Function: Human Capital

Making Life Easy for Human Capital Leaders

November 17, 2023 Brad Gerick

BluWave understands the urgency and sensitivity around the work human capital executives perform. That’s why we provide a curated suite of resources specifically designed for HR leaders to drive unprecedented value in their organizations.

CASE STUDY: Diversifying Talent in a Digital-First Consumer Products Startup

Our Business Builders’ Network not only understands your unique challenges but also provides tailored, bespoke solutions for talent leadership.

Start Your Human Capital Project

CASE STUDY: Controller with Leadership Skills for Resilient Growth

From specialized recruitment that targets niche roles to interim leadership that ensures your business doesn’t miss a beat during transitions; from mid-level staffing strategies that fortify your organizational structure to outsourced HR services that let you focus on core business functions — BluWave already knows the third-party service provider or consultant you need.

You can learn more about these services in this one-pager we prepared for talent leaders.

Download the Resource Guide

Set up a scoping call with our resources and operations team, and they’ll connect you with a select list of exact-fit resources within a single business day.

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Strategic Executive Search for SaaS Sales Leadership

Service Area: Human Capital – Recruiting

Client Type: Upper-Middle Market PE Firm

Service Provider Type: Executive Search Firm – Sales

Industry: Technology – SaaS

The Need
Dynamic Sales Leadership for Market Expansion

A SaaS company, focused on local and municipal government solutions, needed a chief revenue officer to enhance its sales function and spearhead geographical and product expansion.

The Challenge
Niche Leader in a Specialized Sector

The challenge was to find a CRO with proven experience in SaaS sales to local and municipal governments. This person also needed to be capable of transforming a small, technology-centric team into a robust sales force. For this, they would need a specialized recruiting firm.

How BluWave Helped
Expert Matching for Specialized Executive Recruitment

BluWave utilized its extensive network to connect the client with an executive search firm specializing in sales leadership recruitment within the government sector. This group had a deep understanding of the specific skills and experience required for the role and provided a strong short list of candidates.

The Result
Placement of Tailored Sales Leaders

The firm worked with the company to hire a chief revenue officer who matched the company’s specific needs. This strategic appointment set the foundation for significant sales growth and expansion in the government sector.

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Interim CFO To Revolutionize Financial Forecasting for Construction Portco

Service Area: Human Capital

Client Type: Construction Services Portfolio Company

Service Provider Type: Interim CFO

Industry: Construction and Engineering

The Need
Advanced Financial Forecasting for Strategic Growth

A leading construction services portfolio company needed a sophisticated 13-week cash-flow model. This would help them implement an effective borrowing needs forecast, which was especially critical due to their transition to a non-bank lender and the ongoing integration of multiple add-ons.

The Challenge
Complex Integrations in Dynamic Environment

The challenge lay in integrating diverse business units, each requiring distinct operational and financial strategies. Establishing an efficient system for forecasting collections and payments, integrating add-on companies and maintaining centralized accounting was crucial, given the extensive pipeline of add-ons to be managed promptly.

How BluWave Helped
Expertise and Precision in Financial Management Solutions

BluWave identified a short list of industry specific interim finance leaders with specific expertise in the construction industry’s complex financial structures. The candidate the portco selected had experience creating 13-week financial models and was exactly what the client needed. BluWave’s fast connection led to the implementation of bespoke forecasting and budgeting methodologies, essential for the client’s aggressive growth and integration plans.

The Result
Achieving Financial Streamlining, Effective Growth Management

The interim CFO’s introduction facilitated a smooth transition to an effective 13-week cash flow model, custom-designed for the client’s business framework. This strategic move significantly improved the company’s ability to manage borrowing needs and effectively handle their considerable add-on pipeline, leading to more streamlined financial operations and paving the way for successful growth and integrations.

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Why Private Equity Invests in People for Growth

November 3, 2023 Brad Gerick

Human capital is a driving force for growth in private equity. A recent BluWave-hosted webinar delved into three leading trends in this service area:

  1. The rise in human capital investments
  2. The importance of specialized recruiters
  3. The value of interim executives

Here are some insights into these topics from Account Executive Evan Garoutte and Research and Operations Consultant Taylor Lee.

Watch the Webinar Replay

Human Capital Emphasis

The trend of investing in people for growth continues to gain traction.

READ MORE: Why Hire an Interim CFO

“Human capital activity has been steadily growing and reached an all-time high in Q3 of this year, accounting for 49 percent of all activity coming through the BluWave network,” Garoutte said. “It’s the number one trend in the industry.”

This reflects a 20 percent increase year-over-year, underscoring the importance of investing in talent for organizational growth and value creation.

