August 07, 2019

American Safety Council ("ASC"), a leading provider of online courses for driver education, workplace safety training and continuing education, today announced record-breaking growth and revenue in the first half of 2019.

Earnings in the first two quarters increased nearly 25% compared to results from the same period a year ago. The company also generated record revenue in the first half of the year.

"Our first-half accomplishments can be attributed to significant investments in staff, technology and data-driven marketing," said John Comly, chief executive officer of American Safety Council. "We expect our growth to accelerate throughout the rest of 2019."

ASC's double-digit growth was driven in part by the successful launch of new products on OSHAEducationCenter.com, the company's leading workplace safety brand. ASC also capitalized on the shift in consumer preferences from classroom-based learning to online learning.

New additions to the ASC team have also been vital to the company's promising first-half results. ASC has added over 50 new employees since the start of 2018, including over 20 new hires in the first half of 2019 alone.

Since joining American Safety Council as CEO in 2017, Comly has spearheaded key changes to the company's business model and team structure. His direction played a critical role in the company's recent growth, which garnered awards for Comly's leadership and American Safety Council's operational excellence.

The e-Learning company grew earnings nearly 25% in first half 2019 and won awards in leadership and operational excellence.

In May 2019, the Orlando Business Journal named Comly on its list of CEOs of the Year. The publication highlighted his successful initiatives to improve the company's technology infrastructure and unify its senior leadership team. These changes not only drove positive returns in revenue growth and cost savings, but also boosted customer and employee satisfaction.

Also in May, American Safety Council won the 2019 SMART Award from ACG Orlando, the Orlando chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. The association's SMART Awards recognize growth-oriented, middle-market companies in Central Florida that demonstrate successful management of assets, revenue and teams.

"With the momentum of our record start to 2019, together with the talent we continue to bring onboard, we are excited about executing on our growth plan for the balance of 2019 and into 2020," said Comly.

About American Safety Council

Based in Orlando, Florida, American Safety Council provides critical training and education to more than two million customers each year. ASC collaborates with federal and state agencies, higher learning institutions, trade associations and iconic industry brands to ensure the content of the Company's online courses is best-in-class and compliant with applicable laws, regulations or industry standards. American Safety Council is committed to helping people live safer, more productive lives with current training offerings focused on workplace safety, driver safety, and other vocational certifications.

About Ridgemont Equity Partners

Ridgemont Equity Partners is a Charlotte-based middle market buyout and growth equity investor. Since 1993, the principals of Ridgemont have invested over $5 billion. The firm focuses on equity investments up to $250 million and utilizes a proven, industry-focused investment approach and repeatable value creation strategies. Ridgemont's most recent flagship fund, REP III, was formed in 2018 and has $1.65B of committed capital.