Technology

SmartAC Brings Its HVAC Intelligence Model to Every Service Call with New Gen2 Sensor

Published

4 hours ago

October 1, 2026

A low-cost sensor with no Wi-Fi and no wiring gives contractors visibility into far more of the homes they serve.

HOUSTON, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SmartAC, the AI-native HVAC intelligence platform built for residential HVAC, today introduced its purpose-built intelligence model and SmartAC Gen2 Sensor, the low-cost, single-sensor hardware that delivers it. Where contractors already use SmartAC, revenue per home is up nearly 20%, as reported in Contracting Business’s September 2026 cover story. The new intelligence model and Gen2 hardware extend that visibility to homes that have been out of reach, including the nearly 80% of homeowners not enrolled in any maintenance or membership program, according to a SmartAC survey. SmartAC will showcase Gen2 at Pantheon, October 5 to 7 in Orlando.

The opportunity starts with the hardware. Gen2 streamlines SmartAC’s footprint into one sensor that requires no Wi-Fi and no wiring, simple enough that a homeowner could install it, at $5 a month. Removing the cost and installation barriers means far more homes can be connected, and every connected home sends more data into the model, sharpening the intelligence available to every contractor on the platform.

The model rests on a foundation SmartAC spent more than three years building: real-world performance data from over 90,000 connected homes, with each sensor capturing roughly 15,000 data points a day. That data is what allowed the engineering team SmartAC began assembling in January to deliver, in under a year, what the company believes is the industry’s first proprietary frontier model for residential HVAC, trained to reason about the physics, behavior, and operation of real-world HVAC systems.

That team is led by Chief Technology Officer Matt Robillard, with Vice President of Engineering Duy Vo, Head of Data Michael Tompkins, Lead Mobile Engineer Jim Puls, and Platform Architect Giel de Nijs, whose appointments the company announced in April.

Inferring how an entire HVAC system is performing from one sensor is a hard problem: no two homes share the same equipment, age, installation, or climate. Combining sensor data with context such as climate, home characteristics, and how comparable systems nearby are performing, the model goes beyond flagging that something seems off. From a single sensor, it characterizes how an HVAC system is actually performing and identifies problems as they form, before they become no-cool calls.

That reach matters because most homes are invisible to their contractor between visits. In a SmartAC survey of 998 homeowners conducted in August 2026, 78.8% were not enrolled in a maintenance or membership program. Gen2 gives contractors a low-cost way to stay connected to those homes, alongside their membership programs rather than in place of them. Each one becomes a potential home under management: a system they can see, a relationship they keep, and service demand that comes to them first. When a system starts to decline, the contractor knows before the homeowner calls anyone, turning early warnings into repair work, planned replacements, and membership conversations instead of emergency calls that may go to a competitor.

The launch builds on results SmartAC partners are already seeing. Their Gen1 systems in the field will run on the same intelligence model and benefit from the same improvements, and Gen2 gives them an additional, lower-cost way to expand the number of homes they have under management.

“For more than three years, SmartAC has been learning how residential HVAC systems perform in the real world. Our launch of Gen2 makes it easy to put in almost any home and turns that learning into actionable intelligence,” said Josh Teekell, Founder and CEO of SmartAC. “Our mission is to perfect the experience of home comfort. For most homeowners, that still depends on luck. With Gen2, we can replace that with foresight in almost any home, at a price that works for the homeowner and the contractor alike.”

“Characterizing how an entire HVAC system is performing from a single sensor is something new,” said Matt Robillard, Chief Technology Officer of SmartAC. “It gives technicians better information before they arrive: what the system has been doing, how it compares, and where to look first. The diagnosis stays with the technician, and the homeowner gets a contractor who arrives prepared.”

Gen2 is available now to SmartAC contractor partners. Contractors can learn more at smartac.com or visit SmartAC at Pantheon, October 5 to 7.

About SmartAC
SmartAC is the AI-native HVAC intelligence platform built for residential HVAC. Its proprietary intelligence model, trained on years of real-world data from connected homes, gives HVAC service providers a clear view of how every system they serve is performing – so they can act before small problems become emergencies and build service relationships grounded in trust and transparency. That visibility helps contractors improve service outcomes, increase customer conversion and retention, and build scalable recurring revenue programs, while homeowners get fewer surprise breakdowns and more reliable comfort year-round. By uniting connected technology with contractor-focused tools, SmartAC is elevating the future of home comfort. With SmartAC, Change is in the Air.

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SOURCE SmartAC

Technology

Batteries Plus Fuels Franchise Growth with 19 New Q3 Signings

Published

43 minutes ago

October 1, 2026

Additional Franchise Agreements in Florida, Texas, and More Highlight Strong Momentum for Nation’s Leading Specialty Battery Franchise

HARTLAND, Wis., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading battery and power solutions service center, is fully charged heading into the end of 2026. The brand continued its strong, steady momentum in Q3, signing 19 new franchise agreements and opening 13 new locations across 6 markets, and is well positioned to carry that growth into Q4.

