Verdantas Acquires Independent Solutions to Support Growth in Environmental and Geotechnical Services for Western Healthcare Market

TAMPA, Fla., July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Verdantas, a leader in digitally enabled technical consulting solutions for the environment, water, and energy transition markets and a portfolio company of Sterling Investment Partners, has acquired Independent Solutions, Inc., a California-based firm recognized for its excellence in inspection and soil and materials laboratory testing, with a strong focus on the healthcare sector.

Headquartered in Lake Elsinore, California, Independent Solutions brings healthcare focused certified laboratory technicians and field inspectors to the Verdantas team. This acquisition strengthens Verdantas' presence in Southern California and enhances its ability to deliver specialized geotechnical, 3D scanning, inspection, and materials testing services in a key growth region.

"The addition of Independent Solutions strengthens Verdantas' presence in California and brings valuable experience in non-public sector projects, particularly in the healthcare space," said Jesse Kropelnicki, CEO of Verdantas. "This collaboration enriches our integrated service offerings and supports our mission to deliver forward-thinking, client-focused solutions. The leadership at Independent Solutions have built a culture of people focus, innovation and technical excellence that mirrors what we've cultivated at Verdantas. We're excited to bring the full breadth of what we offer to their team and clients."

Founded in 2007 by sisters Cindy Dickens and Vicki Williford, Independent Solutions was built on a shared belief that people deserve better—more honesty, more accountability, and more connection. After years of seeing clients and team members overlooked by larger, impersonal labs, they set out to create something different: a company where relationships come first and excellence is non-negotiable. Grounded in their hands-on experience in construction management, Cindy and Vicki grew Independent Solutions into a trusted partner known for dependable service, technical integrity, and a strong commitment to both clients and employees. With an OSHPD-approved laboratory and a passionate, experienced team, the firm has become a go-to provider for inspection and testing in the healthcare space. Now, as part of Verdantas, Independent Solutions is poised to bring that same people-first approach to a broader range of clients and communities—while continuing to honor the values that have defined their journey from day one.

"This acquisition marks an important strategic alignment for Independent Solutions," said Cindy Dickens, President of Independent Solutions. "By integrating with Verdantas, we gain the operational scale, technology, and support needed to elevate our service delivery and expand our impact. Our clients will see immediate benefits through enhanced lab efficiency, broader capabilities, and direct access to a national network of technical experts. We're proud of the strong foundation we've built—and confident this partnership sets us up for long-term success."

James Soldano, Managing Partner at Sterling Investment Partners, added, "The addition of Independent Solutions underscores our commitment to expanding both our technical capabilities and the Markets we serve. Their strong presence in the healthcare sector enables us to connect with a specialized client base that has historically been outside our core reach."

"This is an incredible new chapter for our team," said Vicki Williford, Co-Founder and Vice President of Independent Solutions. "We started this company to do things differently—to lead with integrity, prioritize our clients, and to build trust through every project we touch. This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our clients. We're excited to bring even more resources and support to our clients through Verdantas, while continuing to honor the values that brought us here."

The acquisition of Independent Solutions marks a significant milestone for Verdantas, enhancing our presence in California and bolstering our ability to serve the healthcare industry. This strategic move diversifies our lab services beyond internal geotechnical support, boosting productivity and revenue through direct client engagement.

About Verdantas

Verdantas is a leader in digitally enabled technical consulting solutions for the environment, water, and energy transition markets. Blending balanced strengths in environmental and engineering expertise, we partner with clients and communities to create comprehensive solutions that contribute to a sustainable future. With a team of over 2,000 professionals nationwide, we harness diverse skills and innovative technologies to address complex challenges, protect vital resources, and foster resilient communities. For more information, visit www.verdantas.com.

About Sterling Investment Partners

Sterling Investment Partners is a leading private equity firm that has been building leading middle-market companies for over 30 years with a highly experienced, cohesive team of senior investment professionals. Sterling focuses on control investments in value-added distribution and business services, acquiring businesses that the firm believes have strong, sustainable competitive advantages and significant opportunities for value creation. Over its history, Sterling has completed over 230 transactions, representing over $31 billion in aggregate value. For more information, visit www.sterlinglp.com.

SOURCE Verdantas LLC