Executive Search Resources & Guides
Most-read guides for founders
New to executive search? These three articles answer the questions we hear most. See all articles
The Founder's Guide to Hiring a COO
When to hire, which title you need, and how to evaluate candidates beyond the resume.
Read the guide →Retained Search vs. Contingency Recruiting
How each model works, what it costs, and which one fits a President, COO, or Integrator hire.
Read article →Challenges of Scaling an Owner-Operated Business
Diagnose whether growing pains are a process problem or a missing second-in-command.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
What founders and executives most often ask us about our resources and approach.
What resources does Captains Club offer?
Four free resources: a newsletter on executive hiring and talent strategy, research and hiring guides, a video library, and the Insights blog. All of it is written for owner-operated and PE-backed businesses making senior leadership decisions.
Who are these resources for?
Founders, owners, and boards of $10M–$100M companies, especially in field services, AEC, and construction, who are considering a COO, President, CEO, or EOS Integrator. Executives exploring their next leadership role will find them useful too.
What does a COO do in a small business?
In an owner-operated company, a COO typically owns five areas: operational execution, people leadership, process and systems, accountability and metrics, and turning the founder's strategy into day-to-day execution.
Can a fractional COO or Integrator solve scaling problems?
Sometimes. A fractional leader helps when you need temporary capacity or want to test a mandate. It becomes a poor fit when the role requires daily authority, sustained management of senior leaders, or deep ownership of company results. Define the seat first.
What is the Navigating Talent™ methodology?
Navigating Talent™ is Captains Club's four-pillar framework for evaluating executives: Head, Heart, Helm, and Horizon. It covers capability, values, behavioral fit, and strategic alignment, so a hire fits the role, the founder, and the culture.
How does Captains Club use the Aptive Index?
Every placement is grounded in Aptive Index behavioral and cognitive assessment data. It gives an objective read on how a candidate works alongside the interview, which reduces guesswork in executive hiring decisions.
Ready to make your most important hire?
Book a confidential consultation. We place COOs, Presidents, and Integrators for owner-operated businesses, with a 94% twelve-month stick rate.