THE PRIVATE EQUITY COMPANY

Tenex is a PE firm founded by engineers and business operators, specializing in operational efficiency and transformative business change. Their hybrid model combines operators and investors, backed by 15 years of senior leadership known for integrity. With expertise from GE and McKinsey, they focus on lean operations and strategic growth. Tenex partners with families and management teams, prioritizing alignment and legacy over price, and offers majority equity investments with seller equity roll options.

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

Columbia Home Services is a portfolio company specializing in HVAC services, including plumbing and electrical solutions. The firm focuses on delivering comprehensive home services, ensuring efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems while also providing essential plumbing and electrical expertise. This integrated approach allows Columbia Home Services to address a wide range of customer needs, enhancing overall service quality and operational efficiency in the home services sector.

WHAT WERE THE PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS OF THE SEARCH?

Requirements included onboarding an experienced PE backed GM from within the Residential HVAC services market; having an operationally focussed GM that had a track record of consistently driving Revenue & EBITDA growth; Having an HVAC Services talent who was versed in successful M&A integration; onboarding an Initial GM, who could transform into a regional GM with expanded site responsibility.

WHAT CHALLENGES WAS THE CLIENT FACING?

A GM was required for the portfolio as 2 previous GM’s were exited; an operationally focused GM was required so that in due course they could transition into a Regional GM having multi-site responsibility; the client had exhausted their own network; having this position unfilled was taking time away from M&A acquisition activities. There was an immediate need to fill this position with a PE experienced GM within the residential HVAC Services Industry. The client having extensively reviewed their own network could not find an individual who had the required skill set and so they reached out to Raw Selection.

WAS THERE ANYTHING THAT MADE THE SEARCH CHALLENGING?

• Location
• Salary banding
• Successful completion and passing of a cultural fit index survey
• Required skill set of talent; Multisite, PE experienced, M&A versed GM

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?

• Extensive PE Residential Services Market Mapping
• Intensive interviewing of the right talent
• Refinement of search mandate, according to market feedback

WITH RAW SELECTION'S 15 STEPS TO FILL A SEARCH, WHAT PARTICULAR STEP FOUND THIS CANDIDATE?

• Boolean search

WAS THERE A TIME YOU WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SECURE THE CANDIDATE?

• Interview the candidate as soon as possible
• Interview talent slates on the weekends

WOULD YOU CLASS THIS SEARCH AS SUCCESSFUL?

Yes, this was a successful search. As a direct result, the client has secured a PE-experienced Residential HVAC services GM, who is driving strategic vision.

HOW HAVE WE HELPED THE CLIENT SINCE?

The client retains Raw Selection, as the preferred Executive Search Partner, for PE-backed appointments.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CANDIDATE

Rachel is an exceptional PE experienced Operator; having a track record of successful M&A integration, Revenue & EBITDA Growth; & culturally galvanising portfolios to set and drive strategic vision. As an industry expert, the talent’s market knowledge and network is second to none. The talent can liaise with all levels of ownership and management to deliver consistent results.
— Sean Butt, Senior Associate

CLIENT'S THOUGHTS

We reached a point where one of our businesses needed more leadership. Due to explosive growth we could no longer manage under the current organizational structure. We engaged Raw Selection who has sound experience in our space to find the right GM with the right Culture Index profile coupled with industry experience. Within just a couple of weeks, Raw identified the right talent, expedited the interview process with our team and soon after we had the right person in the right seat doing the work that really matters. For CHS this was a critical and timely hire and Raw delivered.
— Paul Adams, CEO, Columbia Home Services

CANDIDATE'S THOUGHTS

I would like to give “props” to Mo for identifying this General Manager role in North Carolina and reaching out to me to gauge my interest. Being from Texas, this was a big proposition – relocating. I would have never applied for the position since it wasn’t in my current geographical area. Mo was very supportive throughout the entire process. It was an extensive process that moved rather quickly, and Mo was by my side through everything. He communicated often, updating me as things were progressing. Being on the other side, you don’t know what is happening if the recruiter doesn’t update you, which can prove to be very frustrating if you are not kept in the loop. Luckily this wasn’t the case with this endeavor. Overall, it was a great experience, and I did accept the new position. On top of that, I got everything that I was asking for in the employment package. It was definitely a WIN-WIN experience. I highly recommend Mo to help you succeed with your next career move.
— Rachel Hagler, General Manager, Columbia Home Services

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 clients.

If you are looking for new talent, please get in contact with Mo today, at mohammed.vali@raw-selection.com