Author: Paul Freed

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with Conversion Logix on a retained executive search to find their new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in the Seattle area, Conversion Logix has grown from a boutique digital marketing agency into a nationally recognized, technology-enabled performance marketing platform serving clients across the U.S.

Its proprietary Conversion Cloud® software powers lead capture, appointment booking, and attribution tools that help customers measure and expand their results. With a client base spanning multifamily housing, senior living, student housing, and other sectors where customer conversion drives success, Conversion Logix has generated more than $1 billion in leads, appointments, and sales for its partners.

The company’s growth has been both rapid and disciplined. Over the past several years, Conversion Logix has achieved double-digit annual revenue increases, now exceeding $100 million in annual revenue and $10 million in EBITDA—all organically, with no outside investment or debt. That performance has earned repeated recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and fueled expansion to a team of approximately 140 employees distributed across the U.S. and abroad.

Conversion Logix’s culture is defined by Hustle, Focus, Toughness, Kindness, and Service—values that guide how the company serves its clients and each other every day.

“Mark is a proven finance leader with the experience and strategic mindset we need as Conversion Logix continues to grow and evolve in the AI era,” said Andrew Cederlind, President and COO of Conversion Logix. “We’re adding new clients across key housing sectors while expanding our data and platform capabilities, including investments in AI and predictive leasing technology. Mark’s background scaling tech organizations makes him the right leader to help ensure we can keep growing while continuing to invest in innovation.”

“I’m excited to join Conversion Logix at such a pivotal moment,” said Mark Musburger, Chief Financial Officer. “The company is uniquely positioned at the intersection of marketing performance and technology for the housing industry. I’m looking forward to helping build the financial foundation that enables continued innovation, smart investment in product development, and long-term value for customers.” For full press release.

This retained executive search was led by Ryan Biancofiori/Partner and Scott Rabinowitz/Partner.

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Technology industry executive searches
Real Estate industry executive searches
CFO leadership searches

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with Hallcon on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new Director of Finance.

Hallcon is a Private Equity backed, national leader in transportation and infrastructure services, delivering multi-modal mobility solutions and operational support to some of the most innovative organizations in the world. Hallcon clients include global technology firms, major universities, hospitals, and Fortune 500 companies. From integrated command centers and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to fleet management, analytics, and rider experience optimization, Hallcon combines modern technology with decades of industry expertise. They are on a mission to transform how people move—and Hallcon needs sharp, agile leaders to help scale up.

Reporting to the CFO, the Director of Finance leads all financial operations for Hallcon’s $90–100M Commuter Division, serving as both the divisional controller and financial planning lead. This role will be responsible for closing the books, financial reporting, budgeting, and margin analysis—while acting as a business partner to field operations and client-facing teams.

The Hallcon Way: We are a collaborative, fast-paced, and customer-driven organization. Hallcon’s culture is defined by trust, autonomy, and open communication.

This retained executive search was led by Ryan Biancofiori/Partner and Ross Fletcher/Partner.

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Professional Service industry executive searches
Private Equity industry executive searches
Finance leadership searches

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with Quantum Windows & Doors on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new VP of Operations.

Quantum Windows & Doors operates at the intersection of artistry and precision. The company produces more than just windows and doors—it co-creates enduring architectural elements that embody craftsmanship, innovation, and pride. Serving the ultra-luxury residential market, Quantum is renowned for its exceptional quality, deep customization, and human-centric approach. Rather than simply taking orders, Quantum collaborates.

With a newly expanded 120,000 sq. ft. facility, a team of 75 dedicated employees, and a tripling of revenue since acquisition, Quantum is poised to scale to over $100M in the next five years. Backed by high-net-worth investors, the company is ready to match its ambition with operational excellence. The Vice President of Operations will play a central role in that transformation.

Quantum’s Mission: To manufacture the highest quality wood, clad, and steel products, which demonstrate attention to craftsmanship and design in a working environment which is healthy, safe, and amiable, making every effort to use materials and processes which minimize adverse effects on the environment.

Quantum was founded in 1982 as a response to the industry’s demand for a better-built custom wood window. Quantum’s founders were two general contractors native to the Pacific Northwest, dissatisfied with the mass-produced windows available. These gentlemen demanded a level of craftsmanship on par with the homes they were building. In 1982, Quantum Wood Windows, Inc. started in a little shop north of Seattle, WA, and grew quickly.

Sample windows were made and taken around to local contractors and architects, and slowly our reputation grew. The response to the product was excellent, but as with any new venture, it took a lot of work for each sale. Marketing efforts even included showing the windows at local Snohomish and King County fairs.

Over the years, Quantum product lines have expanded and market reach has become international. From its humble beginnings in a general contractor’s garage, Quantum has grown into an industry leader in the manufacturing of wood, clad, and steel windows and doors.

