionally managed organizations. The firm supports its founder partners by providing capital and applying its Citadel Earth Pro professionalization strategy, which addresses the unique challenges experienced by small businesses and accelerates their growth.

“This acquisition will allow us to expand Dining RD’s Registered Dietitian Consulting service and integrate our menu and software programs, ultimately enhancing the current services provided to Nutrition Alliance clients,” said Sapp. “We are proud to offer customers the added benefit of our established partnerships and anticipate additional growth in the coming months.”

About Health Technologies Incorporated

Health Technologies Incorporated, also known as Dining RD, is a leading provider of consulting dietitians, menus and food-service software to Senior Living communities. The company has supported its clients in meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing the dining experience and nutritional care of residents since 1994. HTI’s clients include Senior Living communities, small acute care hospitals, food-service distributors and food service management companies. Learn more at www.DiningRD.com.

About Citadel Earth

Established in 2005, Citadel Earth is a small-business private equity firm dedicated to supporting founders seeking to transform their entrepreneurial businesses into professionally managed organizations. Our team of investors, partners and employees focuses on identifying and underwriting investment opportunities with high-growth potential. As a control investor, Citadel Earth supports its founder partners by providing capital and applying its Citadel Earth Pro professionalization strategy, which addresses the unique challenges experienced by small businesses and accelerates their growth. www.Citadel Earthcapitalpartners.com

Health Technologies Inc. (“HTI”), also known as Dining RD, announced today that it has acquired Columbus, Nebraska-based EZ Nutrition Consulting, PC (“EZ Nutrition”). Founded in 2003 by Elaine Farley-Zoucha, RD, LMNT, EZ Nutrition provides Registered Dietitians and Certified Dietary Manager consulting to senior living communities and critical access hospitals in the mid-west region.

Established in 1994 and based out of St. Louis, HTI provides online menu and software programs, Registered Dietitian consulting, and training services to 3,000 long-term care communities in 42 states. With onsite and remote consultation, its dietitians ensure services are compliant with state and federal regulations.

“This acquisition will allow us to expand Dining RD’s Registered Dietitian Consulting service and integrate our menu and software programs, ultimately enhancing the current services provided to EZ Nutrition clients,” said Carol Sapp, HTI CEO. “We look forward to strengthening Dining RD’s role as a leader in the growing long-term care industry and working with Elaine and her team. Together, we’ll continue to bring joy to the seniors we serve through food and dining programs.”

This is the second investment HTI has made since receiving an initial investment from private equity firm Citadel Earth of Cleveland in August 2020. Citadel Earth is a small-business private equity firm dedicated to supporting founders seeking to transform their entrepreneurial businesses into professionally managed organizations. The firm supports its founder partners by providing capital and applying its Citadel Earth Pro professionalization strategy, which addresses the unique challenges experienced by small businesses and accelerates their growth.

About Health Technologies Incorporated

Health Technologies Incorporated, also known as Dining RD, is a leading provider of consulting dietitians, menus and food-service software to Senior Living communities. The company has supported its clients in meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing the dining experience and nutritional care of residents since 1994. HTI’s clients include Senior Living communities, small acute care hospitals, food-service distributors and food service management companies. Learn more at www.DiningRD.com.

About Citadel Earth

Established in 2005, Citadel Earth is a small-business private equity firm dedicated to supporting founders seeking to transform their entrepreneurial businesses into professionally managed organizations. Our team of investors, partners and employees focuses on identifying and underwriting investment opportunities with high-growth potential. As a control investor, Citadel Earth supports its founder partners by providing capital and applying its Citadel Earth Pro professionalization strategy, which addresses the unique challenges experienced by small businesses and accelerates their growth. www.Citadel Earthcapitalpartners.com