---
title: 'Portfolio CEO Network at American Operator'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-network-american-operator-united-states-v6mvggz17jm5'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Portfolio CEO Network at American Operator

- **Company:** American Operator
- **Location:** United States
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-03-17
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/americanoperator/c3e95c66-c369-49fa-afe1-50bd4159c65b

## Job description

## ABOUT AMERICAN OPERATOR

American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership & ownership. We place experienced operators into businesses of retiring owners who want their life’s work placed in capable, values-driven hands. Our mission is to ensure great businesses stay local, stay strong, and stay in the hands of leaders who care.

Operators who partner with us step into the CEO role of an established company and receive the support, coaching, and community needed to grow it for the next generation. Over time, they follow a clear pathway toward becoming a significant equity owner if growth targets are met.

IS THIS YOU?

- Are you a proven industry pro who’s ready to build a business for yourself?
- Do you want to lead a business end-to-end instead of managing one slice of it?
- Have you dreamed of running your own business but haven’t had the idea or chance?
- Do you care deeply about people, service, and building organizations that last?
- Would you relocate for the right long-term opportunity to build your future?

## THE OPPORTUNITY

By joining our Portfolio CEO Program, you position yourself for future CEO opportunities in an established small business where strong operational leadership is needed most. When an opportunity aligns with your capabilities, we’ll reach out and you’ll work directly with our team to understand the business, align on priorities, and prepare for a successful leadership transition.

As the Portfolio CEO, you’ll run the business with full accountability, driving performance, developing the team, and ensuring stability during and after the handoff. Throughout the journey, American Operator provides leadership transition support, strategic guidance, and a network of peers so you can focus on delivering results and building a long-term path toward ownership.

## RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead day-to-day operations and own 100% of the company’s P&L.
- Manage and develop the existing team to achieve strong execution and accountability.
- Oversee customer relationships, quality control, and job profitability.
- Maintain vendor and supplier relationships.
- Analyze operational data to make informed decisions about pricing, staffing, and capital allocation.
- Create and execute annual budgets, forecasts, and growth plans.
- Partner with American Operator and key stakeholders to drive the company’s next stage of success.
- Build credibility with the existing team, customers, and owner during the transition period.
- Maintain operational discipline and uphold the company’s legacy and reputation.
- Deliver measurable improvement in revenue, profitability, and cash flow.
- Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
- Take full ownership of business performance and culture.
- Demonstrate leadership grounded in accountability, humility, and sound judgment.

## MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- 10+ years of operational leadership experience in an American Operator target industry. (Preferably Manufacturing, Value-Add Distribution, Flooring, Electrical or Plumbing Services).
- 5+ years of hiring/firing authority.
- 5+ years of responsibility over P&L and/or company budgets.
- Proven success managing teams and complex operations.
- Small business leadership experience.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a long-term approach to business building.
- Must be willing to regionally locate (5-state area)

Compensation: Base salary range of $150,000-$180,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package that may include health coverage, paid time off, and holidays. The role is eligible for additional compensation, including equity participation; the amount varies based on the portfolio company and deal structure.

*Location Disclaimer: Opportunities to lead an American Operator acquisition business are based in various locations across the US and relocation will be required for this role if you are not in a commutable distance from the business. The exact location of the business will be revealed during the interview process.

## About American Operator

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: American Operator acquires small businesses from retiring owners and partners with experienced industry operators to lead as CEO, with a clear path to earn majority ownership.
- **Entity Type**: Private (backed by institutional investors; funding stage not disclosed)
- **Headquarters**: Austin, TX, USA
- **Founded**: Not publicly available
- **Founders**: William Fry (CEO, Founder)

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Small business acquisition and operation (search fund / “acquire-and-operate” model)
- Target customers: Retiring small business owners (sellers) and high-capacity industry operators (buyers/CEOs); serves B2B/B2C across multiple verticals
- Mission or purpose statement: “Reviving the American Dream” by creating a new path to small business ownership for the next generation of hardworking Americans.

