Every search has a story, and this one began with a deeply personal moment.
A family-owned construction services company came to Purple Squirrel Advisors to find its next Chief Financial Officer. The outgoing CFO, who had been with the company for many years, joined the kickoff call and became emotional as she talked about finding someone to carry her legacy forward.
It was clear that this search was about more than filling a position. It was about trust, transition, and preserving the culture that had helped this business succeed for generations.
At the start, the company believed they needed a CFO with direct industry experience: someone who already knew the ins and outs of their specific field. But through our conversations, it became clear that what they truly needed was a strategic, people-centered leader who could modernize financial operations while honoring the company’s roots.
When we presented a candidate with a strong background in finance and leadership, but without industry-specific experience, the team hesitated at first. Then they learned more about her journey.
She had completed a highly competitive rotational leadership program at a local company, giving her broad exposure to complex financial systems, cross-functional collaboration, and operational decision-making. Her adaptability and fresh perspective soon stood out as exactly what the organization needed to move forward.
She was hired as the new CFO, and the impact was immediate.
The company’s president later shared that bringing her on board gave him “part of his life back.” With the right leader in place, he could refocus his time on growth and strategy instead of day-to-day financial oversight..
This search reminded us that the best hires often come from expanding the definition of what “fit” looks like.
Change is never easy, especially in family businesses built on decades of history and personal connection. But when leaders stay open to new perspectives, transformation becomes possible. And with the right search partner by your side, it doesn’t have to be scary.