The continued growth we’re seeing reflects power and connectivity, and our brand is uniquely positioned to deliver both.

“The continued pace of growth we’re seeing clearly reflects power and connectivity, and Batteries Plus is uniquely positioned to deliver both,” said Victor Daher, Vice President of Global Franchise Development for Batteries Plus. “Entrepreneurs recognize that, and our pipeline of new franchisees and existing operators shows continued confidence in our brand, our innovation, and the strong returns our model can deliver.”

Batteries Plus continues its rapid growth with locations opening across six states, Florida, Utah, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Alabama, and Texas. This expansion reflects the high demand for Batteries Plus’ business model, and the excitement of franchise partners who are eager to bring the brand to their communities.

Inspirational Testimonials
From a Green Bay garage to a national franchise leader, Batteries Plus leadership shares the brand’s journey and their vision for what’s next. Watch the full video here.

Founded nearly 40 years ago in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Batteries Plus has grown from a garage, into what leadership calls a “walk-in clinic for batteries.” The company kept every door open during COVID, and recorded its best signing year in 2021, and now signs 60-70 new stores annually. “We didn’t just survive COVID, we grew through it,” said Joe Malmuth, Chief Development Officer for Batteries Plus. “That’s strategy, that’s execution, and that’s business franchisees truly believe in.”

AI Innovation
Building on that momentum, Batteries Plus has unveiled a new AI platform that’s designed to accelerate franchise growth and better the in-store experience. The new platform includes Savannah, an in-house AI agent that answers potential franchisees’ questions; Edison, a voice assistant that’s bilingual and ensures every call to every store gets answered; and Wattson, a search tool that helps customers find the right product. Rollout has begun across all locations and will be fully accessible by the end of September, as Batteries Plus continues its growth across the United States.

Powered by Recognition
That growth and innovation continue to earn industry recognition, with Batteries Plus moving into Q4 with a ranking of #118 on the Franchise Times Top 400 list. With 40 years of operational experience and more than 800 stores open and in development, Batteries plus leads in specialty retail, delivering value to everyone it serves.

This recognition extends to the brand’s franchisees, the International Franchise Association named Stephen Lutfi, owner of several Batteries Plus stores in Phoenix, Arizona, a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Lutfi joined the Batteries Plus system three years ago and has continued to expand the system since. He’s recognized for listening to his employees at every level and creating a culture where his team feels valued. Lutfi was celebrated for these efforts on September 15, at the IFA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.

Batteries Plus’ corporate team also earned accolades this quarter, with Franchise Assembly recognizing two marketing leaders, Sara Whiteleather, Sr. Director of Marketing at Batteries Plus and Chris Mcgee, VP of Marketing at Batteries Plus. Whiteleather was named to the Franchise Assembly 2026 Franchise Marketing Ones to Watch list, and McGee was named a 2026 Franchise Marketing Trailblazer, both placements are a testament to the talent driving Batteries Plus forward.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, including information on the franchise opportunity or tour a store virtually, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: 
Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Makyla Spann, Fishman Public Relations, mspann@fishmanpr.com

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SOURCE Batteries Plus

Technology

DIVERSIS CAPITAL ACQUIRES MAJORITY OWNERSHIP OF TIDEWORKS TECHNOLOGY FROM CARRIX

Published

43 minutes ago

October 1, 2026

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Diversis Capital LLC (“Diversis”), a Los Angeles-based software and technology services-focused private equity firm, today announced that it has acquired majority ownership of Tideworks Technology® Inc. (“Tideworks”) from Carrix, Inc. which is majority owned by Blackstone Infrastructure Partners. Tideworks is a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal operating system (TOS) solutions for marine and intermodal rail terminal operations worldwide, serving more than 130 facilities across the globe. This transaction represents a significant milestone for Diversis as it continues to expand its portfolio of market-leading vertical software businesses.

Founded in 1999 as the technology division of Carrix, Inc., Tideworks has grown into a global software brand with deep expertise in cargo transportation operations. The company’s product suite – including its flagship Mainsail 10 TOS, Intermodal PRO, and a suite of planning and execution tools – powers terminal operators across North America, Europe, and Latin America. With over 300,000 logistics professionals relying on Tideworks’ solutions daily, the company occupies a mission-critical position in the global port and intermodal infrastructure ecosystem.

Diversis plans to invest in accelerating Tideworks’ product innovation, expanding its go-to-market capabilities, and deepening its relationships across its global terminal operator and intermodal rail customer bases. The firm intends to leverage its operational expertise and software-focused value creation playbook to support Tideworks’ next phase of growth as a standalone, independent business.

Uffe Ostergaard, Chief Executive Officer of Carrix, said, “Since its founding, Tideworks has been an integral part of Carrix, and we are proud of the exceptional product and team that has been built over the past 25 years. As Tideworks enters this next chapter, it was important to us to find a partner with deep software experience to work closely with the Tideworks leadership team to further enhance the platform and expand its product capabilities. We believe Diversis is the right partner with the experience and collaborative approach to help Tideworks continue delivering the quality, innovation, and service that its customers rely on.”

