Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• The business requires hands-on transformation due to historical underinvestment and curtailed SKUs.
• Attractive future prospects for market expansion through acquisitions, such as rolling up competitors.

Key Performance Indicators

• Completion of the operational separation from the parent.
• Seamless implementation and adoption of the new ERP system.
• Measurable improvement in marketing and sales, aiming for doubled revenue in three years.

Required Skills & QualCompany Overview

A private equity investment firm acquiring a $15 million light industrial distributor of equipment and supplies, operating outside Orlando, Florida. Currently owned by a Fortune 500 manufacturer, the business offers pumps, filters, and related plumbing equipment. 

Position Summary

The CEO will lead the transformation and operational separation of the company to ensure it thrives independently post-divestiture. This role will drive critical change initiatives, including ERP system migration, e-commerce and marketing revitalization, and future growth through organic and acquisition channels. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will build and lead a new management team to reposition the business for accelerated growth and operational excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the transition to operate the business as an independent entity within six months, including collaboration with the parent company during the transition phase.
• Manage the end-to-end migration onto a new ERP system, ensuring streamlined and resilient business operations.
• Rekindle and drive marketing initiatives: strengthen web presence, SEO, catalog, and launch targeted email campaigns to boost sales and customer retention.
• Develop and execute a strategy to double revenue within three years, maintaining stable revenue during the initial transformation period.
• Identify and pursue acquisition opportunities (“roll-ups”) within the industry to expand market presence.
• Assemble, develop, and lead a capable management team, starting with key functions such as Sales and Marketing.
• Foster a culture of trust, accountability, and early, transparent communication with the Board and stakeholders.
• Build effective collaborations with the Board, internal teams, external implementers, and the parent company during transition.

First Six-Month Priorities

1. Achieve operational separation from the parent company and ensure standalone readiness.
2. Implement and transition to a new ERP system, working closely with internal teams and external implementers.
3. Revitalize marketing and sales efforts to set the foundation for future growth.

Challenges & Opportunities

• Opportunity to lead a profitable, niche distributor to new heights with supportive private equity backing.
• Significant experience in e-commerce operations, preferably with private equity or roll-up/aggregation models.
• Deep distribution sector experience, with expertise in operations, sourcing, shipping, and fulfillment.
• Proven success with ERP system selection, integration, and process optimization.
• Strategic “tech mindset” with a process- and results-oriented approach.
• Strong organizational leadership and experience assembling and scaling teams.
• Outstanding communication skills, especially for transparent, early delivery of challenging news.
• Experience managing transformation and driving change in similar environments.

Ideal Experience

• Leadership in private equity e-commerce roll-ups, especially in operational consolidation and integration.
• Turnaround consultant or executive experience in niche industrial distribution or e-commerce.
• Veteran leadership profiles with strong academic credentials and a track record in PE operations and sophisticated supply chain operations, are highly valued.

Personal Qualities

• Highly disciplined, organized, and energetic.
• Constructive problem-solver willing to address issues proactively and openly.
• Comfortable collaborating with a sophisticated, supportive, and direct Board.

Work Arrangement & Location

• Full-time, on-site leadership presence required near Orlando, Florida.
• Potential relocation may be necessary.

Compensation & Benefits

• High $200Ks to Low $300Ks OTE + significant earned equity
• The CEO will have the opportunity to build the leadership team and participate in future growth via acquisitions and market expansion.

Hiring Timeline

• The aim is to begin interviews by early to mid-December and select the CEO by mid-Q1.
• Board wants to meet prospective candidates as soon as possible, with a preference for early involvement in the transition process.