9 ways searchers can actually find real Operating Partners (especially the ones with multiple exits)

One thing most first-time searchers miss is how much credibility you gain when you bring an Operating Partner into a deal who has already built and exited a business two or three times. People with repeat exits think very differently. They know what breaks, what scales, what banks hate, and what sellers hide. Finding these people takes a bit of digging, but it’s absolutely worth it. Here are nine ways to surface them. 1. PitchBook operator history searches PitchBook is one of the best ways to identify operators with real track records. Look for individuals tied to multiple exits, especially in service businesses. These are the people who give your deal weight with lenders, equity partners, and even sellers. 2. Industry alumni networks Ex-regional managers, divisional presidents, COOs, GMs… they tend to leave companies after a liquidity event and quietly float into consulting. They’re not loud online, but they carry the exact operational muscle searchers need. 3. Vendor and distributor referrals Vendors know which operators have done multiple roll-ups, who exited, and who made them the most money. A 10-minute call with a regional distributor can reveal three or four names instantly. 4. Niche Facebook groups and Reddit communities The operators with exits often hang out here to stay sharp or help younger owners. HVAC, MSP, janitorial, logistics, dental, commercial services… the “quiet killers” are in these groups daily. 5. YPO, Vistage, and TAB alumni These groups are full of former operators who sold their companies and now mentor, consult, or invest lightly. This is one of the highest-quality pools you can tap into. 6. Fractional GM/COO platforms After an exit, a lot of operators don’t want to run another company full-time but still love helping. They list themselves as fractional GMs or COOs. They’re affordable and extremely credible. 7. LinkedIn Boolean searches (targeting exit keywords) Search terms like: • “sold my business” • “acquired by” • “acquired for” • “exit” • “rollup” • “former owner” • “former CEO” These filters surface people with real deal experience, not theoretical opinions. 8. Ask debt and equity partners for operator intros Lenders and investors know exactly who saved deals and who ruined them. They see repeat operator names show up in high-performing transactions. If you ask the right way, they’ll point you toward the people who consistently execute. 9. Quiet operator support through groups like Ecliptica Some firms (ours included) support searchers behind the scenes with operational review, early value-creation planning, and practical operator oversight. It’s not a public directory, but if you need someone who has actually run businesses and exited, there is help available. https://ecliptica-ops.com/search-funders