Breaking Down the Recruiting Brick Wall: Identifying & Sourcing Candidates

This article is the second in a three-part series looking at how your organization can improve its hiring processes. Like what you see? Don’t miss parts one and three!


For Post 1 in our series “Breaking Down the Recruiting Brick Wall: How to Build More Effective Hiring Practices,” we showed you how to create a Candidate Success Profile to help you identify what you’re looking for and lay the foundation for a successful executive search. But once you have your profile in place, how do you find the people who match it?


You may think we’ve come a long way from posting ads in the classifieds, but today’s hiring managers use the same tool with just a different name: the Internet.


Posting a job is a standard practice that all companies should do, but it isn’t the only, or the best, way to find the right candidates for your organization.

In today’s post, we’ll show you other active ways to identify and source candidates that will complement your job posting and enable you to find the professionals who fit your Candidate Success Profile.

Post Jobs Strategically

You should be posting your open position already, so an easy first step to go above and beyond the standard practice is to think about where to post based on the interests of your ideal candidates. What do they read? Which websites do they browse? What networks or groups do they belong to? Think about relevant industry associations, job boards, publications and trade shows that align with the role and distribute your information through those channels.


For example, when conducting a search for a President for a higher education institution, the Chronicle of Higher Education would be a smart place to post your position. If you’re recruiting for a specific geography, leverage university and alumni job boards for your search to help you identify the right candidates in the region your position is located in.


While job postings are a great start for spreading the word about your open position and casting a wide net, keep in mind that 70% of workers aren’t actively job-searching. Below are 4 more ideas for reaching that passive talent.


Solicit Employee Referrals

The #1 way candidates find out about positions is through referrals, and creating a strategy that encourages employee referrals can be an effective way to source talent that is not only qualified for the position but also the right culture fit for your organization.


Making sure you receive leads that are relevant and qualified, though, is key, so here are a few ways to improve your employee referrals.

Network with Like-Minded People

Networking should always be a key piece in your sourcing efforts, but, as with job postings, taking a more strategic approach to connecting with your network about open roles can help you find qualified candidates faster.


For instance, when searching for a CFO, talk to all of the CFOs you know; even if they aren’t a fit for this position, they will know other CFOs who may be. You should also connect with your service providers, including accountants, lawyers and bankers. Professional services firms work with the people you’re looking for, and they can offer solid leads for new candidates.


As with all candidates that come through your process, you need to evaluate these referrals using your Candidate Success Profile to make sure they are qualified for the role. People in your network may also only suggest professionals who are actively seeking positions, so hone your ask to learn more about who the experts in the industry or function are, regardless of whether they’re looking, to better reach the passive candidates.


Get the Word Out Through the Media

In addition to posting on your company’s website and through your social media and other marketing channels, consider using public relations firms or the press to promote your search.


Rather than trying to publish an article about looking for a new Product Manager, though, work with your trade publication to write a piece about a new product launch and include information about your search to add new people to your team.


You can also take your press coverage to the next level by gamifying your search. Gamification involves applying elements of game playing to a project and is often used as an online marketing technique to push products and services. But gamification doesn’t have to be limited to marketing.


Many sectors, most notably the technology industry, employ gamification to recruit new candidates as well. Tech firms often host hackathons where they invite programmers, developers and other software and hardware professionals in to collaborate on short-term projects. These intensive work sessions provide potential candidates the opportunity to work with innovative companies while also giving tech firms an exclusive opportunity to evaluate professionals’ skills in real time and figure out who really is the best fit for their organizations.

One of the best recent examples of combining media coverage and gamification was Columbia Sportswear’s 2015 search for a Director of Toughness.

Media outlets immediately picked up on the search for 2 individuals to travel the world, test Columbia gear and chronicle their experiences on Columbia’s blog. Columbia received thousands of applicants for the positions, and the success of their search is owed both to the playful nature of the job description/call for applications and the wide-spread promotion of the openings via a variety of channels.


Targeting

One of the most effective ways to find the best candidates for your position is to conduct targeted sourcing – going after candidates who don’t know your company, haven’t heard about your position and aren’t looking for a new job but who, based on a variety of factors (including the traits you’ve outlined in your Candidate Success Profile), you have identified as professionals who could have the right skills for your position. 


As we mentioned earlier, 70% of the working population is not actively seeking new positions, and that vast group of passive job seekers is often the best place to find the right candidates for your positions. But how do you tap into that pool of talent?


Targeted sourcing can be extremely successful, but it also requires a lot of time and effort to execute the strategy and yield results. To be effective, your organization must commit to this approach, which means investing in research and team members experienced in proactively reaching out to candidates.


If your organization isn’t ready to build an internal team to perform targeted sourcing, engaging a search firm like 180one could be a great solution. When looking for highly critical or specialized roles, working with a search firm can ensure that the positions remain a priority, taking the burden off of your internal team so they can focus on other projects. Most candidates are also more open to speaking with a search firm instead of the hiring company to maintain confidentiality, so working with a search firm can expand your ability to reach and connect with the talent that isn’t actively seeking new positions.


When selecting a search firm, make sure to inquire how they source candidates and specifically how they target. They should possess a research function, a repeatable process, experienced recruiters with the right know-how and a system to support their efforts.


In the Next Post…

As the market continues to tighten up, your ability to remain one step ahead of your competition in looking for talent is the key to winning candidates. The practices outlined above are a good start to thinking about and building more robust sourcing strategies.


Once you identify the top candidates for your pipeline, you need to determine how to assess them. Head over to Post 3 of our series to learn how to effectively evaluate your candidates to make the best hire possible.

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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