THE REASON FOR THE SEARCH

Blackford Capital initiated the search following the decision of the current CEO, to step back from the role. The turnaround phase was complete. The next phase required a different kind of leader.

Design Environments needed a CEO who could:

• Refinance expensive debt by March 31, 2026
• Drive EBITDA growth from ~$3M toward a much more scalable margin profile
• Lead an acquisition strategy of 3–4 deals over the next two years
• Increase exposure to higher-margin commercial work
• Build toward a 2028 liquidity event
• Partner effectively with Blackford Capital and the board

This role required a value-creation CEO, not a caretaker.

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

Design Environments is a U.S.-based design, procurement, and project management business serving commercial and hospitality clients. The company delivers more than 200 design and construction projects annually and operates across two core segments:

• Commercial – multi-family, senior living, student housing, corporate, and club
• Hospitality – branded hotel and franchise refurbishment projects

The business today is the result of several acquisitions, including:

• Snow White
• Boston Trade Interiors
• ID Collaborative

At the time of the search:

• Revenue target for 2026: $58M
• TTM EBITDA: $3.4M
• Expected year-end EBITDA: ~$3.1M
• Headcount: 80 employees
• 90% female workforce
• Clear strategic ambition to shift toward higher-margin commercial work
• Two acquisition opportunities under LOI
• Refinancing required due to expensive debt and covenant pressure

The opportunity was no longer turnaround. It was strategic acceleration, capital structure repair, and exit preparation.

THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate needed to demonstrate:

• Prior CEO or senior executive experience in a PE-backed environment
• Experience in interior design, architecture, construction, or another project-based services model
• Proven ability to drive EBITDA growth and value creation
• Hands-on M&A and integration experience
• Experience preparing businesses for an eventual exit
• Strong communication skills and gravitas with investors, boards, and lenders
• Servant leadership and cultural sensitivity, particularly with a predominantly female and creative workforce
• Process orientation, resilience, and strategic thinking

This role required a CEO who could simultaneously lead people, capital, growth, and execution.

THOUGHTS ON THE CANDIDATE

Jay is a standout CEO and an exceptional fit for Design Environments. His profile aligns directly with the company’s next chapter: growth, professionalisation, M&A, and a planned exit.

What made him a fit

• Led businesses from lower middle-market scale through to a $9.2Bn revenue division at Sherwin-Williams
• Brings real value creation experience across growth, margin expansion, team upgrades, and operating structure
• Has completed acquisitions, led integrations, and contributed to successful exit outcomes
• Played a central role in the sale of Ames Taping Tools to GMS
• Combines commercial sharpness with hands-on leadership and accountability
• Comfortable partnering with sponsors and leading through change
• Brings both enterprise perspective and lower middle-market execution capability

Jay was not simply someone who had managed a business. He had grown, professionalised, and helped position businesses for sale. That mattered greatly in this mandate.

Why we’re bullish on this appointment

Design Environments now needs a CEO who can convert a stabilised platform into a scalable exit story.

Jay brings the exact blend of:

• Sponsor-backed leadership
• EBITDA focus
• M&A execution
• Strategic commercial thinking
• Talent and team-building capability
• Exit preparedness

He is positioned to help the business refinance, grow margin, improve mix, execute acquisitions, and build toward a 2028 liquidity event.

This is a high-confidence appointment at a pivotal moment in the hold period.

Alex Rawlings
Founder & Managing Partner, Raw Selection