Helping You Navigate Through This Pandemic

Planning is important, but the Plan is useless. I learned this phrase from a former colleague of mine who led our team through a strategic planning process back in the mid-2000s. At first, I thought he was intimating why bother going through the planning process since it won’t matter anyway, but at the end of the session I realized what he meant. The Plan is what you believe you can achieve based on the data you had in that current moment, but the planning process itself is what makes you think of the multiple scenarios you might encounter and how to react to them, based on different assumptions.


As a business owner and leader, I have recently had to jettison the 180one 2020 Plan based on COVID-19. While I am disappointed that we are having to temporarily shelve that plan, the pieces of that planning process will now become the hero of 2020 as we all shift to figure out how best to position our organizations to not only survive this disruption, but also to emerge stronger on the exit. Planning is the one business activity that allows me to sleep at night during moments of crisis as well as in moments of opportunity.


I have been connecting with many of 180one’s clients, friends and partners over the past week and we have been sharing what we are learning in the market and how we each can most effectively incorporate all this new information into our planning process during this pandemic. I thought it would be helpful to share some of those resources that I have found to be most helpful as it is not every month that we get to flex the crisis muscle.


The Planning Framework

My Vistage Chair shared a great resource with me from Bain Consulting that ultimately provides a framework on how best to organize and prioritize the planning process during crisis. This greatly helped 180one assess the current state of the union and look at the existing opportunities for 180one to become better and stronger. The emergence of a new mantra Better Stronger Together (hmmm…new tagline for 180one?) helped guide our team as we brainstormed our new plans.


Available Federal Programs - Families First & CARES Acts

On March 18 – the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into legislation. The main components of this act were around providing sick leave for employees who are being impacted by the virus and providing extended coverage under FMLA once sick leave has been used. There are provisions in this Act that allow employers to receive reimbursement through tax credits for the wages paid to employees that use these benefits. Not to be overlooked are the provisions for unemployment insurance for employees who were temporarily laid off, allowing them to claim up to 4 weeks of unemployment without having to actively be seeking another job.  Stoel Rives has done a great job of producing webinars on this Act that I have found very useful. In addition, Stokes Lawrence provided a helpful summary on the components of how employers can determine what financial assistance they might have access to under the Act.


On Friday, March 27th, Congress approved the massive $2 trillion CARES Act. While there are many provisions under this Act to become familiar with (here’s a section-by-section PDF), the main one that businesses under 500 employees are preparing for is the Paycheck Protection Program through the SBA, allowing for forgiveness of a loan up to 2.5 times a company’s monthly payroll (with some exclusions) if used for payroll, rent, etc., along with other guidelines. The main question is around when the application process will begin and as of yesterday, the SBA has set a lofty goal for Friday, April 3rd. In speaking with most banks, the application process should be easily accessible online. There are couple of great resources I have found on the CARES Act, including this one from the US Chamber of Commerce. I have a feeling that once the application process goes live it will be reminiscent to the frenzy you experience when purchasing concerts tickets to your favorite band.


Tax Man

I have been fortunate to receive some guidance from Mike Larson, who runs a local CPA firm, around what taxes and filings are due from an IRS perspective as well as Oregon Department of Revenue. The filing date of your 2019 individual tax returns have been extended from April 15th to July 15th, 2020, which is especially great news if you owe. In addition, any final federal 2019 tax payments or 2020 first quarter estimated tax payments have also been extended to July 15, 2020. However, the State of Oregon has not officially extended (as of yet) the deadline for first quarter 2020 estimated tax payments, but rather seems to be offering some sort of relief from an interest perspective.


Recruiting in This New Normal

Like most of the organizations out there, 180one went remote on March 12 by leveraging the technology that we have invested in over the past year. While we miss the office camaraderie that we gain by being together, we still hold our daily “huddle” via video conference to discuss each client project and lay out the day’s goals, and we are still able to connect with candidates and clients just as we would if we were in the office.

One of the unintended consequences (or benefits) of having a large population of the workforce switch over to full-time working from home is that they are more receptive to and more available to take our recruiting calls. So we are experiencing a much more positive response rate from candidates which has been good news for our clients.


Our clients have adopted video conferencing to conduct the first couple rounds of candidate interviews and we are providing guidance on how best to make these interviews a rich and positive experience for the candidate. We are seeing the recruiting timeline get accelerated as scheduling candidates/clients for video conferences is less cumbersome, and interviews are becoming more structured as the interviewer is truly focused on evaluating the candidates’ skills vs. who they “like”. This could actually aid the decision-making process around hiring the right candidate.


Planning is Important

Everything is happening so fast that it further supports “Planning is important, but the Plan is useless”. The plan we developed last week for 180one was already modified this week based on new information, and that new plan was again modified yesterday afternoon. However, we have our framework that we will continue to leverage with an understanding that some of the underlying data is going to change. I can live with that and sleep better tonight knowing that we will continue to figure it out!


Sleep Well!
~Greg

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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