Acquiring Minds Hiring a CEO to Run Things (and Get Life Back)
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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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Bleak First Days After Closing
- Jeremy bought Summit Cabinet Coatings at 27 and immediately faced intense people and transition challenges.
- Day one was so hard he cried and sought Outback therapy with his wife that evening.
GM Handoff That Didn’t Materialize
- Sellers introduced a prospective GM who broke down crying when offered the role, revealing the transition was more fragile than Jeremy expected.
- Jeremy realized early that he would effectively be the general manager and face deeper ownership challenges.
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.
