Small Business President

Ownershift is a for-profit, purpose-driven acquisition platform that purchases high-quality, long-tenured small businesses from retiring owners and implements broad-based employee ownership programs upon closing, enabling employees to directly participate in business success. Our goal is to become the preferred buyer for retiring owners by offering quick, efficient acquisitions and facilitating employee ownership legacies. This creates a win-win for retiring owners, employees, communities, and investors, ensuring secure financial positions and legacies for owners, financial participation and wealth creation paths for employees, retention of valuable businesses for communities, and strong financial returns for investors.

Job Summary: 

We’re seeking a dynamic Small Business President to lead an Ownershift company headquartered in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a profitable, long-established business that is a leading full-service maintenance contractor for grocers providing seafood tank equipment installation and service that provides troubleshooting, dispatching and supply sales to provide a one-stop solution.  

The Small Business President will oversee the transition to employee ownership, drive growth, and enhance profitability. You will manage all aspects of business operations, including P&L, AP/AR, strategic planning, and HR. Leading an established team, you will implement transparent and accountable management practices. Your focus will be on budgeting, strategic investments, performance metrics, and marketing initiatives to drive growth. Additionally, you will handle HR responsibilities, including personnel matters, performance evaluations, and compensation. You will also refine business practices, facilitate the transition to employee ownership with Ownershift, and coach employee owners to leverage their stake for improved business outcomes and culture. 

 

How you’ll make an impact:  

• Succeed the retiring small business owner as the new President and General Manager of the company. 
• Lead the transition to employee ownership, fostering a resilient and growth-oriented culture. 
• Own all business strategy, operations, P&L, and AP/AR management, leading an experienced team who, alongside you, owns equity in the business. 
• Drive sales growth through marketing, outreach, and account/vendor relationship management. 
• Maintain strong client and vendor relationships, leveraging your network to bring in new business. 
• Serve as the growth leader who works with the team to expand revenue opportunities and improve company operations. 
• Implement top-tier management practices, focusing on transparent accountability and team engagement. 
• Develop and execute a credible and detailed growth strategy with the existing team. 
• Manage HR responsibilities, including personnel matters, performance evaluations, and compensation. 
• Address conflicts and interpersonal challenges proactively, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. 
• Build trust within a close-knit team during a period of change, demonstrating perseverance and emotional intelligence. 

 

What you’ll bring to the table:  

• Experience with technical repairs and sales within refrigeration, HVAC, or a similar industry. 
• Mechanical engineering background or experience preferred. 
• Adaptability and willingness to learn business ins and outs from the previous business owners. 
• Demonstrated people leadership skills through past work experience.  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with low ego. 
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced project management and problem-solving, coupled with a hands-on approach. 
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills to oversee company financials and develop business strategy. Past P&L management and/or MBA degree a plus. 
• Capacity to identify challenges and develop solutions in a fast-paced environment. 
• Experience hiring, training, and developing teams.