Ownr Search

Ownr Search is a Canadian executive search and investment firm recruiting owners and executives for small and mid-sized companies. The firm helps business owners and mid-market PE firms refresh their executive suite for the next phase of growth, recruiting leaders with what the company calls an "owner mentality." Ownr Search was founded by Justin Pintwala (CFA), who started his career in M&A and structured finance at Ernst & Young, later founding CPG Executive Search before joining Ownr Search to focus on small to mid-sized businesses (20-100 million in sales).

Ownr Search recruits not only executives but also middle management with the potential to grow businesses, looking specifically for a mentality of drive, ability to get things done and the capacity to elevate team members. The company recognises that people with ownership mentality are difficult to find. Their operating principles include aligning incentives (charging 90% of fees three months after employee start date), building community through newsletters and LinkedIn presence, investing to understand candidates and clients, building clarity through position scorecards, maintaining communication and exercising diligence in understanding candidates' backgrounds and motivations.

Ownr Search also helps owners find capital, recognising that some owners prefer employee buyouts or minority partnerships to retain control rather than selling to private equity. The company combines recruitment with investment, following the WHO book process created by Geoff Smart and Randy Street. Their commitment to owners and executives is finding someone who nails outcomes 90% of the time, underpinned by their unique billing model that fully aligns their interests with client success.