Sylvester & Cockrum (S&C) has announced the acquisition of South Carolina-based Lowry Mechanical. This integration represents a significant milestone in S&C’s evolution and aligns with NexCore’s broader vision for expansion and market leadership.

Lowry Mechanical has been a respected name in the industry since its founding in 1978, known for its expertise in HVAC, plumbing, specialty fabrication and service. Its longstanding reputation for excellence and customer loyalty made it an ideal partner for S&C. By bringing Lowry into the fold, S&C strengthens its footprint in the Carolinas, enhancing its ability to serve a wider range of customers with best-in-class mechanical solutions.

A strategic fit for growth

For NexCore, a growing commercial HVAC services platform with operations spanning Vermont, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida, the acquisition of Lowry Mechanical is part of a calculated approach to regional expansion. Rather than growing through broad, disconnected acquisitions, NexCore focuses on partnering with companies that share its core values of integrity, customer commitment, and service excellence.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter with the Lowry team, combining our strengths to unlock even greater opportunities,” said Louis Broyles, president of S&C. “We have great admiration for the business that Eric has built, and their people-first approach made this partnership a natural fit.”

That alignment in culture and philosophy is at the heart of NexCore’s acquisition strategy. By prioritizing partnerships with companies that already exhibit strong leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to their people, NexCore ensures seamless integration and long-term success.

Ensuring a smooth leadership transition

While S&C typically works with sellers who stay on post-close, Lowry Mechanical presented a unique situation. Eric Walzer, Lowry’s President, remained with the company for several months after the acquisition to support the integration of the two teams. His leadership helped ensure that employees experienced a seamless transition and that day-to-day operations continued without disruption under S&C’s new leadership.

“S&C played a crucial role in facilitating a smooth transition, both for me and for my employees,” said Walzer. “Their commitment to continuity and excellence reassured our team and customers that Lowry’s legacy would be preserved while gaining the strength of a larger platform.” By emphasizing stability and integration during leadership changes, S&C reinforced its commitment to honoring Lowry’s established reputation while strategically positioning the company for future growth.

Maintaining excellence while expanding capabilities

A key concern in any acquisition is continuity—ensuring that existing customers and employees experience a smooth transition. S&C has emphasized its commitment to upholding Lowry’s legacy while leveraging new synergies to enhance service offerings.

By combining S&C’s broad capabilities with Lowry’s specialized expertise, the acquisition creates a more robust service network, allowing for greater responsiveness, enhanced technical capacity, and a deeper talent pool to address evolving customer needs.

The bigger picture: NexCore’s expansion strategy

This acquisition is part of NexCore’s continued efforts to build a comprehensive, maintenance-driven HVAC and facility services platform. With partner companies like Alliance Group, Pratt & Smith, Kennedy Mechanical and Ryan Plumbing & Heating, NexCore is systematically strengthening its market position.

By integrating best-in-class operators into its ecosystem, NexCore not only expands its geographic footprint but also fortifies its reputation as a leader in commercial HVAC services. The Lowry acquisition is thoughtful, strategic, and focused on long-term value creation.

As NexCore continues its expansion, partnerships like the one between S&C and Lowry Mechanical will serve as a blueprint for future growth—rooted in shared values, operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service.