Our Leadership

Our Leadership

Build.com’s executive team operates with a perfect balance of skill, hard work, and experience. The founder of Build.com, Christian Friedland, is still the fearless leader over 10 years after starting the company from his college apartment. For executive team interview requests or media inquiries, please email pr@build.com

	Christian Friedland, President/Founder Christian Friedland is the founder and president of Build.com, Inc. Started originally as a graduate school project at California State University, Chico, Christian’s vision, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit have helped Build.com grow into the largest online-only home improvement retailer. Christian received his BA in Political Science and completed the core graduate studies in Computer Science at California State University, Chico. Christian has founded multiple technology companies, and is an active real estate investor. He currently serves on a series of company boards (including Brazilian home improvement e-commerce company Madeira Madeira) and frequently lectures at universities and technology conferences. Christian embodies the mantra, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and empowers Build.com employees to do the same. He enjoys recreational traveling, snowboarding, cross-fit, yoga, and spending time with his family in Chico.
	David Berman, Executive Consultant From September 2009 – August 2012 David Berman was  Executive Vice President of Build.com and prior to that was  Chairman and CEO of Decorative Product Source, Inc ( DPS), a leading on line merchant of decorative home products. DPS was merged into Build.com in September 2009 . David founded the Berman Consulting Group in August 2012  with  Build.com, Inc as his first client. As he did when he was  EVP at Build.com, David’s activities with Build.com are concentrated on building and growing the value added relationship Build.com enjoys with its vendors and working on strategic growth initiatives.
	Lindsay Fee, Vice President of Human Resources Lindsay joined Build.com in May of 2003. Lindsay has worked hard to create a work environment that spawns health, happiness and laughter for all employees. Her previous experience includes 3 years with PG&E as a network specialist and obtained her education from California State University, Chico. Lindsay loves to snow ski and watching her son Jack play sports.
	Brandon Proctor, Vice President of Marketing Brandon joined Build.com in October of 2008. Brandon is a data driven individual, who has a background in marketing and analytics. He has worked in the field of online marketing for over 8 years. He has been instrumental in adding new metrics and business processes to our marketing team, and has been a strategic player for our companies marketing initiatives. Brandon currently serves on Omniture’s advisory board and continues to be a strong voice in the marketing and analytics community. He has been instrumental in developing strategic relationships/partnerships with new and innovative technologies, empowering our growth and marketing development.
	Julie Gardner, Vice President of Vendor Relations Julie was the first employee at Build.com and has been active in the company ever since. Julie launched LightingDirect.com in 2004, growing and managing that business until early 2008. Currently Julie is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive vendor relationships. Julie received a degree in Political Science with a certificate for Paralegal Studies from California State University, Chico, and is an avid scuba diver and wine aficionado.
	Dan Davis, Vice President of Technology Dan is the co-founder of Clear Capital Inc., an eCommerce group specializing in HVAC solutions. In 2005, Clear Capital, Inc. merged with Build.com, shortly after which Dan assumed the role as Lead Programmer. Through his passion for technology, Dan consistently provides fresh new solutions across all levels of the company to ensure we offer customers the features they want and need in their online shopping experience. Dan is a big fan of sports cars and car racing and in his free time loves to learn about new technologies.
	Nick Strachan, Controller Nick joined Build.com in January 2006 shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia with Bachelor’s degrees in Risk Management and Political Science. After starting his time with Build.com in sales, Nick spent nearly a year managing our HVAC division. In February 2009, Nick returned to the Finance Department and assumed the vital role of Controller. In the winter you will find Nick on the slopes skiing and in the summer in a river somewhere rafting.
	Ryan Brewer, Vice President of International Operations Ryan joined Build.com in February 2003 and introduced kitchen and bathroom fixtures to our expanding product offering. Ryan served as our Vice President of Operations from 2007-2011, during which he and his team were instrumental in providing key insights into developing our best-in-class order management and merchandising system. In his new role as Vice President of International Operations, Ryan is responsible for the deployment of the Build.com operating model in Europe. When he’s not at the office, Ryan cherishes the time he spends with his family and enjoys the many amazing things Northern California and the Chico area have to offer.
	Josh Bultz, Vice President of Business Development Josh joined Build.com in August 2012. Most recently, Josh held the role of Sr. Buyer/Category Manager at Amazon.com in the Tools & Home Improvement department. Prior to his work at Amazon.com, he spent nearly 10 years at Intuit and NetSuite delivering ERP, MRP, CRM and eCommerce solutions to wholesale distributors and manufacturers operating in the electrical, plumbing, HVAC and related building materials verticals. His roles included Technical Sales, Product Management and Business-Line Manager. Josh’s primary responsibility at Build.com is to cultivate new revenue streams, channels and partnerships that deliver significant top- and bottom-line results while spearheading new category expansions within the Build.com Network of Stores. Josh earned his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Josh gets his passion and energy from delivering customer WOW experiences and striking deals with business partners. When he’s not on the phone or on the road, he enjoys golf, tennis, skiing and spending time with his wife and two young children.
	Devin Van Hout, Chief Merchant Devin joined Build.com in January 2008. He began his career in sales and managed the HVAC and Plumbing divisions before moving into his role as Chief Merchant. Devin earned a degree in Business Management from California State University, Chico and has over 10 years experience in the home improvement industry. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid cyclist.