Vetted General Managers

Andrew Bender

Screened

Executive product leader specializing in EdTech and SaaS

Cambridge, MA20y exp

“Product leader with deep edtech and AI experience who helped scale instaGrok from a disappointing launch to 330,000 monthly users in one school year without paid acquisition. Has operated as the sole product decision-maker in a tiny startup, consulted through founder-strategy conflict, and brings a human-centered view of AI as a tool for exploration and learning rather than replacement.”

Sadie Novello

Screened

Executive Operations & Content Leader (COO/CCO) in Media and Technology

Los Angeles, CA21y exp

“Business builder and operator with 15+ years developing new businesses inside larger companies, including joining GIPHY 5 years post-founding and helping drive value pre-acquisition. As Head of GIPHY Studios, led a major org and business-model transformation—converting a non-revenue content team into a profitable, self-sustaining creative agency embedded within the company.”

Harold Lehon

Screened

Executive Business Strategy & Operations Leader in Medical Devices, Manufacturing, and Technology

North Hollywood, CA25y exp

“CEO/operator with strong private-equity-facing transformation experience who led post-acquisition integration and cross-functional execution to deliver $4M in annual savings. Built a KPI-driven strategic planning and operating cadence that helped scale CCW from $14M to $50M over 5 years, with external recognition including Inc 5000 (2023) and a 2023 Stevie Award for innovation.”

“Operations and GTM leader with HP experience managing acquisitions of industrial printing companies (e.g., Nur, Scitex, Colorspan) and driving expansion strategy across EMEA. Strong in route-to-market/channel design, post-merger role clarity (RACI), and using Salesforce for KPI-driven performance management; also brings ICF-style coaching for mentoring leadership teams.”

“Organizational effectiveness and transformation leader who has driven everything from $75M turnarounds to building operating blueprints for smaller businesses. Blends culture/leadership change with rigorous operational design (process mapping, decision rights) and measurable outcomes (free cash flow), and also serves as an executive coach using tools like 360 feedback and DiSC. Has advised CEOs on major negotiation strategy, including a collective agreement impacting ~10,000 employees.”

Chris Deringer

Screened

Executive Marketing & Growth Leader specializing in SaaS and automotive digital marketing

Derwood, MD24y exp

“Growth-stage operator/CMO who helped scale DealerOn from 12 people and $1M to 800 people and $125M, building SEO/digital ads products, client success operations, and multi-source performance dashboards. Led a thought-leadership marketing engine with Google/Facebook partnerships and implemented Salesforce-based acquisition campaigns; experience optimizing onboarding and retention across different customer segments (auto dealers, law firms, home services).”

“Commercially driven founder/operator with hands-on fundraising experience across angels, family offices, SPVs, VC, and PE-backed brands. Helped MATE.bike raise a $10M Series A and supported K-Way's US market development, while currently building a startup with up to $3.9M in soft commitments.”

“HR/operations leader with experience since 2003 advising and working directly for owners across multiple organizations, including building scalable HR infrastructure during a major growth phase at Bosch. Known for using market data and benchmarking to drive compensation changes that improved employee quality, and for designing scalable compliance programs (e.g., I-9 remediation with ongoing training and annual reviews). Recently launched an independent consulting practice and leverages structured communication and AI meeting assistants to manage part-time advisory engagements.”

“Current COO who rebuilds and scales operational backbones end-to-end—data architecture, workflows, dashboards, and operating cadence—creating real-time visibility into pipeline, cycle times, and revenue forecasting. Known as a cross-functional integrator (hiring, GTM, finance, investors) who drives tough tradeoffs and turns ambiguity into durable operating systems.”

Antonio Richmond

Screened

Executive Operations Leader and Electrical Engineer specializing in industrial scale-up and automation

Los Gatos, CA16y exp

“Operations leader with heavy industrial and climate/industrial innovation exposure: led ops for a novel cement-disruption product involving site selection near CO2 emitters and feedstock/offtake sourcing to reach a proof-of-concept facility. Previously recommissioned an oil re-refinery within a year, owning cross-functional hiring plus compliance, budgeting, and community relations—delivering on time and on budget.”