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
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Christian Friedland, President/FounderChristian is the founder of Faucet Direct, Inc., which was renamed Build.com, Inc., in 2010 to better represent its long term strategy and growing product inventory. Prior to Build.com, Christian worked at Slakey Brothers, a leading west coast Plumbing and HVAC distributor. Christian received his B.A. in Political Science (Law) and completed core graduate studies in Computer Science at California State University, Chico. He has also lectured frequently on Entrepreneurship at the California State University, Chico’s Business School, and helped found two other local e-commerce companies. Christian was a featured speaker at the 2008 Internet Retailer convention and the Wharton School of Business. |
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David Berman, Executive Vice PresidentFrom 2001 to 2009, David served as chairman and CEO of Decorative Product Source, Inc. (DPS), a leading online merchant of decorative home products, specializing in plumbing and lighting fixtures. He was a pioneer in bringing decorative plumbing and lighting products to the Internet and working with industry manufacturers to recognize the opportunities presented by this new distribution channel. In 2009, DPS was acquired by Wolseley, based in the United Kingdom. Read More… From 1971 until 2001, David held various management positions with The RAL Supply Group, Inc., a distributor of plumbing and heating products with decorative products showrooms. He became president and CEO in 1993 when he acquired RAL in a leveraged buyout. While CEO of The RAL Supply Group, David was a two-time winner of the Wholesaler of the Year Award (awarded by Supply House Times magazine). He is a recognized expert in competing with the “Big Box” retailers, a frequent industry speaker and contributing editor to industry magazines. David also founded and was a partner in New York Harbour Associates, a real estate development firm active in the redevelopment of Hoboken, New Jersey. Mr. Berman earned a BBA in Accounting from The Baruch School of Business at The City University of New York and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Columbia University. |
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Jason Childs, Vice President of OperationsJason began his career with Build.com in 2003 in the call center, and then advanced to manage our door hardware and ventilation businesses. After successfully expanding his category for 3 years, Jason took over the plumbing category, which he ran for 5 years. In late 2011 he was promoted to VP of Operations. Jason’s responsibilities now include the management of all website merchandising and data entry efforts, as well as overseeing our expert inside sales team. When he’s not in the office, Jason spends most of his time with his family or at the local drop zone where he is an avid fun jumper and skydiving coach. |
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Lindsay Fee, Vice President of Human ResourcesLindsay 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 is looking forward to learning to water ski. |
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Brandon Proctor, Vice President of MarketingBrandon 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. |
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Julie Gardner, Vice President of Vendor RelationsJulie 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. |
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Sam Roach, Vice President of International TechnologySam joined Build.com in February 2004 as Vice President of IT, building the technology used for our websites. In November 2011, Sam was chosen as VP of International Technology to develop a solution to allow Build.com’s international expansion. He has more than 15 years of programming, networking, and e-commerce experience, and worked as the lead developer for York Publishing prior to working at Build.com. Sam obtained his education from California State University, Chico, and in his free time enjoys checking out the latest tech gadgets and spending time with his family. |
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Dan Davis, Vice President of TechnologyDan 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. |
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Nick Strachan, ControllerNick 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. |
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Ryan Brewer, Vice President of International OperationsRyan 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. |
