American Operator
Portfolio CEO: Powder Coating Shop
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Portfolio CEO: Powder Coating Shop
American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership and ownership. We buy small businesses between $5M–$15M in revenue from retiring owners and place an experienced operator as CEO. Operators follow a clear pathway to earn significant equity over time.
About The Role
We’re actively interviewing CEO candidates for current and future acquisition opportunities. These roles may align with existing acquisitions or future deals as they emerge.
You’ll be matched with a profitable, established Powder Coating business with a strong reputation, loyal customer base, and an experienced team.
As CEO, you’ll take full responsibility for:
- Day-to-day operations
- Team leadership
- P&L (Profit & Loss) performance
This is not a turnaround—it’s a chance to build on a solid foundation. Your focus will be on:
- Developing and retaining a high-performing team
- Driving customer acquisition and growth
- Scaling the business from a strong position
We act as your strategic partner, offering support, resources, and guidance while empowering your independence as a leader. Most importantly: You’ll have a clear path to ownership (starting at 10% equity), deepening your connection to the business you grow.
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Key Responsibilities
Operations & Growth
- Grow key performance metrics while leading day-to-day plant operations
- Build new business into end markets to reduce industry concentration
Team Development & Leadership
- Develop and lead production teams (line leads, applicators) with a culture of high accountability
- Drive hiring and performance improvement for hourly teams
Production & Quality
- Oversee finishing line processes (pretreatment, paint booths, cure ovens) with discipline in throughput, quality, and on-time delivery
Compliance & Operations
- Ensure hazardous waste and regulatory compliance (VOC logs, permits)
- Manage equipment maintenance and capital expenditures (capex)
Strategic Collaboration
- Partner with American Operator’s leadership on strategy, budgeting, and growth planning
Requirements
Experience
- 7+ years in relevant industry experience, with at least 3 years of departmental or full-plant P&L ownership
- Strong track record of profitably growing job shops reliant on reputation and service quality
- Proven ability to lead batch production runs with tight timelines
Team Focus
- Direct experience with building and leading high-performing hourly teams
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Industry & Compliance
- Direct experience in powder coating, liquid paint, metal finishing, or metal fabrication (preferred)
- Regulatory freedom: Ownership of safety and hazard permits (e.g., VOC emissions, waste adherence)
Location
- Currently based in (or willingness to relocate to) one of our target markets (Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Indiana, Illinois, or Wisconsin)
What Sets You Apart?
- Specialization: Direct operational control over permitted manufacturing facilities
- Market Diversification: History of reducing customer concentration risk
- Ownership Mindset: Focused on equity growth and value creation over time
Compensation (varies by deal)
- Salary: $130,000–$190,000 base (plus performance-based bonus/equity)
- Equity starting at 10%, with potential for escalation based on performance
- Benefits: Full portfolio ownership after net revenue exceeds $20M
Location Notes
- Current Operators: Based in markets above (MI, OH, PA, TX, IN, IL, WI)
- Relocation: Required if matching a new portfolio company
Next Steps
Before applying, explore americanoperator.com for insights—then apply to speak with our team.
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