Acquiring Minds Hiring a CEO to Run Things (and Get Life Back)
31 snips
Sep 8, 2025 Jeremy Hunka, the 27-year-old owner of Summit Cabinet Coatings, shares his rollercoaster journey of acquiring a cabinet business. He discusses the overwhelming first year, the struggle of managing employee expectations, and the critical need to hire a strong sales leader. Jeremy reflects on the lessons learned from navigating hostility and resistance, balancing empathy with decisive management, and ultimately installing a CEO to regain control of his life. His experience highlights the importance of effective leadership in transforming chaos into stability.
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Age Shapes Trust In New Owners
- Being young as an owner amplified distrust from staff who worried about livelihood under new leadership.
- Age and perceived inexperience materially affect employee reactions during ownership transitions.
Plan For Slow-Season Pipeline Now
- Plan for slow seasons proactively with marketing, discounts, or pipeline work before holidays.
- Monitor your pipeline continuously rather than waiting for a crisis moment.
Sleeping At The Office To Keep It Afloat
- Jeremy began sleeping in the office and driving long pre-dawn commutes to sustain the business during a sales slump.
- The grind left him exhausted, emotionally raw, and questioning his well-being.
