Chief Financial Officer needed to drive financial strategy, scale operations, and optimize performance.

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM

Blackford Capital, a family and founder-owned PE firm based in Michigan, specializes in lower to middle-market industrial, business services, manufacturing, and distribution companies. Founded in 2010 by Martin Stein, they have completed 35+ acquisitions and delivered market-leading returns. Managing Partner Paul Doyle is an ex-operator turned PE investor.

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

Design Environments, established in 1979, is a leading interior design and project management firm specializing in hospitality, senior living, and multi-family projects. The company handles 200+ design and construction projects annually. The business is undergoing a turnaround, with last year's EBITDA at $1.5M and now focused on reaching $4M.
Challenges include:

• Four bank covenants are not in compliance.
• Cash flow constraints and high debt levels.
• Earn-outs need to be paid, but cash flow is tight.
• Forecasting and financial reporting need improvement.
• NetSuite integration is incomplete.
• Business is running on three separate financials.

The company has taken steps to improve its leadership team, drive cultural transparency, and focus on sustainable growth. The leadership team includes:

• Rich (Fractional CRO) - Driving business development and marketing.
• Blair (Head of Commercial) - Strong P&L understanding and contract negotiation.
• Vikas (Outgoing CFO) - Experienced in financial leadership but split between hospitality and CFO duties.

The business aims to grow EBITDA to $15M, acquire four competing companies, and reach $100M in revenue by 2027.

THE CULTURE

• Improved employee engagement and leadership transparency.
• Reduced turnover and established structured leadership.
• Strong focus on growth, strategic acquisitions, and operational efficiency.
• Transitioning from past operations to a more structured financial approach.

VISION

What does success look like in this role?

• Creating clear forecasts on revenue and cash flow.
• Driving EBITDA growth and achieving a 10% margin.
• Producing accurate and timely financial reports.
• Acquiring at least four companies in interior design.
• Growing the business in multi-family living, senior living, and student housing.
• Winning more commercial projects.
• Successfully outsourcing warehousing and installation.
• Managing a strong partnership with Blackford Capital.
• Preparing the business for a 2027 exit.

THE ROLE

The day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Financial Reporting and Controls:
• Financial Strategy:
• Revenue and Profitability:
• Mergers & Acquisitions:
• Team Leadership:
• Align finance and accounting functions with company objectives.
• Operational Oversight:
• Oversee IT, risk management, and insurance.
• Ensure office operations run efficiently.
• Work with the CEO, Board, and Blackford Capital on strategic initiatives.

KEY SELLING POINTS OF THE ROLE

• PE-backed by Blackford Capital with aggressive growth plans.
• Opportunity for M&A and organic expansion.
• High-impact role with a strategic seat at the table.
• Competitive compensation package with equity potential.

KEY CHALLENGES FOR THE ROLE

• The business is running on three separate financials, requiring integration.
• High debt from previous acquisitions—needs a plan for cost control.
• Hospitality sector has low margins (12% gross) and requires repeat business.
• Commercial projects have a 35% margin but take three years from discussion to installation.
• Must drive forecasting accuracy and improve financial planning.
• Aggressive acquisition targets require strategic financial oversight.
• NetSuite has not been fully integrated, slowing financial processes.
• 2023 audit remains incomplete.

YOUR BACKGROUND

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• CFO or senior finance leadership experience in a PE-backed business.
• Strong financial reporting, forecasting, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience managing debt, banking relationships, and covenants.
• Expertise in project-based accounting and cost management.
• Industry experience in interior design, architecture, procurement, or multi-family housing preferred.
• M&A experience with a successful track record of acquisitions and integrations.
• Hands-on leadership with a focus on process improvement and financial discipline.

YOUR CHARACTERISTICS

• Servant leadership style.
• Hands-on, willing to roll up sleeves.
• Detail-oriented with strong process development skills.
• Resilient and able to operate in a distressed environment.
• Strategic thinker who can balance short-term fixes with long-term growth.

LOCATION

Flexible location, Eastern USA preferred: Remote

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Basic Salary: $200,000 - $225,000 (potential up to $250,000).
Bonus Package: 30% based on EBITDA growth, KPIs, and financial performance.
401k: Yes.
Healthcare: Yes.
Equity: Potential equity equivalent (TBD).
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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