HOW VETOUX INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS SECURED A GENERAL MANAGER FOR THEIR PORTFOLIO COMPANY, JBK

February 18, 2022

At A Glance

The new GM will be aiding the portfolio company’s EBITDA & Revenue growth based out of the US.

REASON FOR THE SEARCH

The company needed a new General Manager who was equipped with P&L skills and the knowledge of pricing and finance to support the business and bring it up to speed.

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM

Ventoux Industrial Holdings is a prominent manufacturing and industrial holding company that operates with a distinctive long-term buy-and-build strategy. Headquartered in the United States, the company's core focus lies in acquiring, enhancing, and expanding privately held and family businesses across various industries within the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

What sets Ventoux apart from many other companies is its ownership structure. The Partners within the organization are majority shareholders in the businesses they acquire, which means there is no external board of directors to answer to, no pressure from institutional investors, and no strict investment benchmarks to meet. This setup allows the company to maintain a high degree of autonomy and flexibility in its decision-making processes.

In contrast to short-term profit-driven approaches, Ventoux takes a patient and pragmatic approach to its acquisitions. The company emphasizes a team-oriented method, relying on collaboration and shared expertise to identify opportunities and implement strategies that maximize long-term value for their holdings and the employees associated with them.

By focusing on sustainable growth and improvement, Ventoux aims to foster a positive impact on the businesses it acquires, ensuring their prosperity over time. This commitment to the long-term development of its holdings underscores the company's dedication to building enduring and successful enterprises in the industrial and manufacturing landscape.

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

JBK Dayton, an Ohio-based company, specializes in manufacturing helicopter and engine parts for defense applications. Pre-Covid, they achieved $10 million in revenue, and despite challenges, they still generated $6 million. Now, they aim to grow back to $10 million within a year. Acquired by Ventoux Industrial Holdings, JBK benefits from industry expertise and resources for further expansion. Ventoux focuses on companies with $10-100 million revenue for acquisitions, but also considers smaller businesses for bolt-on opportunities. JBK prioritizes customer needs, respecting stakeholders' concerns during the acquisition process.

REQUIREMENT

  • General Manager experience
  • A&D machining experience
  • Experience in merging companies
  • Manufacturing experience, production control experience, and CNC experience
  • P&L exposure
  • Customer-facing experience
  • Financial experience
  • Strong leadership skills

WHY RAW SELECTION

Ventoux didn’t have a Plant Manager to run the site in person for over 4 months, so they were very keen to find the right candidate as quickly as possible.

There was a large talent pool, however, the number of candidates who fit the exact brief and were a great culture match was small. To overcome these challenges, Raw Selection completed a detailed search of the local area that JBK is based in to find the perfect candidate.

We did this by mapping out local Aerospace and Defence companies in the machining sector, working hard to gain contact information for this talent, and then contacting each candidate directly.

THE PROCESS

To secure the candidate, Raw Selection followed their extensive 15-step process to ensure a great match was found for the vacancy. Raw Selection commences every search by discussing and understanding the full search requirement and brief. Raw Selection’s Principal, Jack Burns, led the search, who with the cooperation of Kurt Grimm, hiring manager at Ventoux, built out a full picture of the company, the employees, the culture, and exactly the type of profile that was needed to succeed in this position.

Raw Selection followed our extensive 15-step search process, identifying a total of 400 profiles. This was then cut down to a small number of 8, and each profile was fully assessed and measured for culture fit.

Raw Selection identified an exceptional individual out of a shortlist of 3, Gary Brudette, who was subsequently hired for the role.

THOUGHTS ON THE SEARCH

The search was very successful, and Raw Selection provided an outstanding shortlist within 5 days.

Since this search, Raw Selection has placed other C-suite executives with Ventoux Industrial Holdings’ portfolio companies, and are continuing on more of their searches for outstanding talent currently.

THE CANDIDATES' THOUGHTS

"I found Jack to be the epitome of professionalism, his diligence unprecedented. He was forthright in offering the insightful knowledge of the job expectations along with an appraisal of the corporation itself.

Jack went out of his way to work with my limited schedule availability, even offering 'off' hours for questions and follow-up. Working with a five-hour delta can be a challenge, however, it was seamless on my end.

He went the extra distance to accommodate me in any way possible, and I am indebted. There would be no hesitation for me to recommend him to any professional seeking to move in their career."

Gary Burdette, New Plant Manager, JBK Manufacturing & Development Co.

GET IN TOUCH

About Raw Selection: Raw Selection favours a meticulous approach to candidate research. Our process for selecting the right candidate means we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their role after 12 months.

If you are looking for new talent for your manufacturing portfolio company, please get in contact with Jack today at jack.burns@raw-selection.com

Benefits


Get in Touch

Raw Selection favors a meticulous approach to talent research. Our process for selecting the right talent means we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged C-Suite clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.

If you are looking for new talent, contact us now.

Get in Touch