7 Mistakes to Avoid During an Executive Search

7 Mistakes To Avoid During An Executive Search

From identifying qualified candidates to conducting effective interviews to negotiating offers, executing an executive search means coordinating a lot of moving parts. Even the best-run searches face a few challenges along the way.


If you plan the process thoughtfully, though, you can avoid these obstacles and conduct a smooth and successful executive search.


Today we’ll outline 7 mistakes that can derail an executive search. We’ll also talk about a few precautions you can take to help you avoid them.


Not knowing what you’re looking for

If you don’t know what you’re looking for in a candidate at the beginning of an executive search, how will you ultimately identify, interview and select the right professional for the position?


Organizations often make the mistake of jumping straight into creating the job description, focusing on job responsibilities and candidate qualifications.


A better approach is to start by creating alignment of the key roles and responsibilities. Ask all key stakeholders the simple question, “What will this position achieve?”. This will help you gain a better understanding of how your organization will define success for the role as well as the obstacles your new hire will need to overcome.



How to avoid this mistake

Create a Success Profile focusing on the soft skills needed for a new hire to be successful and provide a guideline showing how interview teams should evaluate candidates for these skills.


Not vetting referrals

Nearly 80% of internal recruiters report that the most qualified candidates come from employee referrals. But don’t assume every referral is a good one.

Referrals and internal candidates should be subject to the same interview process as external candidates. Using a consistent process will ensure confidence in your final selection.


Falling in love with fit

Organizational fit is crucial when hiring new executives, but a candidate who is a perfect fit culturally may not be able to perform the job successfully. When evaluating candidates for a position, remember the “three legs holding up the Recruiting Stool”:


  1. Does the candidate have the skills to do the job?
  2. Is the candidate motivated to do the job?
  3. Is the candidate a good culture fit?


Your top candidates need to have the skills and motivation to do the job as well as be the right fit for your organization.


How to avoid this mistake

Use the Success Profile to develop questions ahead of time that help evaluate the candidates for each “leg of the stool.” Most companies feel that they do a good job evaluating for fit and technical ability, but figuring out if candidates are motivated to do the job takes a little more probing. 


Gaining an understanding of why candidates make certain moves in their career, why they were promoted and why they are interested in your role can help paint a picture of their motivation.


Forgetting to recruit

As you consider candidates throughout the search process, remember: they are also evaluating you.


High-level professionals want to know if joining your company is the right move for them, so providing them with the right information to make their decision is absolutely necessary.


Moreover, executives want to be recruited. Senior-level candidates not only have limited time to apply for positions but also need to know that they are wanted by a company before pursuing an opportunity.


How to avoid this mistake

Remember that interviews aren’t a one-way street. During the interview process, plan a tour so candidates can see your organization and build in opportunities for them to ask questions.


Also, before the interview, make sure all of your interviewers are able to answer the question, “Why are you here?” Your company’s executives should be able to convey to candidates why they joined the company, where they see the organization going and how this role fits into their long-term vision.


And make sure to conduct candidate surveys at the end of the interview process to improve the candidate experience for the future.


Hiding your flaws

Not being transparent with candidates is a big mistake that can cost you later in the process.


Challenges or issues facing the role or organization are bound to come out. It’s better for candidates to hear about those issues from you rather than a third party.


No company is perfect, so make sure to be up front while still striking a balance with sharing the positives.


Taking too long

Time kills all deals. If a position is open too long, you may lose candidates, or the people in the marketplace may begin to wonder if there’s something wrong with the role or company.


How to avoid this mistake

Create a realistic timeline for your search, noting milestones like the completion of sourcing phases, interview dates and a goal start-date.

You may diverge from your plan, but try to stick to it as much as possible during the search.


Thinking you’re done when the search is finished

Once you’ve made a successful hire, you may be tempted to think you’ve completed your work, but don’t be fooled. As many as one-third of new hires quit within the first 6 months of starting a job.


In order to retain your new talent, make sure onboarding new employees is a priority at the end of your search.


