THE REASON FOR THE SEARCH

Blackford Capital had recently acquired a fire safety services platform with no permanent CFO in place. An interim CFO had been managing key milestones, but the business needed a full-time financial leader to support immediate integration efforts, professionalize the finance function, and drive growth through organic and acquisition strategies.

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM

Blackford Capital

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

The company, operating under the name SFS Fire Security Systems, is a commercial fire safety platform delivering design, engineering, installation, and servicing of fire protection systems—including sprinklers, alarms, and inspections. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Coppell, Texas, it serves commercial sectors such as healthcare, municipal, hospitality, multi-family, retail, and industrial facilities—primarily through public contracts.

With a workforce of 120 employees across Texas and Arkansas, the company recorded $28.2M in revenue in 2023 with projections of $28.5M for 2025. Over 83% of its revenue is concentrated in Dallas, and it has maintained a 92% customer retention rate.

Acquired for $12M at a 3.4X TTM EBITDA multiple, the business is executing a growth strategy via acquisitions and geographic expansion. Two additional acquisitions are underway (LOI and IOI stages), targeting complementary fire safety service providers with strong EBITDA performance.

THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

• CFO or senior finance leader in Private Equity-backed businesses

• M&A execution and integration

• Construction or commercial services sector experience

• Strategic planning, cost accounting, and risk management

• 10+ years leading finance functions

• ERP implementation and process optimization

• Experience navigating diverse teams from blue-collar to boardroom

• Strong financial acumen with hands-on leadership

CHALLENGES

This was the business’s first Private Equity-backed CFO appointment, necessitating a cultural shift from founder-led operations to a structured, scalable financial strategy. Key challenges included integrating fragmented acquisitions, aligning teams under one operating model, implementing ERP systems, and balancing the demands of organic and acquisitive growth in a low-process environment.

THOUGHTS ON THE CANDIDATE

Heather is a rockstar profile and the absolute ideal fit for SFS. I am so excited about the fit here—not just with the business, but particularly with her experience in:

• Commercial/Residential services

• Revenue growth from $700M to $4.3Bn

• 26 add-on acquisitions completed

• 17 years at the business

• 4 exit cycles with 4 different Private Equity firms

Additionally, Heather fits incredibly well with the CEO partnership. She brings a very detailed and process-driven skill set, which is critical given the CEO’s lack of strength in this area. I am incredibly bullish on this appointment and look forward to reviewing a successful exit with this CEO and CFO partnership in a high-interest and M&A-active fire life and safety services sector.

Alex Rawlings, Founder & Managing Partner, Raw Selection

THOUGHTS FROM BLACKFORD CAPITAL

“Over the years, I have worked with many recruiting and staffing agencies, and there are a few key qualities I consistently look for in professional partners. As you read my criteria, I want you to know that Alex Rawlings and the team at Raw Selection have exemplified all these qualities at an exceptional level.

True Partnership: I value recruiting partners who are genuinely invested in finding the best person to serve my organization—not just someone to fill a role. This means taking the time to deeply understand my company, its objectives, strategies, and, most importantly, its culture. Alex and his team have done this remarkably well.

Determination, Grit, and Follow-Through: I look for partners who are relentless in their mission to achieve results. It's not just about the hours they put in; it’s about their unwavering focus on accomplishing the task. Raw Selection embodies this mindset.

Professional Competence: While essential, I rank this last among my criteria because I take it as a given. That said, Alex and his team excel in their market knowledge, their ability to identify top talent, and their rigorous screening process. They consistently present only the most qualified candidates, saving me an incredible amount of time and ensuring we meet our hiring goals.

In summary, Alex Rawlings and Raw Selection are outstanding recruiting partners. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking to hire senior executives in the private equity space.”

Paul Doyle, Managing Partner, Blackford Capital