BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Jan 22, 2026) – Founders is pleased to announce the sale of GRO Marketing to OuterBox, a portfolio company of WILsquare Capital. GRO Marketing is a full-service digital performance marketing agency specialized in serving multifamily, student housing, and senior living community clients. GRO was exclusively advised by principals of Founders Advisors in this transaction.

Founded in 2018, GRO Marketing has become the leading digital marketing agency within the property sector, with a team of nearly 50 employees located in Nashville, Detroit, and Tuscaloosa. The company has consistently delivered best-in-class results while earning the trust of the largest property management companies and ownership groups across the country.

The acquisition strengthens OuterBox’s position as one of the leading independent performance marketing agencies, adding deep domain expertise and established credibility in serving residential community property management companies and ownership groups. Like OuterBox, GRO consistently earns high levels of client satisfaction and loyalty through its comprehensive offering, white-glove approach and ability to generate measurable improvements in marketing outcomes.

“Partnering with OuterBox marks an exciting next chapter for GRO and our clients,” said Matt Pavlick, Founder and CEO of GRO, who joins OuterBox as an investor and Senior Advisor. “At GRO, we have always prided ourselves on making sure we deliver on our promises. Joining OuterBox empowers us to unlock new levels of growth and performance that we can deliver to those we serve.”

“GRO’s specialized knowledge and history of driving incremental results for clients make this a highly strategic addition to the OuterBox platform,” said Jeff Allen, CEO of OuterBox. “The strong cultural alignment between OuterBox and GRO underscores the compelling opportunities this combination creates for clients, employees, and long-term growth.”

“Founders Advisors was an exceptional partner throughout the entire process,” added Matt Pavlick, Founder and CEO of GRO. “They brought clarity, discipline, and deep market knowledge to every step, while never losing sight of what mattered most to us as founders and to our team. Their guidance helped us navigate a complex transaction with confidence, and we’re incredibly grateful for their leadership and steady hand in helping us find the right long-term partner.”

“This outcome is a testament to the incredible team Matt put together coupled with years of first-class service delivery in a highly sought after vertical market,” said Brad Johnson, Managing Director at Founders Advisors. “GRO’s process-driven culture and client-first mentality led to unparalleled success, devoted customers, and a platform positioned for success well into the future. We are grateful to have played a part in the GRO journey and serve such a fantastic team.”

To view the full transaction announcement, please visit: OuterBox Acquires GRO Marketing

About GRO Marketing

GRO Marketing is a performance marketing agency dedicated to forging strategies that amplify brands, foster community connections, and bolster businesses. Since its inception in 2018, GRO has made a significant impact in the digital domain, particularly in the student housing, multifamily, and senior living sectors.

About OuterBox

Founded in 2004, OuterBox is a full-service performance marketing agency serving over 1,200 clients nationwide. The company drives measurable growth for clients through its core offerings of search / generative engine optimization (SEO / GEO), paid media, CRO / UX, website design and development, email marketing, AI services, and advanced analytics. OuterBox was recently recognized as the Best Large Integrated Search Agency at the 2025 US Search Awards.

About Founders Advisors

Founders is a merger, acquisition, and strategic advisory firm serving middle-market companies. Founders focuses on helping companies across technology, business services, consumer, energy, industrial, and healthcare industries. Founders’ skilled professionals, proven expertise, and process-based solutions help companies access growth capital, pursue acquisitions, and/or prepare for and execute liquidity events to achieve specific financial goals. In order to provide securities-related services, certain principals of Founders Advisors, LLC are licensed with Founders M&A Advisory, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. Founders M&A Advisory, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Founders Advisors, LLC. Founders Advisors, LLC does not provide investment advice. For more information, please visit www.foundersib.com.