Download the Latest Q Insights Report

Using Specialized Recruiters

Engaging specialized recruiters is crucial for efficiently filling both executive and non-executive positions, particularly during growth phases.

“They stay up to date on market trends, salary range and emerging skill sets, which is extremely valuable. The knowledge allows them to identify and attract top talent who possess the right qualifications and of course, and most important would be a cultural fit to the organization.”

READ MORE: Why Hire an Interim Chief Executive Officer

Value of Interim Executives

Interim executives, especially in pivotal roles like CFOs, CEOs and CHROs, provide stability and continuity during transition periods, crisis management and special projects.

“PE firms have found value in being able to try before they buy. And we’ve seen interims convert to full-time employees about a third of the time internally,” Lee said. “There’s just value in confirming that this person can positively see our portfolio companies in the right direction as well as confirm that they’re a culture fit.”

READ MORE: Why Hire an Interim CTO

The discussion underscored the critical role of human capital in driving growth, indicating the various strategies that private equity firms and their portfolio companies can employ.

BluWave’s invite-only network of human capital resources works with PE firms daily to fill needs related to human capital, as well as a wide array of other service areas.

Contact our research and operations team for your next project and they’ll provide a short list of exact-fit service providers within 24 hours.

Start Your Project with BluWave

Transformative Leader for Consumer Products Revitalization

Service Area: Human Capital – Executive Recruiting

Client Type: Small-Market PE Fund

Service Provider Type: Interim CEO

Industry: Consumer Products

The Need
Urgent Leadership Transition and Strategic Revitalization

A West Coast company, specializing in the design, manufacture and distribution of proprietary consumer products, found itself at a crossroads. With a diverse product portfolio distributed across multiple countries, the company sought a transformative leadership change to navigate operational and strategic challenges. The immediate requirement was an Interim CEO capable of steering the company through a phase of revitalization and setting the stage for a permanent CEO.

The Challenge
Navigating a Complex Transition with Precision and Care

The company faced a multifaceted challenge: managing a seamless leadership transition while optimizing operational efficiencies and product margins. The need for a leader who could meticulously balance top-line focus with bottom-line pragmatism was evident. The interim CEO would be tasked with orchestrating a turnaround, optimizing expenses and ensuring product margins were robust, setting a trajectory toward achieving a 20 percent EBITDA boost.

How BluWave Helped
Facilitating a Tailored Connection for Success

BluWave leveraged its extensive network to connect the PE fund with a short list of exact-fit interim CEOs. Each one was aligned with the company’s unique needs and industry nuances. The focus was on identifying a leader with a profound understanding of consumer products, operational optimization and strategic revitalization, coupled with a geographical alignment to the company’s headquarters.

The Result
A Strategic Pathway to Revitalization and Growth

Through BluWave’s precise connection, the company chose a leader who resonated with its transformation objectives. The interim CEO, equipped with the requisite expertise and strategic foresight, was poised to guide the company through a period of transformative change, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and operational excellence in the consumer products domain.

Scott Estill of Lancor: Human Capital’s Evolving Role in Private Equity

November 1, 2023 Brad Gerick

Scott Estill recently joined the Karma School of Business podcast, sharing his insights into the dynamic world of private equity, with a focus on human capital.

In a captivating discussion with host Sean Mooney, Estill, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in executive search and private equity, discussed the transformative trends shaping the landscape of talent acquisition and management.

He emphasized the essence of human relationships, the mutual selection process in recruitment and the necessity of navigating technological changes with agility and adaptability.

Here are some pivotal insights from their conversation.

Listen To the Episode

3 Takeaways from Scott

1. The Importance of Human Capital in Private Equity

Private equity’s approach to human capital has evolved, placing a stronger emphasis on the value of talent and human relationships in driving business success.

READ MORE: Hire an Interim CHRO

Estill articulated this evolution, emphasizing that the real value lies in the talent that propels the business forward.

“What matters more is what’s your right to win. It’s not necessarily about picking the right weighted average cost of capital or whatever it is for the inputs of the model and how much debt to put on a business. It’s the people,” Estill said.

Mooney also highlighted the industry’s shift toward a more human-centric approach.

“This whole idea of this openness to get a candidate to be wanting to be with you and saying, ‘Call anyone you want.’ That’s something that is relatively new in private equity, but incredibly important,” he added.

Download Latest PE Insights Report

2. The Shift in Approach: From Assessment to Mutual Selection

The recruitment process in private equity is transforming into a mutual selection process where both parties assess each other.

“You do need to show the human side. That’s sort of why operating partners exist. And we do a ton of operating partner work because you need the EQ-IQ combination,” Estill said. “But I think painting with a wide brush, if PE firms can be more and more human about what it is to work with them and why they value that talent, it makes the talent of course feel good and it differentiates them from the competitors.”

