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 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.
	Ryan Brewer, Vice President of Operations Ryan joined Build.com in February of 2003.When Ryan began his career with the company (then called Faucet Direct Inc.) we sold only faucets. He was responsible for expanding our product offering into kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Ryan is also responsible for our inside sales team as well as our front end merchandising and data entry teams. Ryan and his team have been instrumental in providing key insights into developing our best in class order management and merchandising system. He is also the executive sponsor for our Net Promoter program and is always excited to hear our customers feedback. When he’s not at the office Ryan cherishes the time he spends with this family and enjoys the many amazing things Northern California and the Chico area have to offer.
	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 is looking forward to learning to water ski.
	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. Brandon enjoys photography, hiking, climbing, camping and just exploring the outdoors in general.
	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.
	Sam Roach, Vice President of IT Sam joined Build.com in February of 2004. Prior to joining the Build.com team, Sam was the lead developer for York Publishing. Sam brings over 15 years of programming, networking, and e-commerce experience to the Build.com team. 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.
	Dan Davis, Vice President of Software Development 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.