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The Private Equity PodcastPrivate Equity ResourcesWork For Us

Chief Executive Officer

November 4, 2025

Location :

Atlanta

Salary :

350,000

Sector:

Commercial Services

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THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

This portfolio company is a U.S.-based leader in commercial and hospitality interior design, offering design, procurement, and project management solutions across the country. With over 200 projects delivered annually, the company has recently completed a turnaround and now focuses on margin growth, strategic acquisitions, and a defined exit by 2028. The business serves both commercial and hospitality sectors, currently split 55/45 with a target of 50/50 in 2026. The company’s culture, systems, and leadership have been restored, with a clear mission and operational focus.

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM

The Private Equity firm, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Michigan, specializes in lower to middle-market companies within manufacturing, industrial, business services, and distribution sectors. It is a family and founder-owned firm with a strong track record of market-leading returns. Known for promoting operational autonomy and performance-driven accountability, the firm partners closely with leadership while supporting strategic growth, including M&A and capital structure optimization.

THE CULTURE

The culture is values-led, collaborative, and mission-driven. With intentional efforts made to restore performance transparency and reduce turnover, the business now celebrates both small and large wins and boasts a committed and talented team. A structured and effective leadership team is in place, with momentum building toward the next phase of growth. The incoming CEO will inherit an A- team with the opportunity to elevate performance to A+ standards.

VISION

What does success look like in this role?

  • Drive EBITDA growth and expand the commercial segment to 60% through focused business development and strategic execution.

  • Successfully refinance existing high-interest debt by March 2026 to unlock capital for growth and acquisitions.

  • Complete the acquisition and integration of 3–4 interior design or similar service businesses to grow revenue and margin.

  • Position the company for a $250M revenue / $25M EBITDA exit in 2028.

  • Execute a shift toward high-margin commercial and full-service hospitality segments.

  • Increase quality of earnings and valuation multiple through disciplined operational excellence and strategic reporting.

THE ROLE

The CEO will be responsible for:

  • Leading the business through the next stage of growth and preparing for a 2028 exit.

  • Driving strategic acquisitions and their integration into the core business.

  • Partnering with the board and Private Equity firm to execute refinancing and capital allocation strategies.

  • Enhancing the business development engine, particularly in commercial interiors.

  • Supporting and developing the executive team including new and tenured leaders in commercial and hospitality segments.

  • Championing process improvement and margin-focused project delivery.

KEY SELLING POINTS OF THE ROLE

  • Opportunity to lead a business with a short exit timeline and strong backing.

  • Chance to create a liquidity event for all employees and prior owners.

  • Execute an aggressive and strategic acquisition plan in a growing U.S. interior design market.

  • Work with a committed, high-potential team and a values-driven culture.

  • Influence and improve capital efficiency and project profitability.

  • Leverage market research to expand in high-return regions such as Florida and Texas.

KEY CHALLENGES FOR THE ROLE

  • Navigating a complex and high-interest debt structure requiring refinancing by March 2026.

  • Executing multiple acquisitions while maintaining cultural and operational alignment.

  • Transitioning low-margin hospitality to higher-margin offerings with repeat clients and referred business.

  • Developing a pipeline for commercial projects which typically have a 2–3 year sales cycle.

  • Achieving a 10% EBITDA margin through operational discipline and project execution excellence.

  • Balancing cash flow constraints while funding earn-outs and strategic growth initiatives.

YOUR BACKGROUND

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

  • Proven leadership of private equity-backed businesses through periods of transformation and exit.

  • Strong experience in interior design, architecture, construction, or other project-based, human capital-intensive service industries.

  • Demonstrated success executing M&A strategies and integrations.

  • Familiarity with project-based accounting and service delivery models.

  • Track record of strategic thinking, talent development, and servant leadership.

YOUR CHARACTERISTICS

  • Confident communicator with high gravitas, capable of engaging investors and workforce alike.

  • Servant leader with hands-on management style and process orientation.

  • Strategic thinker with strong resilience and attention to detail.

  • Able to motivate and align a predominantly female, creative workforce.

LOCATION

Atlanta, Georgia (Preferred, with flexibility)

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Basic Salary: $350,000–$400,000
Bonus: 100%
Equity: Yes (Value TBC)
401k: Yes
Healthcare: Yes

Raw Selection is an executive search firm working exclusively with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies across Europe & North America.

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