Mooney said private equity has always been, appropriately, private in the way it operates. But that is shifting.

“One of the biggest evolutions that I think private equity is going through right now is the first word in private equity has always been private. It’s all about kind of holding your cards tight and trying to be this kind of vessel and it’ll drive great outcomes,” he said. “Increasingly, there’s things going on like brand formation. … There’s heads of human capital or HR that are not only looking outwardly but inwardly.”

Download the AI Journey White Paper

3. Embracing Technological Changes

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the ability to adapt and evolve is crucial. Estill underscored the necessity of embracing these changes.

“The only thing that’s consistent is change. So it’s going to happen. And so as much as we think we’re so smart and we’re trying to get ahead of the curve, we’re already dinosaurs,” he said.

Mooney emphasized the transformative potential of technology in reshaping the industry.

“If you lean into it and embrace it, it can be a good thing,” he said. “But it’s scary in the meantime.”

Start Your Project with BluWave

Estill’s insights illuminate the evolving landscape of private equity, underscoring the pivotal role of human capital, the transformative nature of the recruitment process and the imperative of adaptability in the face of technological advancements.

The entire conversation with Mooney offers nuanced perspectives essential for navigating the complexities of private equity in a human-centric manner.

When you’re done listening, head to the main BluWave podcast page for more conversations with business leaders.

Diversifying Talent in a Digital-First Consumer Products Startup

Service Area: Human Capital – Specialized Recruiters

Client Type: Lower-Middle Market Firm

Service Provider Type: Non-Executive Recruiting Firm

Industry: Consumer Products

The Need
Diverse Talent for a Dynamic Startup

A consumer products startup, operating as a portfolio company of a lower-middle market PE firm, was on a mission to enhance its team with diverse talents. Roles in digital marketing, design/creative, product development and people/operations were open, requiring a recruiting firm that understood the startup’s digital-first, data-driven and agile nature.

The Challenge
Complex Landscape of Multi-Role Hiring

The company didn’t have a dedicated talent partner, making the hiring process, especially for multiple roles, daunting. The urgency to hire candidates who could seamlessly blend into the startup’s fast-paced environment and contribute to its growth trajectory was paramount. Traditional recruiting firms, primarily aligned with CPG companies, lacked the finesse to meet the unique demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

How BluWave Helped
Connecting with Specialized Recruiting Expertise

BluWave acted swiftly, utilizing its rich network to connect the PE firm with a specialized recruiting firm. This firm was not only adept at navigating the consumer products industry but also came with a robust expertise in fostering talent for digital-forward, high-growth environments. BluWave’s connection ensured that the recruiting firm could offer a tailored, retained search approach, aligning with the portfolio company’s nuanced needs.

The Result
Streamlined Path to Talent Acquisition

Through BluWave’s strategic connection, the portfolio company worked with a recruiting ally that understood its unique challenges and needs. The specialized recruiting firm’s ability to navigate the digital realm, coupled with its flexibility and adaptability, empowered the portfolio company to move forward confidently in its talent acquisition journey, ensuring that each role was filled with candidates who could thrive and drive innovation in a dynamic startup environment.

Manufacturing Momentum: Challenges, Opportunities in the Modern Landscape

October 10, 2023 Brad Gerick

Manufacturing businesses are faced with evolving challenges, especially amid an uncertain economy, constantly pressured from different angles by policy decisions and global events. BluWave sees this every day in the projects it supports for hundreds of private equity firms and thousands of businesses.

Whether in human capital, operations, growth strategy or technology, today’s business leaders have their hands full.

Access the Webinar On-Demand

In a recent webinar, Co-Head of Research and Operations Keenan Kolinsky discussed with Product Manager Ryan Perkins the challenges and opportunities in this industry.

An man in a hardhat stands facing yellow industrial equipment, like backhoes, in a warehouse.

The Rising Importance of Human Capital in Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector was once driven primarily by machinery and raw materials. But now it’s recognizing the importance of its most valuable asset: people.

In fact, 74 percent of manufacturers say that “attracting and retaining a quality workforce” is a top challenge, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAoM).

Interim executives have emerged as a pivotal solution in this landscape. These temporary business leaders bridge critical leadership gaps, ensuring that companies don’t lose momentum during transitions.

“Interim executives can help businesses keep their foot on the value creation pedal,” Kolinsky says.

Their role is especially crucial in a volatile economic environment where leadership vacancies can’t be left open for extended periods.

But it’s not just about filling gaps. The recruitment process itself is undergoing a transformation. The emphasis is shifting from generalist recruitment approaches to specialized, industry-specific strategies. Manufacturers are realizing that to drive growth and innovation, they need the right people in the right roles, making executive searches a top priority, too.

