Author: Paul Freed

Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with Keyport on a retained executive search to find their new President.

For nearly 30 years, Keyport LLC has quietly built a global reputation as one of the most trusted and nimble seafood companies in the industry. Founded by the Pedersen family and based in Edmonds, Washington, Keyport began with a deep knowledge of crab and a singular goal: to bring wild-caught, high-quality seafood from ocean to table with integrity, agility, and heart.

Today, Keyport is best known for its leadership in the wild-caught King and Snow Crab category, serving major national retailers and foodservice customers through both branded, bulk and private label programs. The company is vertically integrated—from sourcing and importing to processing and distribution—and navigates the complexities of domestic and international fisheries, logistics, and pricing with a small, talented team and a remarkable sense of trust, speed, and calm under pressure.

What makes Keyport special isn’t just its product portfolio or industry relationships—it’s the people. The team is small (under 15 employees), loyal, and collaborative. The culture is humble, family-centered, and solution-oriented. The brand reflects both the quality of the product and the values of the founders: trusted, steady, and built to last. As third-generation leaders Mark and Kurt Pedersen look toward the future, they’re ready to transition day-to-day leadership to a new President who can honor the company’s legacy while ushering in its next era of growth and operational excellence.

“We’ve developed strong momentum over the past several years,” said Mark Pedersen, CEO of Keyport. “As our business continues to grow, Craig’s experience and industry relationships add strength to our leadership team and increase our ability to aggressively expand the Keyport brand in the years ahead.”

“Keyport has built something special over the last 30 years, and I’m humbled to be joining this family-owned business as president,” said Morris. “The strong reputation across the Alaska seafood industry that Mark and Kurt have earned shines through in everything they do. I am eager to join the team and work to achieve the ambitious goals they’ve set for the future of the business.”

Keyport COO Kurt Pedersen added: “Craig’s addition allows us to stay focused on the consistent execution we’re known for while continuing to build on the long-standing relationships and partnerships that define our business.” For full press release.

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

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Food & Beverage industry executive searches
Family Business industry executive searches
CEO/President leadership searches

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

L&E Bottling Company is a $50M revenue, fourth-generation, family-owned Pepsi franchise distributor headquartered in Olympia, Washington. It has deep roots dating back to 1945 and a long-standing reputation for reliability, service, and community partnership across Thurston, Lewis, and southern Mason counties. With a modern 60,000-square-foot distribution operation, a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, and a team of approximately 90 employees, L&E plays a critical role in keeping the region’s businesses stocked with the Pepsi family of beverages and a broad portfolio that includes Dr Pepper, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and more.

Beyond product distribution, L&E delivers full-service equipment and support—vending, fountain, refrigeration, coffee, and water services—making it a true one-stop partner for customers ranging from grocery and retail to restaurants, healthcare, education, and large commercial accounts. 

This retained executive search was led by Chris Blais/Partner and Ross Fletcher/Partner.

Learn more about Herd Freed Hartz’s track record in:
Food & Beverage industry executive searches
Family Business industry executive searches
CFO leadership searches

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