CEO

Our client is a long-established, family-owned distributor of replacement small gasoline engines and outdoor power equipment parts, serving customers nationwide and, in some cases, globally. As the business enters its next chapter, they are seeking a Chief Executive Officer to build on this foundation and help unlock the company’s next phase of growth.

This is a high-visibility leadership role with the opportunity to shape the future of a niche market leader. The Chief Executive Officer will have the chance to expand the business beyond its current scale by strengthening core channels, exploring adjacent product lines, and evaluating acquisition opportunities that fit the company’s customer base and infrastructure. The role also offers the ability to modernize operations through new tools and capabilities, including AI-enabled support and drop-ship solutions, while preserving the service model that has made the company successful. For the right leader, this is an opportunity to drive meaningful growth, improve profitability, and leave a lasting imprint on a respected, deeply rooted business

Position Responsibilities

· Lead the overall strategy, growth agenda, and day-to-day management of the company

· Build on the organization’s multichannel model across direct e-commerce, phone sales, and third-party marketplaces such as Amazon

· Drive expansion into adjacent product categories and evaluate organic and acquisitive growth opportunities

· Oversee functional leaders across marketing, sales, IT, operations/procurement, shipping, finance, and HR

· Strengthen the company’s customer experience, particularly in technical and consultative sales environments

· Identify and implement operational and technology enhancements, including AI-assisted service and drop-ship capabilities

· Maintain strong vendor, customer, and internal stakeholder relationships to support growth and continuity

· Foster a collaborative culture that honors the company’s Muncie roots and long-tenured employee base

· Partner with the founder’s son and current CEO during transition planning and ongoing advisory involvement

· Improve performance across revenue growth, margin expansion, and organizational scalability

Position Qualifications

Required:

· Proven success leading and scaling a multichannel distribution, e-commerce, or consumer product business

· Experience managing a complex organization with responsibility for both commercial and operational functions

· Strong general management background with the ability to lead through cross-functional influence

· Demonstrated ability to grow revenue while improving operational efficiency and customer experience

· Executive presence and sound judgment in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment

· Ability to fit within a close-knit, values-driven culture with appreciation for legacy and continuity

Preferred:

· Experience in e-commerce, Amazon, specialty distribution, or technical product categories

· Background in consumer-facing businesses with consultative sales models

· Exposure to acquisitions, new product line development, or category expansion

· Comfort leveraging technology and AI to improve service, coverage, and scalability