## Products & Services
- **Operate-to-Own Model**: American Operator funds the acquisition of a small business, partners with a proven operator to lead as CEO, and provides hands-on support and governance. The operator receives meaningful day-one ownership and can incrementally buy back equity until they become majority owner. [americanoperator.com](https://www.americanoperator.com/)
- **America’s Small Business Stock (future offering)**: The company is working toward a public offering that would allow everyday Americans to invest in a portfolio of small businesses, democratizing ownership. [americanoperator.com/about-us](https://www.americanoperator.com/about-us)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available
- **Key Metric**: Total funding not disclosed; recent acquisition of Greenway Painting (Jackson, MS) completed. [americanoperator.com](https://www.americanoperator.com/)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Board includes Joe Lonsdale (co-founder of Palantir, 8VC) and Baris Akis; advisor network of current and former business owners across multiple industries. [americanoperator.com/about-us](https://www.americanoperator.com/about-us)
- **Growth Signals**: Active hiring for multiple roles (VP of Investments, VP of Portfolio Performance, Business Development Associate); expanding portfolio with announced acquisition; building out advisor network for scaling across industries. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/american-operator)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Operate-to-Own Model**: Differentiates from traditional private equity by offering operators a clear path to majority ownership rather than permanent minority stake.
- **Hands-On Support**: Operators receive a dedicated industry advisor, governance structure, and access to American Operator’s back-office resources.
- **Local Focus**: Keeps businesses locally owned and operated, preserving community relationships and reputation.
- **Strong Advisor Network**: Experienced operators and former owners provide sector-specific guidance (home services, manufacturing, landscaping, painting, etc.).

## Strategic Focus
- Scale acquisition pipeline across multiple industries (home services, manufacturing, landscaping, logistics, etc.)
- Build a portfolio of enduring small businesses and work toward a public “small business stock” offering
- Expand the operator candidate pool and continue refining the operate-to-own playbook

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Tight-knit, mission-driven team focused on high-impact work; “your voice is heard, your impact is real.” [americanoperator.com/careers](https://www.americanoperator.com/careers)
- **Work Policy**: In-office collaboration at the Austin, TX headquarters (on-site work expected, with snacks and team connection). [americanoperator.com/careers](https://www.americanoperator.com/careers)
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, 401k with company match, generous parental leave, flexible time off (“Use What You Need”). [americanoperator.com/careers](https://www.americanoperator.com/careers)
- **Growth Exposure**: Hands-on work with live deals, critical operations, and strategic portfolio support – ideal for candidates seeking fast learning and real ownership experience.
- **Values**: “Operator First,” “American Roots,” “High-Impact” – emphasis on building strong local businesses and supporting operators taking the bold step into ownership.

## Sources
1. [americanoperator.com](https://www.americanoperator.com/)
2. [americanoperator.com/careers](https://www.americanoperator.com/careers)
3. [americanoperator.com/about-us](https://www.americanoperator.com/about-us)
4. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/american-operator)

## Other roles at American Operator

- [Vice President, Portfolio Performance](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-portfolio-performance-american-operator-austin-da3y16dr8a6w) — Austin, TX
- [Vice President, Investments](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-investments-american-operator-austin-h3xqfv4zzysc) — Austin, TX
- [Portfolio CEO: Commercial Roofing Company](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-commercial-roofing-company-american-operator-boston-zd4bw9we3vtb) — Boston, MA
- [Portfolio CEO: Event Production and Rental Company](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-event-production-and-rental-company-american-operator-san-diego-ds3kvd7d948r) — San Diego, CA
- [VP, Operator Selection & Experience](https://feeny.ai/job/vp-operator-selection-experience-american-operator-austin-fc7vagczn1c8) — Austin, TX
- [Portfolio CEO Network: Commerical Distribution](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-network-commerical-distribution-american-operator-allen-town-9kzsx4x9nm0d) — Allen Town
- [Deal Sourcing Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/deal-sourcing-analyst-american-operator-austin-bs3ejt7w4bbk) — Austin, TX
- [Portfolio CEO: Tent & Event Rental Company](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-tent-event-rental-company-american-operator-philadelphia-wj48vz4nznjq) — Philadelphia, PA