Outdoor Living Manufacturing (OLM) - Chief Executive Officer Search

Outdoor Living Manufacturing

Outdoor Living Manufacturing (‘OLM’ or the ‘Company’) was established in 2004 as a partnership between Waldun Forest Products and Outdoor Living Today. Although beginning with no production facilities or revenue stream, these humble beginnings have grown into a company of 75 employees and annual sales of over $20 million.

The company designs and manufactures gazebos, sheds, playhouses, gardening kits, and custom outdoor canopies in kit format at its manufacturing facility located in Penticton, BC. Products are made primarily from sustainably produced Western Red Cedar and are sold primarily online in Canada and the US through a dealer network and major retailers, with some direct sales. Administrative support functions are provided by Waldun staff who are located at Waldun’s head office in Maple Ridge, BC.

A number of the company’s products are patented and the brand has an excellent reputation and high growth potential. In order to expand the company and take it to its next level of growth, the shareholders have identified the need to establish a new Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) role who will bring a strategic mindset and a broad business background to complement the skill set of the existing leadership team.

Chief Executive Officer

The CEO is responsible for providing overall strategic and tactical leadership in defining and overseeing the execution of long- and short-term strategies to realize the company’s financial and operational objectives.The CEO will be responsible for developing a strategic plan in consultation with the shareholders and overseeing its successful implementation that will lead to long-term growth and profitability. This will include developing a growth strategy that could include expansion into new markets, product diversification and potential acquisitions. The CEO will ensure the appropriate organization structure is in place and provide leadership to a team that’s comprised of the Plant Manager and Assistant Controller located in Penticton, as well as staff in Maple Ridge responsible for customer service, sales, and E-Commerce. Waldun’s Controller also provides accounting support to OLM.

The company uses Syspro as its ERP, LISA Lumber to track purchasing and costs, and Shoptalk to track labour. The manufacturing plant has recently introduced new technology but there is further opportunity to enhance systems and improve efficiency through increased automation.