How to avoid this mistake

Create a New Hire Orientation program that introduces new members to your team and allows them to learn more about the organization when they join.

Including a “New Hire Checklist” helps make sure new employees have all of the supplies and technology access they will need for their job. First impressions are important, so make Day 1 a positive experience for your new team members.


What challenges are you worried about?

Are you planning an executive search? If so, keep in mind that mistakes do happen, but being aware of them and taking steps to correct them ahead of time will lead to an efficient and effective executive search.


If there are challenges you’re worried about, or you’d like to know more about how 180one can help make your next executive search a success, just email us. We’d love to help!

BASCO
By Effie Zimmerman June 1, 2026
President ABOUT THE COMPANY Dating all the way back to 1878, BASCO's parent company, founded by the Cronin Family, began its long-lasting legacy. Now a fifth-generation family-operated business, BASCO has built an exceptional reputation by combining industry-leading products, expert customer guidance, and an unwavering commitment to service. With showroom locations in Portland’s Pearl District, Lake Oswego, and Bend, along with an Outlet Store, BASCO delivers a highly differentiated customer experience through interactive appliance displays, knowledgeable professionals, and a curated portfolio of more than 60 premium appliance brands, including Viking, Thermador, Dacor, Miele, and Wolf-Sub Zero-Cove. BASCO is the trusted appliance partner for discerning homeowners, luxury remodel projects, and the building community serving the upper-end residential market throughout the Pacific Northwest. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the CEO and the Board of Directors, the President will lead the organization into its next phase while preserving the culture, reputation, and customer-first values that have defined BASCO for generations. This executive will provide strategic and operational leadership across the business, strengthen organizational performance, develop high-performing teams, and continue elevating BASCO’s position as the region’s premier luxury appliance retailer. The President will provide leadership and oversight across all major functional areas of the business, including operations, purchasing and supplier relationships, product delivery, customer service, finance, human resources, and marketing/communications. The Ideal Candidate will possess the following skills: Proven ability to attract, develop, engage, and retain high-performing team members while building a strong, collaborative organizational culture Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively delegate, influence, and collaborate across all functional areas to drive productivity and operational excellence Thoughtful and confident leader with a growth mindset, sound judgment, and the ability to make strategic and timely decisions Strong financial and business acumen with a clear understanding of key business drivers and the ability to effectively leverage organizational resources to achieve strategic and operational objectives CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Review and enhance organizational effectiveness by improving processes, fostering a highly engaged work environment, and implementing operational improvements Develop, implement, and manage annual budgets and resource allocation plans Continuously evaluate and improve operational efficiency and overall financial performance Deliver the financial objectives established by senior leadership and the Board of Directors Partner with operational leaders to establish, track, and achieve key performance metrics and KPIs Identify and implement effective solutions to business challenges, including customer concerns, profitability issues, employee relations matters, and competitive pressures Collaborate closely with the Sales Team to consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience Champion customer loyalty by ensuring a consistently high level of service and delivering commitments with integrity and responsiveness Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain high-performing talent aligned with the company’s business objectives and culture Inspire and motivate team members to achieve and exceed goals by establishing clear accountability, defining performance expectations, setting high standards, and providing ongoing coaching and feedback QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field required; advanced degree or graduate-level education preferred Proven executive leadership experience with full P&L responsibility, ideally within a retail, multi-location, distribution, or related operating environment Demonstrated success leading diverse functional areas and large teams while building strong cross-functional relationships that drive collaboration and results Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to balance long-term objectives and day-to-day operational demands Excellent communication, collaboration, and delegation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization Proven ability to develop, manage, and execute financial plans, budgets, and performance objectives Broad business acumen with a strong understanding of key organizational functions, including finance, operations, human resources, procurement, and sales Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data and insights to support sound business decisions Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by BASCO to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Nicole Brady at 503-699-0184 or via email at nicole@180one.com .
By Effie Zimmerman May 28, 2026
C HIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ABOUT THE COMPANY Founded in 1929, Bennett is a trusted, family-led provider of water, plant health, and energy solutions for growers with locations in California’s Central Valley and Hawaii. Based in Selma, California, and now led by fourth-generation CEO Tyler Bennett, the company offers fully integrated services to maximize resource efficiency - delivering turnkey solutions that help customers maximize yields, improve water efficiency, and enhance crop health. What began as a family-run business, Bennett grew alongside the farming communities it served, built on a commitment to practical solutions, dependable service, and long-term relationships. Over the decades, Bennett continued to evolve with the needs of the industry. As agriculture faced new challenges around efficiency, resource management, and crop performance, the company expanded its capabilities to support operations in more ways. Through each stage of that growth, one principle remained constant: focus on solving real problems in the field and stand behind their work. In August of 2025, Pike Street Capital made an investment in Bennett to help facilitate continued growth and geographical expansion. More information is available at www.bennett.llc . ABOUT THE POSITION The Chief Financial Officer position is accountable for the strategic, financial, administrative, and risk management operations of the company, including the development of a financial and operational strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company assets, maximize profits, and report accurate financial results to the Board and stakeholders. The CFO candidate must be willing to take a side-by-side role with the CEO and executive team to motivate the people in the organization to achieve its mission and financial targets. The CFO will report to the Chief Executive Officer and be a key member of the Company’s senior executive team. She or he will design, install, and manage the practices and systems necessary, including financial policy, reporting, compliance, risk management, controls, financial accounting, cost accounting, accounting systems, cash management, banking relationships, tax strategy, and Board interface. The CFO will coordinate the development and filing of all bank and board-related reports and regulatory documents, if any, and initiate and maintain accounting and auditor relationships. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Executive & Strategic Leadership Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, actively contributing to policy, direction, and long-term planning. Help define and execute the company’s growth strategy in alignment with operational, financial, and market objectives. Drive a high-performance culture through accountability, transparency, and collaboration. Lead by example, setting the tone and culture across the organization. Operate as a player/coach, comfortable building models, developing presentations, and engaging directly in critical business issues. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier financial and operational talent. Lead major business initiatives and projects (e.g., productivity improvement, pricing strategies) with measurable results. Shoulder broad business leadership responsibility, beyond traditional finance functions. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Own the development and ongoing refinement of annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and long-term financial planning. Track and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure performance against strategic goals. Conduct hands-on analysis of financial performance, with actionable insights to achieve growth and EBITDA targets. Lead investment analysis and decision support, including customer pricing models and full business case development. Demonstrated expertise in labor cost management and margin improvement strategies. Bring experience across multiple ERP platforms; ERP selection and implementation experience is highly preferred. Accounting & Financial Operations Oversee all accounting and finance functions, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. Prepare and deliver comprehensive financial reporting packages, including monthly P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and covenant compliance. Ensure all financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and meet internal and external stakeholder requirements. Lead all month-end close activities, including general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and overhead allocation. Enhance and scale accounting processes, systems, and internal controls to support company growth. Coordinate the annual audit process, ensuring unqualified audit results. Lead the preparation and management of company-wide budgets, including revenue and capital expenditure planning. Treasury & Working Capital Management Lead cash flow forecasting, management, and decision-making around weekly cash disbursements. Improve the full cash cycle- credit policy, collections, inventory, and payables management. Manage lender relationships and covenant compliance. Use forward-looking cash flow analysis to guide capital structure decisions and working capital strategy. M&A & Private Equity Engagement Collaborate with the leadership team and private equity sponsors on M&A add-on strategies and roll-up execution. Experience or understanding of value creation planning, reporting, and board-level communication. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS A complete understanding of the role of a private company CFO as a fiduciary with responsibility for reporting, bank covenant compliance, and Board interface. Domain expertise in accounting policy, accounting systems, financial reporting, taxation, and bank compliance. Superior management, analytical, organizational, administrative, and presentation skills. The temperament and maturity to be a key confidant and collaborator with the CEO and the management peer group. Master's degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience, preferred. 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in an industry-relevant company in a financial capacity. Experience partnering with an executive team and have a high level of written and oral communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with an MBA in Finance and the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by Bennett to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan / 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com .
By Effie Zimmerman May 27, 2026
