We are seasoned operators who have successfully scaled, integrated, and exited businesses.
Nate Kukla brings over 25 years of experience as a visionary operator and platform leader, scaling service businesses through culture, strategy, and acquisition. As the CEO of Unique Indoor Comfort, Nate led the strategic acquisition of multiple complementary businesses to form a multi-location, high-growth HVAC platform.
With the support of Grove Mountain Partners, Nate led the platform's rapid expansion through organic growth and targeted acquisitions. He built a strong leadership team of experienced operators and collectively they led the business through a successful sale to a strategic acquirer. Nate then launched and served as the founding CEO of a national home services organization, overseeing the brand rollout and integration of acquired companies.
Nate's leadership is rooted in clarity of vision and culture-first execution. He knows how to preserve what makes a business special while building toward something bigger. He holds a B.A. from Penn State University and brings additional industry experience in healthcare and other service-based sectors. At Fourward, Nate leads strategy, vision, and the ongoing development of scalable, high-integrity service platforms.
Jennifer Pierce brings over 20 years of experience leading operational scale, post-acquisition integration, and software standardization across multi-trade service businesses. As a successful entrepreneur, she built a trusted HVAC company from the ground up, scaling it into a highly successful regional market leader known for its efficiency, people-first culture, and customer experience.
Her business became one of the foundational acquisitions of the Unique Indoor Comfort platform, led by CEO Nate Kukla. After the acquisition, Jennifer joined the leadership team and played a critical role in scaling the platform. She later served as Vice President of Integrations & Training at a national home services organization, where she led the integration of newly acquired branches, developed operational playbooks, implemented enterprise software, and aligned field and support teams for performance at scale.
Jennifer excels at translating entrepreneurial instincts into scalable infrastructure. She's passionate about building systems, leading change, and preserving culture through growth. A former ACCA National Contractor of the Year, she has held leadership positions on both state and national boards. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Lafayette College and completed graduate coursework at John Jay College.
Graham Lucard brings over 20 years of experience as a seasoned home services executive across all business disciplines, specializing in the integration and execution of operational strategy. As an entrepreneurial leader, he played an instrumental role in the formation and expansion of a $150 million home services platform, driving organizational scale and cultivating a performance-based culture that facilitated rapid growth and sustainable expansion.
With expertise spanning both buy-side and sell-side transactions, Graham successfully supported the PE-sponsored Unique Indoor Comfort platform through a comprehensive sales process that culminated in its acquisition by a strategic acquirer. Following the acquisition, he continued in his leadership capacity as Vice President of Operations, spearheading the integration, transformation, and operational methodology as part of the acquirer's strategic launch of their national home services division.
Graham's leadership philosophy centers on the development of human potential to drive competitive advantage. He builds championship teams that execute with innovation, challenge the status quo, and deliver measurable ROI. Graham holds a B.S. from The University of New Hampshire and at Fourward, focuses on operational strategy and building sustainable growth frameworks for long-term success.
Eric Detmer brings over 20 years of experience as a veteran operator and transaction specialist, driving performance, building teams, and leading successful exits across manufacturing and service industries. Eric has owned and operated both a specialized metal finishing company and a high-performing HVAC business, growing each through operational excellence and strategic positioning before executing successful exits. His HVAC business was one of the original acquisitions that formed the Unique Indoor Comfort platform under the leadership of CEO Nate Kukla.
Eric joined the leadership team as a Regional Vice President of Operations post-acquisition and played a central role in expanding the platform across multiple markets. He later helped lead the successful sale of the business to a strategic acquirer, serving on the management team that presented to buyers and private equity groups during the exit process.
Eric brings a rare blend of operational depth and transaction experience. He understands what buyers value and how businesses must evolve to support scalable growth. His strengths include multi-regional team development, performance culture creation, and strategic alignment across functional areas. Eric holds a B.S. from the University of Findlay. At Fourward, Eric focuses on acquiring and growing exceptional service businesses with strong teams and lasting potential.