Built for one market. Built to be accountable.

INC'D is a specialist executive search and recruitment agency for PE-backed essential services businesses across North America. We recruit General Managers, Director-level leaders, VPs and C-suite executives across every business function.

Meet the Partners Start a Search

Why INC'D exists.

Most executive search and recruitment agencies are structured for breadth: more sectors, more coverage and more layers between the client and the person doing the work.

INC'D was built around a narrower belief. PE-backed essential services businesses need recruitment partners who understand the difference between a candidate who looks right on paper and a leader who can run field execution, integrate acquisitions and perform under sponsor cadence.

So we chose one market, one geography and one standard, and stayed there.

Meet the partners.

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Cosmos Lemos

Cosmos built his executive search career through the work others overlooked: the calls, relationships and market knowledge that cannot be replaced by a database.

His approach is direct, persistent and deeply personal. He wants to understand the candidate before presenting the opportunity, and the business problem before presenting the candidate.

“Cosmos was unlike any other recruiter that I worked with in the last 5 years. He really wanted to get to know me as a person first, to determine a good fit with a future company.”
Robert LambertGeneral Manager, Authority Brands

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Nick Charlton

Nick built an essential services search market from zero before co-founding INC'D. He works across the point where sector knowledge, a disciplined process and honest candidate communication meet.

Clients and candidates know him for clear expectations, specific market insight and staying close to the detail from first conversation to final decision.

“He provided clear, transparent expectations from the start and demonstrated a deep understanding of the leadership team, both in terms of company culture and the specific qualities in a candidate.”
David GilmerExecutive Director Engineering, Tillman Fiber

In their own words.

On working with Cosmos
“In the world of recruiting, Cosmos is a unicorn.
I was highly skeptical of using a recruiting agency to fill a critical role, and even after my experience I still am skeptical of other recruiting agencies. Cosmos is one of the top 5 professionals I have ever worked with.
He is relentless, focused and calculated. Every moment of my time spent working with Cosmos was worth it. He is the choice for any executive who is strapped for time and task saturated.”
Patrick ZagarinoOperator, Monster Tree Service & Lawn Squad. PE Operator. USMC.

On working with Nick
“Nick's one of those rare recruiters who just gets it.
No pressure, no fluff. Just smart, well-targeted opportunities and straight talk. We've worked together a few times and the experience was smooth from start to finish. He knows the space inside and out, and he's easy to work with. Responsive, honest, and focused on finding a real match, not just checking boxes. Plus, his LinkedIn posts are actually worth reading (which is saying something). Insightful, sharp, and often spot-on with trends in PE and hiring.
If you're in the PE-backed world and need serious leadership talent, or you just want to stay sharp on where the market's going, Nick's definitely someone worth following and connecting with.”
Robert DeCastro, MATelecom Growth Leader, Fiber Optics & Community Tech BD

On working with Cosmos
“I am writing this on behalf of Cosmos Lemos.
During the past year, Cosmos and I have worked together to find my next job opportunity as a CFO for a world class private equity backed company.
I have been thoroughly impressed with his expertise and knowledge of which roles may utilize my skill set to increase enterprise value. Cosmos constantly demonstrates high level skills of compassion, innovation and consistent communication with me and the rest of his network.”
Michael Tang, MBAOperational Finance Leader

On working with Nick
“Nick was very professional and knowledgeable throughout the whole recruiting process.
He reached out before and after each interview, providing helpful tips and overall candidate support. He is a pleasure to work with, I highly recommend him for your job searches.”
Cristina Mustata, CPA, MBAController, Tillman Fiber

On working with Cosmos
“I had the pleasure of working with Cosmos Lemos as my executive recruiter, and I couldn't be more impressed with his professionalism and expertise.
He consistently demonstrated timely follow-up and provided valuable insights throughout the process. Cosmos is a positive thought leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and a can-do attitude to every interaction. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a top-notch recruiter who truly cares about his clients' success.”
Gary GerstenCX & Operations Executive, Home Services, HVAC & Security

On working with Nick
“Top Notch Experience.
I would recommend Nick without hesitation. Thank you for all your help connecting me with the right company and right position.”
Matthew KickGeneral Manager

Cosmos Lemos's tattooed forearms, folded, against a black background.

Apparently, tattoos weren't good for business. So we put them in the name. INC'D.

New name. Established work.

19,000+Senior leaders known
50+PE-backed platforms served
18+Essential services verticals

The firm is new. The relationships, placements and market knowledge are not.

How we work.

Directly.: The person who takes the brief remains on the work.
Narrowly.: We do not dilute our market knowledge with unrelated sectors or searches.
Openly.: Clients see the search; candidates receive an answer.
For the long term.: We stay connected after the placement and between mandates.

Work with INC'D.

Executive recruitment has followed the same playbook for decades. INC'D is for clients and candidates who want a search firm to know the market, do the work and speak plainly.

See careers at INC'D →

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