***THIS IS CONFIDENTIAL SEARCH***
Job Title: President / Operator - Custom Home Builder
This role is structured as a buy-in / earnout opportunity
Position Overview
Buy In Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced construction leader to assume operational leadership of a well-established, high-end custom home building company in Southeast Michigan. This is a transition-to-ownership opportunity where the selected candidate will take over day-to-day operations and client relationships, with a structured path toward majority ownership.
The company generates approximately $10M in annual revenue with ~$1.2M EBITDA and has a strong reputation in luxury and infill residential construction.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee all aspects of custom home construction operations
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and profitability
- Lead estimating, pricing strategy, and job costing
- Ensure quality standards and client satisfaction
Financial & Business Management
- Drive EBITDA performance and maintain financial discipline
- Manage backlog, forecasting, and cash flow
- Oversee vendor relationships and cost controls
- Ensure accurate financial reporting and systems
Relationship Management
- Maintain and grow relationships with architects, realtors, and subcontractors
- Build and sustain strong client relationships in the luxury market
- Protect and enhance company reputation
Leadership & Transition Execution
- Partner with founder through a 12-18 month transition
- Gradually assume full operational control
- Retain and develop internal team
- Implement systems to reduce owner dependency
Ownership & Transition Structure This role is structured as a buy-in / earnout opportunity.
Typical structure includes:
- Majority equity purchase (approximately 70-80%)
- Seller financing component
- Performance-based earnout tied to EBITDA
Example structure:
- Cash down payment + seller note + earnout based on performance milestones
Qualifications
- 15+ years of residential construction experience (custom/luxury preferred)
- Proven track record managing $8M-$15M+ annual volume
- Strong P&L and EBITDA management experience
- Established relationships in construction or real estate network
- Experience leading teams and subcontractors
- Ability to invest capital and secure financing
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior ownership or equity participation
- Experience scaling an owner-led business
- Knowledge of Southeast Michigan luxury home market
Key Success Factors
- Successfully transition an owner-dependent business
- Maintain client relationships and referral network
- Sustain profitability and project pipeline
- Strong judgment in pricing, estimating, and execution
Compensation & Equity
- Base compensation during transition
- Significant equity ownership opportunity
- Performance-based earnout
- Long-term wealth creation through ownership
Why This Opportunity
- Established, reputable brand
- Immediate leadership role with ownership path
- High-margin custom home segment
- Structured transition with founder support
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.