Manufacturing Resources for Your Business

Operational Excellence: The Backbone of Manufacturing Success

Turning toward a more traditional problem, nearly half of manufacturers identified supply chain issues as a top challenge, per the NAoM. Even with the peak of the COVID pandemic disruption behind us, this issue persists.

“With manufacturers…experiencing a variety of economic and even geopolitical pressures, manufacturing operations and supply chains simply have to be tighter than ever to achieve desired margins and outcomes,” Kolinsky said.

In response, many manufacturers are turning to expert third-party resources to optimize their supply chains. From right-sizing inventory to reducing lead times and optimizing supplier networks, the focus is on efficiency, cost savings and performance.

Beyond the supply chain, there’s a broader push toward operational excellence. Lean Six Sigma principles, rooted in the Toyota production system, are being adopted to streamline processes, identify bottlenecks and drive efficiency. The goal? Faster, more efficient production with greater precision.

Watch the Replay Now

Strategizing for Growth in a Competitive Landscape

A weaker domestic economy can poses unique challenges. During those times, growth strategy becomes the north star guiding manufacturers. But how do they chart a course for growth amid such turbulence? The answer is data-driven strategies.

“Markets shift often and they shift quickly,” said Kolinsky, who emphasized the importance of real-time insights. “Base your strategy or plan for growth on current market data and dynamics.”

READ MORE: Analytics, Data & AI Resources

By leveraging data analytics and visualization tools, manufacturers can gain actionable insights, track KPIs and make informed business decisions.

With the advent of more accessible artificial intelligence tools, many businesses in the manufacturing industry and beyond have been focusing on essential pre-cursor activities focused on data hygiene. These will lay the groundwork for a more seamless integration once they’re ready to use AI to accelerate growth.

Start Your Manufacturing Project

Embracing Technology: The Future of Manufacturing

The digital revolution is reshaping the manufacturing landscape.

According to Alithya, 43 percent of manufacturers came into 2023 planning to increase their year-over-year spending on technology. it’s clear that the industry is gearing up for a tech-driven future.

“The manufacturing industry is really digitizing rapidly and in more ways than one,” Kolinsky said.

From IT strategy to system selection and implementation, manufacturers are recognizing the need to align their technology tools with broader business objectives.

But it’s not just about adopting the latest tech solutions. Effective change management is crucial. As manufacturers transition to modern systems, they must ensure that their teams are well-equipped and trained to leverage these tools to their fullest potential.

BluWave is here to help you connect with best-in-class, niche-specific manufacturing resources to help with human capital, operational excellence, growth strategies, technology and more.

Contact our research and operations team to scope your need and get quickly connected with  the service provider you need in less than one business day.

Start Your Manufacturing Project

Culture-Oriented VP of Human Resources for Financial Services Portco

Industry: Professional Services

Service Area: Human Capital – VP of HR

Client Type: Small-Market PE Fund

Service Provider Type: HR Executive Search Firm

The Need
Strategic HR Leader for Rapid Growth

A leading financial services company was on the lookout for a VP of HR. With a strong presence across dozens of locations, the company had been experiencing rapid growth, boasting a revenue in the tens of millions of dollars. Its unique service offering, assisting financial advisors in setting up qualified retirement plans, had set them apart in the industry. As the company expanded, however, leadership realized they needed for a strategic HR leader. This new role was envisioned to not only manage the day-to-day HR operations but also to be a culture carrier and strategic partner in the company’s growth journey.

The Challenge
Local Candidate who Understands Industry Intricacies

The search for the right VP of HR was not just about filling a role; it was about hiring someone who could seamlessly integrate into the company’s culture and ethos. The ideal candidate would have experience in the financial services sector, with a deep understanding of its intricacies. A locally based candidate would be a bonus.

The company also emphasized the importance of industry experience, especially in online lead generation and financial services. With such specific criteria, the challenge was to find a candidate who would tick all the boxes.

How BluWave Helped
Knowing Exact-Fit Providers Ahead of Time

BluWave, with its extensive network and deep understanding of the professional services industry, took on the challenge. Recognizing the unique needs of the company, BluWave presented three exact fit HR executive search firms with a track record of placing top-tier HR leaders in the financial services sector. After the initial introductions, the PE firm selected the partner that would be the best fit for its situation and could understand how to align a candidate with the company’s vision and culture.

The Result
HR Executive who Fit Perfectly within Culture

With BluWave’s assistance, the financial services company was able to identify and onboard a VP of HR who not only met its technical and industry-specific requirements but also resonated with its company culture. This strategic addition to its leadership team has positioned the company for continued success and growth, ensuring that its HR strategies are aligned with its business objectives.