How Small Businesses Can Manage Rapid Growth Without Breaking
Sometimes the biggest threat to a small business isn’t failure—it’s sudden, overwhelming success.
In 2020, right after the COVID shutdown, a small biotech manufacturer contacted Acumen Executive Search for help. Before the pandemic, they produced about 500 diagnostic testing kits per week. Then one phone call changed everything: an international medical equipment firm asked if they could produce 100,000 units per week.
As a small business owner myself, I know this challenge all too well—balancing opportunity with resources, capital, and people. That phone call forced this company to ask the same question many entrepreneurs face: How much growth can we really afford?
Cash Flow Meets Capacity
The owner’s first concern was cash flow. Scaling production on that level required more than efficiency—it demanded capital, expertise, and people.
Like many small business owners, he had already leveraged personal finances alongside the business. He knew there were gaps in operations but didn’t have the team or leadership experience to fix them quickly.
That’s when he reached out to Acumen Executive Search in Portland to help him find an operations leader—someone with FDA manufacturing expertise—who could also take equity in lieu of a large salary. Given their limitations, we tapped into our biosciences network to find a candidate willing to bet on the company’s future.
The Turnaround Leader
The expert we placed immediately went to work: streamlining processes, opening new lines, and adding shifts. Output jumped from 500 to 20,000 units per week. It was still far from the goal, but the team pushed forward.
Growth revealed new obstacles—maxed-out space, staff burnout, and dwindling cash reserves. Together, the owner and operations leader explored creative options: licensing production, outsourcing, and securing bridge funding from both traditional and alternative sources.
After months of persistence, they secured a strategic partnership with a larger firm. The deal brought capital, expanded facilities, added staff, and introduced advanced manufacturing technology. Soon, they were producing 100,000 units per week—meeting demand without burning out their team.
Key Lessons for Small Business Growth and Scaling
- Match growth to resources – Expanding without the right capital, capacity, and leadership can overwhelm any team.
- Think creatively – Licensing, outsourcing, and alternative financing can help fill resource gaps.
- Leverage partnerships – Strategic partnerships provide infrastructure, expertise, and funding for sustainable scaling.
- Stay resilient – Perseverance through space limits, cash flow crunches, and burnout can unlock breakthrough solutions.
- Bring in expert leadership – The right executive hire can transform growth challenges into long-term success.
The Power of the Right Executive Hire
The owner was thrilled with the outcome and expressed gratitude for the support and expertise provided by Acumen. The operations leader’s efforts not only saved the company from potential bankruptcy but also positioned it for long-term success. This case study highlights the importance of resilience, creativity, and collaboration in overcoming business challenges.
Hiring a leader isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about shaping your company’s future. The right executive can accelerate innovation, unify your team, and elevate your organization’s visibility and impact. At Acumen Executive Search, we help companies across the Pacific Northwest and beyond hire purpose-driven leaders who align with culture and strategy. Whether you’re preparing for your next big hire or exploring how to scale sustainably, we’re here to share our expertise.
Be sure to like and follow our podcast “Hiring for Good.” Join us for a series of impactful conversations with leaders who’ve built amazing teams as we discuss how they’ve operationalized their vision and share the wisdom, thoughts, and lessons they’ve learned along the way. New releases come out every second and fourth Thursday.