Subbu Bhat, President of Tideworks Technology, said, “This is an exciting new chapter for Tideworks and our customers. As an independent software company backed by Diversis, we are well-positioned to accelerate our product roadmap, expand our global footprint, and continue delivering the innovation and service that terminal operators around the world depend on. Our mission remains the same: partnering with our customers to optimize global logistics with integrity, efficiency, and flexibility. We are grateful for the support of Carrix throughout this journey and look forward to what lies ahead.”

Kevin Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Diversis Capital, said, “We have been looking for the right vertical software business in the port and logistics technology space for some time, and Tideworks is exactly the type of company we love to partner with – a true market leader with a mission-critical product, a loyal and growing customer base, and a highly talented management team. Subbu and the entire Tideworks team have built something truly special, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support their continued growth. We intend to invest meaningfully in the platform, the team, and the product to ensure Tideworks remains the gold standard for terminal operating systems globally.”

About Tideworks Technology

Tideworks Technology® Inc. is a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal operating system solutions for growing marine and intermodal rail terminal operations worldwide. Launched in 1999 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Tideworks helps more than 130 facilities run their operations more efficiently and profitably. From optimized equipment utilization to faster turn times, Tideworks works at every step of terminal operations to maximize productivity and customer service. For more information, please visit www.tideworks.com.

About Diversis Capital, L.P.

Founded in 2013, Diversis is a software and technology focused private equity fund that invests in lower middle-market companies, targeting situations where it can add unique value in helping a company reach the next level. With a collaborative approach to investing, its Operating Partners work alongside management teams to help build successful organizations positioned for long-term growth.

About Carrix, Inc.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Carrix is one of the world’s leading independent marine and intermodal terminal operators, with operations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, and in Vietnam. Since its founding in 1949, Carrix has continued to grow, while always remaining focused on its customers’ interests.

Media Contact:
Chris Tofalli
Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC
chris@tofallipr.com
914-834-4334

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SOURCE Diversis Capital

Technology

Bold Penguin and bolttech Announce Global Strategic Partnership

Published

43 minutes ago

October 1, 2026

Partnership brings commercial and personal lines together in a unified offering for agents, insurers and embedded partners across the U.S., Europe and Asia

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bold Penguin, the Digital Broker for commercial insurance, announced a global strategic partnership with bolttech, the global insurtech operating in 39 countries across four continents. Together, the companies will build a joint commercial and personal lines offering for agents, insurers and embedded partners in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

The partnership combines complementary strengths. Bold Penguin brings its Digital Exchange for commercial lines, which intelligently matches risks to best-fit markets from submission ingestion through real-time quote and digital bind. It also brings the DeX ai intelligence layer and an integrated commercial carrier network. bolttech adds leadership in embedded distribution, AI-enabled workflows and global access to insurance and protection services across personal and commercial lines. Together, the partnership lets each company accelerate its roadmap while giving customers the connections and capabilities of both platforms.

For Bold Penguin’s U.S. customers, the partnership adds access to bolttech’s personal lines solutions through a single interface, alongside the commercial tools they already use.

“Our partners work with us because we’re committed to their success, and we build software to help them grow intelligently in commercial insurance,” said Peter Settel, President and CEO of Bold Penguin. “This partnership extends that commitment. Our U.S. customers will be able to offer bolttech’s personal lines solutions through the same single interface they use with Bold Penguin today. That gives them more ways to protect the businesses, and the dreamers, risk-takers and creators behind them, that power the economy. As we grow globally together, our partners gain new reach backed by the innovation and trusted execution they count on from us.”

“Bold Penguin is the leading commercial insurance distribution platform,” said Rob Schimek, Group Chief Executive Officer of bolttech. “Their submission automation, AI-powered underwriting workflows and commercial orchestration platform complement our technology capabilities, personal lines expertise, and insurance ecosystem globally. Together, we can deliver a more seamless, connected insurance experience for distribution partners and customers around the world.”

About Bold Penguin
Bold Penguin is the risk exchange for commercial insurance, the place where insureds and the markets who will cover them transact. DeX ai, Bold Penguin’s intelligence layer, sits in the middle, filling the gaps in submissions and routing them to the markets most likely to bind. Brokers and carriers build on top of this infrastructure. Submissions that took days clear in minutes.

About bolttech
bolttech is a global insurtech with a mission to build the world’s leading, technology-enabled ecosystem for protection and insurance. bolttech serves customers in 39 markets across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa.

With a full suite of digital and data-driven capabilities, bolttech powers connections between insurers, distributors, and customers to make it easier and more efficient to buy and sell insurance and protection products.

For more information, please visit www.bolttech.io.

For more information about bolttech in North America (bolt), visit https://boltinc.com/

Media contact
Claire Fiorelli
Social Media & Agency Operations Manager, Bold Penguin
claire.fiorelli@boldpenguin.com

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SOURCE Bold Penguin