From Acquire to the CEO Seat: How the CEO-in-Residence Program Works

Sleeping Giant Capital’s CEO-in-Residence Program backs experienced leaders to source, acquire and run an enduringly profitable business. Here’s how the path works, step by step.

Step 1: The Acquire Program

All CEOs-in-Residence begin in the Acquire Program. It builds the foundational skills and clarity needed for the search and acquisition process: thesis development, sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, diligence and transition. The 10-Week Deep Dive includes weekly one-on-one coaching with Derrick McIver, PhD, and the course fee is $5,000.

Step 2: Apply for the Residency

After the Acquire Program, qualified leaders may apply to become a CEO-in-Residence. There’s no fixed waiting period. Past CEOs-in-Residence have applied anywhere from two months to a year after completing Acquire.

Step 3: A Funded, Full-Time Search

The residency is full-time and lasts 18–24 months. CEOs-in-Residence receive:

• Six-figure compensation that is competitive with ETA and search-fund market averages
• A dedicated operating platform for sourcing, diligence and financial modeling
• A focused search thesis shaped around their background and strengths
• A dedicated team, including research interns, at our office in downtown Kalamazoo
• A network of peers, advisors and partners aligned with their success

You lead diligence and evaluation alongside experienced financial, legal and operating partners. When a business meets the approved thesis and underwriting criteria, Sleeping Giant makes the investment decision and provides the committed capital to complete the acquisition. Past acquisitions have closed in as little as 5–11 months.

Step 4: The CEO Seat

After closing, you step in as CEO with real ownership and meaningful equity. You lead day to day with an active board, including Sleeping Giant partners, for governance and long-term alignment.

For a first-hand account, listen to Episode 22 of The Do Diligence Podcast, where Mitch Brownell walks through his 18-month search and his first 90 days as President of PECO.

Ready to take the first step? Every Sleeping Giant Capital CEO-in-Residence begins in the Acquire Program. Apply to the Acquire Program, or take the self-assessment first.