THE REASON FOR THE SEARCH

Acacia Group, a private equity firm, completed multiple acquisitions, grown significantly, required an Senior Associate to source and execute transactions independently, often in founder-led businesses.

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM

Acacia Group

The Private Equity firm, Acacia Group, is an independent sponsor with a portfolio of innovative technology businesses serving enterprise and government clients. Founded in 2016, Acacia has acquired over 20 companies since 2017 and today oversees three thriving platform businesses. They specialize in sectors including Government IT Services, Enterprise Technology Services, and Tech-Enabled Business Services opportunities. With a collaborative and flexible approach, Acacia’s expertise includes firm activity, financial operations, organizational design, and business integration. Their core values—collaborative, authentic, far-sighted, and empathetic—define their hands-on approach to building exceptional businesses with superior returns. With an expanding portfolio, Acacia required a Senior Associate who could independently source and execute deals in founder-owned environments.

THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

Acacia Group initiated this search to strengthen due to growth The ideal candidate needed to:

• 1+ year(s) of Private Equity experience in a lower-middle market or middle-market firm
• Background in Technology Services and Business Services
• Ties to Boston. Strong Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Full deal cycle experience brings a strong track record in platform and add-on acquisitions, as well as successful exits
• Communicate clearly, work collaboratively, and drive deal processes independently

Align with Acacia’s entrepreneurial and operationally focused approach

OUR APPROACH

Raw Selection leveraged its deep network of private equity professionals and mapped the market to identify candidates with proven experience and ties to Massachusetts. We prioritized individuals who:

• Had experience investing in founder owned business
• Showed a clear track record of relevant deal execution
• Demonstrated transparency, responsiveness, and professionalism throughout the process
• Desire to continuously learn and take on more responsibility

Appointed Executive: Jordan Mueser

THOUGHTS ON THE CANDIDATE

"Jordan stood out for his independent deal sourcing ability, hands-on approach, and proven record in tech-enabled healthcare transactions. From our first interaction, it was clear he aligned with Acacia Group’s strategy and culture."

Haleema Hussain | Vice President 

IMPACT & RESULTS

• Accelerated Search: Jordan’s transparency and prompt feedback streamlined the search and offer stage
• Strategic Fit: Expertise in founder-led, tech-enabled healthcare deals strengthens Acacia’s investment focus
• Operational Value: Jordan’s end-to-end deal experience positions him to immediately support Acacia’s growth strategy

CLIENT THOUGHTS ON SEARCH

“As an independent sponsor, attracting top-tier talent can be uniquely challenging—our model requires individuals who combine the analytical rigor of traditional private equity with the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in a lean,  dynamic environment. Haleema (at Raw Selection) quickly understood these nuances and took a thoughtful, targeted approach to the search. She demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, consistently presenting well-vetted candidates who aligned with both our technical needs and cultural fit. Her persistence and thoroughness throughout the process ensured we ultimately hired a very high-quality candidate in Jordan. I would highly recommend Haleema and the team at Raw Selection to any firm looking for a true partner in talent acquisition.”

Zach Brown | Vice President | Acacia Group

CANDIDATE THOUGHTS

"Working with Haleema was, hands down, the best recruiting experience I’ve had in my career.  Thanks to her, I landed a role at a top-tier private equity firm, an outcome I’m incredibly excited about and proud of.  But more than the result, it was the process that stood out.  From day one, Haleema was thoughtful, strategic, and fully engaged.  She helped me think critically about what I wanted in my next role, not just the firm or title, but the cultural fit, professional trajectory, and personal considerations like relocating to Boston.  She never pushed an opportunity just to close a placement.  Instead, she acted as a true advisor, always focused on what was right for me.   What really set Haleema apart was her extraordinary communication.  She was always available, no matter the time difference (even when she was abroad), and incredibly responsive.  In an industry where recruiters often go silent or take days to follow up, Haleema was consistently clear, concise, and proactive.  I always knew where I stood and what was coming next.  She also went the extra mile in preparation.  Haleema helped me frame early conversations with the firm, coached me through technical interviews that were specifically tailored to the firm, and spent time walking me through how to structure and present my case study.  She anticipated questions, stress-tested my answers, and boosted my confidence at every stage.  Her upbeat, positive energy made the entire process feel collaborative rather than stressful.  Most importantly, I always felt like Haleema was in my corner.  She advocated for me and made sure I was presenting myself in the best possible light.  I’ve worked with other recruiters in the past, but no one has matched her level of professionalism, empathy, and insight.  I’d recommend Haleema to anyone navigating a career move in private equity, she’s a true partner and one of the best in the business."

Jordan Mueser | Senior Associate | Acacia Group