CEO - PORTFOLIO SEARCH - BUILDING PRODUCTS - USA
August 30, 2024
The Appointed Executive
CEO
Brad Beard is a highly accomplished President and CEO recognized for transforming underperforming businesses and driving sustained growth in the building products, windows, doors, and specialty distribution industries. With over 35 years of leadership experience, including within private equity-backed and publicly traded companies, Brad has consistently delivered revenue expansion, EBITDA improvement, and operational excellence.
At a prior company, Brad repositioned a business, increasing revenue by 50% of a high-end steel windows and doors manufacturer, implementing KPI-driven systems, strengthening leadership, and diversifying revenue streams away from California to new markets in Denver and the East Coast. His initiatives increased EBITDA to 22%, dramatically improved customer satisfaction scores, and reduced costly operational inefficiencies.
Previously at he led a turnaround that grew revenue from $20M to $80M and boosted EBITDA margins from 8% to 13% through quality enhancements, sales force upgrades, and strategic customer diversification. An earlier role saw him scale revenue from $400M to $1.2B, execute over 35 bolt-on acquisitions, including a $300M Canadian strategic buyout and successfully deliver a 10x exit to Hellman & Friedman.
Brad is known for building high-performance cultures, hiring and developing exceptional leadership teams, and creating value through both organic growth and disciplined M&A execution. His track record demonstrates a rare ability to combine operational discipline, strategic vision, and exit readiness, consistently positioning companies for long-term scalable success.
4X
Revenue growth at the past role
1x
Private Equity backed exits
REASON FOR THE SEARCH
The current CEO will transition to the role of COO, with full awareness of the change. While he has demonstrated strong operational leadership, he has been unable to successfully sell the business. Market feedback indicated that the business lacked the consistency required for a sale. As a result, the company is now restructuring its approach by appointing a new CEO and shifting its strategy to split and sell the businesses separately.
THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM
Baymark Partners
THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY
Denver Glass Interiors
Specialising in the designing, fabricating, and installation of custom glass products for residential and commercial spaces.
WHAT WERE THE PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS OF THE SEARCH?
- Proven track record of leading successful exits within the sector
- Deep understanding of industry trends and transition complexities
- Strong collaboration with financial intermediaries and expertise in managing complex transactions
- Ability to engage with staff at all levels, fostering a cohesive work environment
- History of driving organic growth through internal strategic initiatives
- Experience in scaling businesses and executing growth-focused operational plans
WHAT CHALLENGES WAS THE CLIENT FACING?
The business required a CEO with a proven background in developing effective exit strategies within the Building Products sector, while also being able to integrate seamlessly into the blue-collar culture of the company. The primary challenge driving the need for this role was the necessity to divest, restructure, strategically position, and ultimately exit the business successfully. The client struggled to find strong CEO’s, with relevant product experience & the functional experience of an exit. When we were able to show them 6 CEO’s meeting the criteria, they used our service.
WAS THERE ANYTHING THAT MADE THE SEARCH CHALLENGING?
It was crucial to ensure that the CEO’s exit experience was directly relevant. Many CEOs may have been involved in an exit but not necessarily led one, often holding a different position during the process. Identifying the subtle differences in their capabilities was essential to accurately align their experience with the client’s specific needs.
THOUGHTS ON THE CANDIDATE
"Brad Beard is a proven President & CEO with over 35 years of leadership experience across manufacturing, building products, windows & doors, and distribution. He has repeatedly delivered turnarounds, growth strategies, and exit readiness in both PE-backed and public company environments."
Alex Rawlings, Founder & Managing Partner
THE CLIENTS THOUGHTS
"Great to work with in securing the CEO for one of our glass companies. He produced an excellent candidate and we are pleased with the result."
David Hook, Managing Director
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