Portfolio CEO: Tent & Event Rental Company
ABOUT AMERICAN OPERATOR
American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership and ownership. We place experienced operators into businesses of retiring owners who want their life's work placed in the hands of leaders who care. Over time, our CEOs follow a clear pathway to earn significant equity in the business they lead.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for an experienced operator to lead a tent & event supplies rental company as CEO in partnership with American Operator. This is a rare opportunity to step into a profitable, established business with a strong reputation, loyal customer base, and an experienced team already in place.
As CEO, you'll assume full responsibility for day-to-day operations, team leadership, and P&L performance. This is not a turnaround situation, it's an opportunity to build on a solid foundation. Your focus will be on developing and retaining a great team, driving customer acquisition and growth, executing with operational discipline, and scaling the business from a position of strength.
American Operator will be your partner from day one, providing strategic support, resources, and guidance while empowering you to lead independently. Most importantly, you'll have a clear path to earning significant equity ownership in the business you grow and lead.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Grow the business with a focus on key performance metrics as you lead day-to-day operations
Develop and lead sales, field crew leaders, and office staff with a culture of high accountability and performance
Coach and build an outbound sales team focused on corporate relationships and referral partners
Manage the budget and capital decisions associated with a relatively asset-intensive business
Adapt the business's sales, marketing, and inventory based on the latest trends in weddings, corporate events, graduations, etc.
Recruit, manage, and develop field teams in a physically challenging industry with seasonality
Partner with American Operator on strategy, budgeting, and growth planning
REQUIREMENTS
10+ years of leadership experience with direct experience as a sales and operations leader
Experience building high performance teams with accountability for hiring and performance improvement
Track record of leading and growing an organization that's driven by local relationships and referral networks
WHAT SETS YOU APART
A competitive spirit that always finds a way to win
Experience as a sales or operations leader in the catering, event planning, or rental industry
Stepped in as the new leader after an ownership or leadership transition and earned the trust of a long-tenured team
Military leadership experience
COMPENSATION
Base salary: $150,000, plus performance-based bonus opportunities, distributions, and meaningful equity participation beginning at 10% ownership, with the potential to increase based on performance and value creation. Total compensation varies by portfolio company, individual performance, and deal structure, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
LOCATION
This opportunity is located in the greater Philadelphia metro area. The exact location of this business will be revealed during the interview process. Relocation will be required if you are not currently in or near the market of the opportunity.
Ready to lead the next chapter? Before you apply, we encourage you to visit americanoperator.com to learn more about who we are, how we work, and what our operators have to say about the experience. When you are ready, apply today to start the conversation.