Quantum’s current production facility in Arlington, WA, is designed to maximize craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the production process. Quantum is still locally owned today. As their business grows and changes, one thing that does not change is that they continue to strive to produce high-quality products.

This retained executive search was led by Jim Herd/Managing Partner and Ryan Biancofiori/Partner.

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Manufacturing industry executive searches
Private Equity industry executive searches
COO/VP Operations leadership searches

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with Cascade Coffee on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new Director of National Accounts.

What does it take to make more than 2.3 billion servings of coffee a year? Ask Cascade Coffee.

As a leading contract manufacturing partner in the coffee industry, Cascade Coffee operates behind the scenes – providing roasting, grinding, flavoring, packaging, and turnkey solutions for many of the most recognized coffee brands in the world.

With over 220 employees, a 175,000 sq ft roasting and production facility, and $150 million in revenue, Cascade is entering an ambitious new phase of growth, backed by private equity firm LaSalle Capital. The company is focused on building modernized systems, expanding capabilities, and driving top-line growth through operational excellence and customer-centric innovation.

Cascade isn’t just a co-packer—it’s a true partner to its customers. With deep operational and coffee-industry expertise, a high-performing team, and a forward-looking leadership group that includes recent key hires in operations and finance (also placed by Herd Freed Hartz), the company is positioned for sustained growth and increased market share.

This retained executive search was led by Scott Rabinowitz/Partner and Chris Blais/Partner.

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Consumer/Retail industry executive searches
Manufacturing industry executive searches
Private Equity industry executive searches
Sales leadership executive searches

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with joe.coffee in Tacoma, WA, on a retained executive search to find their new VP of Finance.

joe.coffee is reimagining the future of coffee commerce—empowering independent coffee shops, roasters, and distributors with a hospitality-first point-of-sale (POS) and loyalty platform. Coffee shop owners have switched to the joe.coffee platform because while they get the core payment platform you’d expect with an incumbent POS kiosk, joe.coffee is custom built with independent coffee shop owners in mind, leading Joe customers to see as much as a 20%+ revenue increase in the first year. This is due to providing a suite of capabilities designed to boost revenue including: mobile ordering, loyalty/rewards, flash offers/deals, managing reviews, shop management, new customers referrals (joe.coffee app), outsourced e-commerce/fulfillment, customer data insights, and enabling a faster and more personalized service.

Built by baristas in 2019, joe.coffee has grown to 400 customers, 90%+ retention, 40 employees and approximately $3M in revenue. They are mission driven to help small independent coffee shop owners succeed and be a positive impact in the community. This unique market success attracted recent private equity investment by Frontier Growth for nationwide expansion and scale up.

This retained executive search was led by Paul Freed/Managing Partner and Karen Bertiger/Partner.

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Technology industry executive searches
Startup industry executive searches
Private Equity industry executive searches
CFO/VP Finance leadership searches

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with Starker Forests on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new Chief Executive Officer.

Since 1936, Starker Forests has owned and managed forests, striving for excellence in forest resource stewardship. As a 5th generation family business, Starker owns 95,000 acres of forestland, with a focus on community partnership and reinvestment. For almost a century, Starker Forests has built a solid foundation and culture, with an eye towards continued growth and innovation for generations to come.

Healthy culture – Starker has a strong commitment to living out their values of “Dedicated. Mindful. Innovative.” Starker believes in a triple bottom line approach (financial / social / environment) as they strive to be good stewards of the land, financially sustainable, innovative, and a good neighbor, with a family-friendly office culture and as an advocate for healthy managed forests.

With 95,000 acres of forestland (primarily between Corvallis, OR and the Oregon coast), Starker’s focus is on harvesting larger logs (~50 years) with high market demand from regional wood products companies. Starker has a strong balance sheet, and enjoys a simplified business model that enables a small headquarters team of 20 while utilizing external partners for forest management, harvest, fire- fighting and tree planting operations (500K seedlings planted annually). Starker continues to add approx. 2,000 acres annually to their forestland portfolio.

Community partnership – Starker Forests is a strong community partner through a mix of charitable giving, education, and a strong partnership with OSU College of Forestry. In addition, Starker provides community access to their forestland for mountain biking (Alder Creek Tree Farm), trails, environment and community education, and other recreational uses.

New innovation – Building on the company’s foundation of success and legacy, Starker continues to innovate with a vision for finding new niche markets, forest management practices, community recreational opportunities, and local business impact for the next generation.

This retained executive search project was led by Paul Freed/Managing Partner and Karen Bertiger/Partner.

