After decades of service to the green industry and dozens of successful transitions, Tom Fochtman, CEO and founder of Ceibass Venture Partners, has announced his retirement. With this transition, Ceibass will complete its mission and close operations May 30, 2025.
Founded with a deep commitment to helping lawn and landscape business owners realize the full value of their life’s work, Ceibass was never meant to be a machine. It was personal. It was human. It was built around the knowledge, experience, and heart of one man who has walked in the same shoes as the clients he served.
“I’ve spent my career in the lawn and landscape industry, first working for others, then owning my own commercial landscape company and then, as Ceibass Venture Parnters for the last 13 years, helping business owners prepare for the biggest transitions of their lives,” Tom said. “Now it’s time for me to live the advice I’ve given so many others—and step into the next chapter with intention and gratitude.”
Since its inception, Ceibass has earned a reputation as the premier sell-side M&A advisory firm in the green industry. With Tom at the helm, Ceibass has guided dozens of companies through successful sales, helping owners secure not only maximum enterprise value, but peace of mind.
As Ceibass winds down, current engagements will be completed with the same professionalism and care that has defined the firm since day one. Clients, friends, and colleagues can expect two more blogs in the coming weeks: the first will feature Tom’s personal reflections on his journey, and the second will offer a final farewell and a look back at the legacy of Ceibass. Then Tom heads to his summer home in northern Michigan for another glorious summer in Michigan!
“To all the owners, teams, and families I’ve had the honor of working with—thank you,” Tom said. “It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to help you build and exit great companies.”
While the name Ceibass may soon fade, its spirit—rooted in integrity, dignity, and value—will carry on in the businesses, communities, and lives it helped shape.
