Gridiron Capital Announces Class Valuation’s Acquisition of DataMaster®
NEW CANAAN, CT, September 22, 2021 – Gridiron Capital, LLC (“Gridiron Capital”), an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, is pleased to announce that one of its portfolio companies, Class Valuation (the “Company”), has acquired DataMaster. Class Valuation is a leading, technology-enabled appraisal management company (“AMC”) focused on providing regulatory-compliant appraisals to the nation’s largest mortgage lenders and originators.
Based in Layton, Utah, DataMaster is a real estate software service provider selling public record and MLS data integration software to individual appraisers across the U.S. Over the last 30+ years, DataMaster has built one of the largest MLS integration networks in the U.S. DataMaster’s proprietary SAAS-based workflow tool helps drive efficiencies in the appraisal process by shortening turn times and increasing accuracy via automation, resulting in improved throughput and earning potential for appraisers.
“I am proud of this journey and the teamwork that has gotten DataMaster to where it is today. I am excited for the additional resources Class will bring to drive further adoption of our proprietary technology and software,” said Rick Lifferth, retiring Founder and CEO of DataMaster. “We pride ourselves in enabling appraisers to get more done in less time through using our software and expect this value proposition to be strengthened further by leveraging Class’ many capabilities and resources.”
John Fraas, Chief Executive Officer of Class Valuation, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome the DataMaster team to the Class Valuation family. Datamaster is well-aligned with our strategy to lead innovation and drive efficiencies across the broader appraisal market. We are looking forward to driving greater adoption of DataMaster’s proprietary solutions across our industry leading network of third party and staff appraisers.”
Will Hausberg, Managing Director at Gridiron Capital, stated, “DataMaster adds a software-as-a-service offering to Class Valuation’s solutions set and will help Class continue to deliver market-leading speed and quality service levels to its customers.”
Tom Burger, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Gridiron Capital, added, “DataMaster’s proprietary data and technology will help Class innovate within the home valuation industry as the Company expands its product offerings in the future.”
About Gridiron Capital, LLC
Gridiron Capital is an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, and creating value by building middle-market companies into industry-leaders in branded consumer, B2B and B2C services, and niche industrial segments in the United States and Canada. We help transform growing companies by winning together through hard work, partnerships grounded in shared values and a unique culture that comes from hands-on experience building and running businesses. As a team led by former operators and entrepreneurs, we know what it takes to run successful businesses on a day-to-day basis. Additional information is available on the firm’s website: www.gridironcapital.com.
About DataMaster®
DataMaster is a real estate appraisal software service provider selling access to MLS data and integration software to individual appraisers/staffing firms across the U.S. DataMaster drives efficiencies for appraisers by expediting the appraisal process via automation. Founded in 1980, DataMaster is headquartered in Layton, UT.
About Class Valuation
Class Valuation is a top nationwide Appraisal Management Company (AMC), delivering outstanding quality and service to every client. The company is committed to combining the best people, products, processes, and technology available to help lenders make more homeownership dreams come true. Class has consistently been ranked highly in client service by several of the nation’s top ten mortgage lenders and has been recognized as a top place to work, along with receiving many other industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, please visit www.classvaluation.com.
For Additional Information:
For Gridiron Capital, LLC:
Thomas A. Burger Jr., Co-Founder and Managing Partner
tburger@gridironcapital.com
For Class Valuation:
John Fraas, Chief Executive Officer
jfraas@classvaluation.com