“Lizzie is a true champion for the things we care about most — sustainable forestry practices, deep community involvement and the cultivation of a strong, supported workforce,” said Anna Starker May, a fourth-generation owner and board member.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Starker Forests family,” Marsters said. “I’m excited to learn from the incredible people here, build on the outstanding work of today, and help lead us into tomorrow. I look forward to bringing my passion for working forests, innovation and community impact to this next chapter at Starker.” (Full article)

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Family Business industry executive searches
Agriculture industry executive searches
Chief Executive Officer/President leadership searches

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with Northwest Harvest on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Northwest Harvest (NWH) is an anti-racist, anti-oppression organization committed to transforming an unjust food system into one that is more responsive and accountable to the communities most impacted by discrimination. In addition to distributing food throughout Washington, Northwest Harvest aims to shift public opinion, as well as impact institutional policies and societal practices that perpetuate hunger, poverty, and disparities in our state.

Northwest Harvest builds partnerships in communities across Washington to get food where it’s needed most. They provide an average of two million meals each month through our statewide network of more than 350 food banks, meal programs, schools, and community-based organizations. Part of a justice-centered movement, NWH advocates to change inequitable policies, practices, and institutions that perpetuate hunger and poverty. Together, they ensure communities across Washington state can access the nutritious food they want and need to thrive.

Thomas Reynolds, CEO, commented “Herd Freed Hartz has been an exceptional resource for me. I first worked with Fred Pabst when I was a candidate for the CEO role at Northwest Harvest. Communication was timely, clear, and responsive to my specific inquiries. My primary interest was aligning my values and sense of mission with an organization that was a fit for purpose. After joining Northwest Harvest, Herd Freed Hartz helped me to fill vitally important roles; Chief Operating Officer, Director of Procurement, Director of Public Policy. Step by step engagement to effectively market the roles led to outstanding and deeply talented pools of candidates. Ultimately, we landed supremely skilled team players in all three roles who are driving our strategies forward and preparing Northwest Harvest for a purpose-driven future.”

This retained executive search project was led by Fred Pabst/Partner.

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Non Profit industry executive searches
Chief Operating Officer (COO) leadership searches

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with America’s Automotive Trust on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new CEO.

It wasn’t long ago that cars were a much bigger part of American life. For most, they were the first taste of freedom that opened the doors – and the world – to endless possibilities. Cruising down the main drag or backroads for Sunday family adventures was part of life. Now, cruising with friends has been replaced by a virtual world seen from a screen.

America’s Automotive Trust (AAT) believes that cars connect us to the best things in life and that America’s love affair with the automobile should not only be recognized as part of our history, but of our future. Knowing others believe the same, AAT saw an opportunity for like-minded organizations to work together and, in 2016, established America’s Automotive Trust to do just that.

Together with their partners and member organizations of LeMay – America’s Car Museum, the RPM Foundation, Club Auto and the Concours Club, they fulfill our purpose to honor the past, celebrate the present, and drive the future of car culture. Education is at the heart of everything we do, and driving is at our core – from the classroom to the open road.

Much of modern-day American culture has been built on the means of transportation, and the future of mobility is as crucial now as it has ever been. Our automotive heritage should be secured for future generations – a mission that can only truly be accomplished by working together. Through America’s Automotive Trust, they share resources and support each other, streamlining efforts to make a greater impact. It’s the love of everything automotive. The feel of the wind in your hair, or a wrench in your hand. The adrenaline of stepping on the accelerator, and the thrill of the journey rather than the destination. It’s the determination and satisfaction of fixing something, and having a community to enjoy it with.

America’s Automotive Trust believes in not only preserving the passion for cars, but also being sure it continues to thrive. That’s why America’s Automotive Trust exists.

“I cannot adequately express my excitement that Joe Jacuzzi will assume leadership of America’s Automotive Trust this January,” Founding CEO David Madeira said. “Joe’s vast experience in the automotive and other industries, and expertise in marketing and communications will enable the Trust to fulfill its vision of ‘honoring the past, celebrating the present, and driving the future’ of our automotive culture under his strong leadership. I am honored that Joe believes in the mission of the Trust and as I prepare for my new exciting role focused on strategic initiatives for AAT, I will do all that I can to assist him as he leads the Trust to greater prominence.”

“I am honored to join the AAT team,” Joe Jacuzzi said. “AAT’s mission of promoting trade skills, education, and the celebration of automotive culture are incredibly important to the country. And with the stunning LeMay – America’s Car Museum as the crown jewel, I’m very excited to work with the AAT Board, the team, donors and volunteers on continuing to advance their key initiatives and fueling the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.”

For the full press release on their CEO announcement.

This retained executive search project was led by Fred Pabst/Partner.

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Non Profit industry executive searches
CEO & Executive Director leadership searches