Our Story

Since launching in 2018, Rate of Return has helped private equity firms and middle market companies find high-impact executive leaders—placing Backable Executive Partners, Board Members, and hundreds of Deal Advisors across real economy sectors including Industrial Manufacturing & Services, Value-Added Distribution, Business & Commercial Services, and Transportation & Logistics.

Through our experience, we repeatedly observed that businesses transitioning to institutional capital ownership— particularly those operating within real economy industries— face uniquely complex finance leadership challenges. These companies require executives who understand sophisticated financial operations, complex working capital management, and rigorous financial discipline.

In response, we've strategically shifted our focus toward becoming the premier executive search and advisory provider centered around the Office of the CFO for middle-market PE-backed companies in real economy sectors. Today, our mission is to connect these growth-oriented businesses with exceptional CFO Advisors, Interim Finance Leaders, and Permanent CFOs who can navigate the distinct financial and operational complexities of private equity ownership and drive sustained value creation.

Leadership

    • A Decade of Executive Recruiting Experience: specializing in placements for PE-backed companies

    • Proven Track Record: successfully led assignments for hundreds of PE Deal Advisors, 30+ Board Members, and 10 Backable Executive Partners

    • Mission-Driven Focus: deeply committed to helping PE-backed companies succeed by connecting them with exceptional finance leaders who can navigate critical financial transitions and build robust finance functions

    • Built and Scaled Wind River Environmental: a private equity-backed liquid waste management company

    • PE-Backed Leadership and Growth: guided Wind River through a period of substantial growth under PE ownership through M&A and organic initiatives

    • Financial and Operational Discipline: deep understanding of the operational rigor and financial discipline required to effectively scale a PE-backed company, navigate critical transitions, and drive sustained value creation

Our Commitment

  • Exclusive Focus on Finance Leadership for Real Economy PE-Backed Companies

  • Specialized Insight into the Financial Complexities and Operational Demands of Middle Market Industrial and Commercial Businesses

  • High Impact Finance Executives Who Drive Financial Rigor, Operational Excellence, and Sustainable Long-Term Growth

Let’s Talk

We're continually refining our elite network of CFO and finance executives, as well as our advisory solutions. Whether you're seeking finance leadership talent or exploring strategies to build robust finance functions in your PE-backed portfolio companies, Rate of Return stands ready to help.