Grizzly MEP appoints John K. Adams as chief executive officer; expands platform with Air Design Systems partnership
Grizzly MEP names John K. Adams as CEO, and expands its platform with the addition of Air Design Systems, strengthening its presence in the Southeast U.S.
Grizzly MEP announced the hiring of John K. Adams as Chief Executive Officer. In addition to John’s appointment, Grizzly also announced the expansion of its platform through a new partnership with Air Design Systems (“ADS”), a full-service mechanical and plumbing contractor headquartered in Pensacola, Florida.
John brings more than three decades of leadership expertise and a track record of driving transformational growth, including building go-to-market strategies for platform build-ups. In his new role, John will further diversify Grizzly’s platform by establishing new and synergistic partnerships across key markets, while helping existing partners expand their service offerings.
Kelly Romano, Chairman of Grizzly’s Board, said, “John’s proven ability to deliver results in complex markets will be crucial as Grizzly continues to expand its footprint throughout the country. His hands-on, collaborative approach exemplifies the culture of partnership we’re building at Grizzly – hyper-focused on customer needs and consistent, reliable MEP services. John and I have worked together in the past and I look forward to collaborating closely with him again as we bring Grizzly to its next stage of development and growth.”
After launching in May 2025, Grizzly has now added its second partner to its platform, Air Design Systems. Founded in 1977 by Bill and Jean Brown, ADS specializes in delivering comprehensive mechanical and plumbing solutions, excelling in design-build, negotiated and plan-and-specification projects. As an established market leader with a strong footprint across the South, ADS has built a diverse and loyal customer base over the past 50 years.
“I’m truly honored to step into this role at such an exciting and opportunity-rich time for the commercial MEP sector,” John Adams added. “Grizzly is built on the strength of its partnerships – highly respected local contractors who have earned deep trust within their communities over generations. Our latest partnership with ADS is a perfect example of the best-in-class businesses and leadership teams we’re looking to align ourselves with. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Grizzly to expand our presence across the country and support our partners to achieve their growth potential.”
Grizzly’s partnership with ADS builds on its recently announced partnership with Stiles Heating & Cooling, a founder-owned leading provider of HVAC, building controls and plumbing services, serving communities in Georgia and South Carolina. Grizzly’s continued success is backed by Garnett Station Partners, a New York-based principal investment firm that manages approximately $4 billion of assets.
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