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ABOUT THE COMPANY Superior Duct Fabrication is a market-leading fabricator of highly technical commercial ducting and specialty HVAC products, serving mission-critical end markets such as data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and industrial facilities. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Pomona, CA, Superior operates out of five strategic manufacturing sites across the Western U.S. and Ohio, with a deeply experienced union workforce, vertically integrated operations, and a reputation for quality, speed, and reliability. In 2025, Seattle-based private equity firm Pike Street Capital made a platform investment in Superior to accelerate growth through geographic expansion, product innovation, and targeted acquisitions. With a strong leadership team, trusted customer relationships, and increasing demand for sophisticated air handling solutions, Superior is positioned for rapid, scalable growth. POSITION SUMMARY Superior Duct Fabrication is seeking an experienced and results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial strategy and execution of its private equity-backed, high-growth business. The CFO will play a critical role in enabling both organic and acquisitive growth, optimizing operations, and driving value creation in partnership with the CEO, President and private equity sponsor. This is a hands-on executive leadership role ideal for a proven financial leader with deep manufacturing expertise and a track record of operating in dynamic, performance-driven environments. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Executive & Strategic Leadership Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, actively contributing to policy, direction, and long-term planning. Help define and execute the company’s growth strategy in alignment with operational, financial, and market objectives. Drive a high-performance culture through accountability, transparency, and collaboration. Lead by example, setting the tone and culture across the organization. Operate as a player/coach—comfortable building models, developing presentations, and engaging directly in critical business issues. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier financial and operational talent. Lead major business initiatives and projects (e.g., productivity improvement, pricing strategies) with measurable results. Shoulder broad business leadership responsibility, beyond traditional finance functions. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Own the development and ongoing refinement of annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and long-term financial planning. Track and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure performance against strategic goals. Conduct hands-on analysis of financial performance, with actionable insights to achieve growth and EBITDA targets. Lead investment analysis and decision support—including customer pricing models and full business case development. Demonstrated expertise in labor cost management and margin improvement strategies. Bring experience across multiple ERP platforms; ERP selection and implementation experience is highly preferred. Accounting & Financial Operations Oversee all accounting and finance functions, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. Prepare and deliver comprehensive financial reporting packages, including monthly P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and covenant compliance. Ensure all financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and meet internal and external stakeholder requirements. Lead all month-end close activities, including general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and overhead allocation. Enhance and scale accounting processes, systems, and internal controls to support company growth. Coordinate the annual audit process, ensuring unqualified audit results. Lead the preparation and management of company-wide budgets, including revenue and capital expenditure planning. Treasury & Working Capital Management Lead cash flow forecasting, management, and decision-making around weekly cash disbursements. Improve the full cash cycle—credit policy, collections, inventory, and payables management. Manage lender relationships and covenant compliance. Use forward-looking cash flow analysis to guide capital structure decisions and working capital strategy. M&A & Private Equity Engagement Collaborate with the leadership team and private equity sponsors on M&A add-on strategies and roll-up execution. Experience or understanding of value creation planning, reporting, and board-level communication. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline; CPA and MBA strongly preferred. Extensive experience in senior financial leadership roles, ideally within a private equity-backed or high-growth manufacturing environment. Deep understanding of financial and operational disciplines, including P&L ownership, balance sheet management, cash flow optimization, and capital allocation. Demonstrated experience in corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to lead complex negotiations related to financing, vendor agreements, M&A, and commercial terms. Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and working capital management; prior public accounting experience is a plus. Strong business acumen with the ability to quickly assess new challenges and make sound, data-driven decisions in a dynamic environment. Natural leadership presence with the ability to build trust and credibility across all levels of an organization and with external stakeholders. Resilient under pressure with a disciplined approach to prioritization, execution, and delegation. Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to clearly articulate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders. Committed to service excellence, with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style. High attention to detail and precision, balanced with the ability to think strategically and see the broader business context. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by Superior Duct Fabrication to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley / 503.334.1350/ tom@180one.com .
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