Acquisition adds a 33-year supplier, installer and service provider to commercial, healthcare, government and mission-critical customers, with significant growth ahead in data centers
LAUREL, MD – October 21, 2026 – OWL Services (“OWL”), a portfolio company of Trive Capital, today announced it has acquired Tanks Direct and Shelters Direct (together, “Tanks Direct”), a value-added supplier and installation company of aboveground and underground fuel and water storage tanks. For more than three decades, Tanks Direct has supplied, installed and serviced tank systems for commercial, healthcare, government and other customers, and in recent years has become a trusted partner to data center and mission-critical infrastructure customers.
Founded by Paul Robertson in 1993, Tanks Direct provides turnkey tank solutions, including expert installation, custom fabrication of modular control packages and ongoing service and maintenance. Shelters Direct complements the tank business with prefabricated shelters, equipment enclosures and canopy solutions. The company has built its reputation on long-standing relationships with its customers and with the manufacturers, suppliers and vendor partners who have helped it grow.
As part of OWL, Tanks Direct will continue to serve its existing customers and markets while pursuing significant growth opportunities in datacenters and mission-critical infrastructure, where demand for reliable backup power and cooling continues to accelerate. Many of the company’s data center relationships grew out of work in its traditional markets, and those markets remain central to its future.
OWL brings the resources to strengthen and expand these relationships, including more than 1,500 skilled technicians nationwide and more than 80 years of experience in fuel systems, electrical, construction and compliance services. Together, the companies can support customers over the full life of their tank systems, from installation through long-term service and maintenance.
"For more than 33 years, we've built Tanks Direct by taking care of our customers, supporting our vendor partners and investing in our people," said Paul Robertson, President of Tanks Direct. "Throughout this process, my priority was finding the right organization to support our employees and help us continue growing the business we've worked so hard to build. After getting to know OWL's leadership, culture and capabilities, I'm confident we've found that organization. This acquisition gives us the resources to expand our products and services, strengthen our existing customer relationships and pursue significant new opportunities. Most importantly, our employees, customers and vendors can expect the same people, commitment and dedication that have defined Tanks Direct for more than three decades."
"Tanks Direct has earned its reputation one customer and one project at a time, across commercial, healthcare, government and mission-critical markets," said Blake Bonner, Partner at Trive Capital. "Paul Robertson, Joel Nicchitta and the entire Tanks Direct team have built an exceptional business, and with OWL’s national footprint behind them, they are well positioned to grow with their existing customers and to capture the significant opportunity in data centers. We are proud to support their next chapter."
"We're excited to welcome Paul, Joel and the Tanks Direct team to OWL," said Bob Dee, CEO of OWL Services. "Tanks Direct’s products, installation expertise and service capabilities complement what we do today. Together, we can support customers in every market they serve, from the storage tank systems itself to the operational systems that keep it running, including in the fast-growing data center sector."
Tanks Direct will continue to operate from Laurel, Maryland under its existing name, with Paul Robertson as President, Joel Nicchitta as Vice President - Critical Infrastructure Solutions, Jeff Shultz as Vice President of Operations and the existing leadership team continuing to lead the business. Customers, manufacturers and vendor partners can expect the same points of contact, products and service commitments, with expanded capabilities available through OWL over time.
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About Tanks Direct and Shelters Direct
Based in Laurel, Maryland, Octagon Services, Inc dba Tanks Direct and dba Shelters Direct has been a value-added supplier and installer of above ground and underground fuel and water storage tanks since 1993. The company provides turnkey tank system solutions for commercial, healthcare, government, data center and other mission-critical customers, including installation, custom fabrication of modular control packages and service and maintenance. Learn more at www.tanksdirect.com and www.sheltersdirect.com.
About OWL Services
OWL Services is a leading provider of integrated services to convenience stores, commercial fueling businesses and critical infrastructure operators, including data centers. With 80+ years of experience, OWL delivers petroleum, fuel storage, electrical, construction, compliance, security technology and EV infrastructure solutions. From underground infrastructure and forecourt construction to in-store services and emergency response, including fuel restoration, OWL’s team of experts, including 1,500+ skilled technicians, provides nationwide expertise and 24/7/365 support. Learn more at www.owlservices.com.
Media contact
Jodi Solomon
EVP, Marketing & Communications
OWL Services
jodi.solomon@owlservices.com
515-264-4304
