Simplifying a Complex Carve-Out for Glasshouse

When Royce King decided to reclaim his family business, Glasshouse, from a large public company, he faced a daunting task: separating the business while ensuring operations continued without disruption. To navigate this transition, King enlisted the help of Telos Capital Investors, a boutique firm experienced in complex transactions. Together, Telos and Sagiss, their trusted IT partner, crafted a strategy to ensure the carve-out was seamless, efficient, and operationally ready from day one.

A Unique Challenge in Business Transitions

Glasshouse, a custom glass provider, had been a family-owned business before being acquired by a larger organization in the building services sector. Although the larger company operated well, cultural changes within the organization led King to pursue reacquiring his family’s business.

Transactions like this are inherently complicated, requiring coordination across financial, legal, and operational fronts. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that Glasshouse’s IT infrastructure—previously integrated with the parent company—could be fully separated and operational by the time the deal closed. This required detailed planning, swift execution, and technical expertise.

While Telos managed the financial and transactional elements, Sagiss stepped in to address the IT challenges, building a robust foundation that would allow Glasshouse to thrive independently.

Creating an Operationally Ready IT Foundation

Carve-outs require months of preparation behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready for an operational “flip of the switch.” Sagiss played a critical role in laying the groundwork for Glasshouse’s IT environment, carefully addressing every detail in the lead-up to the transition.

The Sagiss team’s efforts included:

• Setting Up Cloud Infrastructure: A new cloud-based system tailored to Glasshouse’s needs was built from the ground up to ensure operational efficiency.
• Preparing Hardware: All new PCs and equipment were pre-configured and ready for immediate use.
• Implementing Security Measures: A robust firewall structure was developed to protect the new business environment.
• Replacing Network Components: Managed switches tied to the parent company were replaced with systems optimized for Glasshouse’s independence.

By proactively addressing these technical requirements, Sagiss ensured that Glasshouse could seamlessly transition to its new operational environment.

Managing a Swift and Seamless Transition

When the day of the deal closure arrived, Sagiss executed the migration of Glasshouse’s users, systems, and data in just one day. The transition required meticulous coordination, but thanks to the groundwork laid in advance, the process was nearly flawless.

Sagiss’ proactive approach to solving problems before they escalated made the team stand out in the selection process, and it proved critical during the transfer. On the day of execution, the team identified a technical error in Glasshouse’s Austin warehouse that could have disrupted the process. Instead of escalating the issue to Telos, Sagiss resolved it independently, ensuring the migration stayed on track without unnecessary delays.

Delivering Results Without Complications

For Telos managing partner Bob Lutz, hiccups in transitions like these are expected. However, Sagiss’ meticulous preparation and solution-focused mindset made this project an exception.

By prioritizing simplicity and addressing challenges proactively, Sagiss eliminated unnecessary complexity from the process. Their approach not only ensured Glasshouse’s independence but also allowed King and his team to focus on running the business rather than worrying about IT hurdles.

Lessons in Effective IT Support

This carve-out highlights the importance of having the right IT partner during major business transitions. Sagiss’ role in this success story provides valuable insights into what makes these partnerships effective:

1. Early Preparation Drives Success
   Building IT infrastructure ahead of the transition ensures that new systems are ready to go the moment they’re needed.
2. Proactive Problem-Solving Saves Time
   Identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate prevents disruptions and keeps projects on track.
3. Security Is Essential
   Developing a secure IT environment protects businesses from vulnerabilities during transitions.
4. Collaboration Delivers Results
   Close coordination with all stakeholders ensures a smooth and efficient process.

A Blueprint for Seamless Business Transitions

The success of the Glasshouse carve-out demonstrates how collaboration and expertise can simplify even the most complex transitions. By focusing on preparation, proactive problem-solving, and eliminating unnecessary complications, Sagiss proved to be an invaluable partner in delivering a smooth transition.

For businesses undergoing similar changes, this case serves as a reminder that the right IT support isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about understanding the bigger picture and prioritizing what matters most: operational continuity and peace of mind.