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Factory Investment Team

Managing Partner & CEO

David West

Dave has been investing and operating in the food and beverage sector for more than 15 years. Prior to Factory, he held senior private equity roles at Traub Capital and Brynwood Partners, where he was primarily involved with each firms’ food and beverage investments and served in various senior operating functions. He previously led an investor group to acquire LesserEvil Snack Company, where he subsequently executed a turnaround and successful exit as the company’s President. Dave began his career at BlackRock. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Managing Partner

Nick Dicarlo

Nick is an accomplished investor, board director, and operating executive with over 30 years of experience in middle market privately held companies. Prior to joining Factory, he was an Operating Partner at Starboard Capital and a longtime Managing Director at Brynwood Partners -- a leading private equity firm focused on consumer products. At those firms he was engaged in every aspect of the investment process and provided active, hands-on oversight of portfolio companies to accelerate growth. Before entering private equity, he was in the media industry, holding senior roles at McGraw-Hill, United Business Media, and Village Voice Media. Nick earned a B.S. in Finance and an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut.
Partner

Keith Caldwell

Prior to joining Factory, Keith worked for eight years with Fortress Investment Group, where he was a portfolio manager responsible for the day-to-day operations of a real estate portfolio in the U.S. and Europe. In his time with the firm, he was responsible for the management of over $3B in invested capital and over $8B in total asset value. Keith earned his MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management and holds a BS in chemistry from UCSD.
Vice President, Investments

Michael Perlmutter

Michael has over seven years’ experience in Corporate and Investment Banking. Prior to Factory, Michael worked at Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Deloitte Corporate Finance and Israel Discount Bank, where he completed both middle market and large cap M&A and capital markets transactions in the Consumer & Retail and Industrials sectors. He also served in the Golani brigade of the Israeli Defense Forces from 2010 – 2012. Michael holds a BBA from The George Washington University, where he was a 4-year letter winner on the Men’s Division 1 golf team, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Factory Innovation Team

Leadership Team

President - Factory Innovation

Erin Lifeso

Erin leads the Factory Innovation team based out of Bethlehem, PA to support both our own investment brands as well as our external brand partners. She thrives on working collaboratively and efficiently to drive results while developing an accountable yet fun working environment for her team. She has worked on better-for-you CPG brands across both large and small companies for almost 20 years after getting her start with tech start-ups and entrepreneurial businesses. Erin holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
VP of Product Development

Linsey Herman

Linsey is a Certified Research Chef (CRC®) with 12 years’ experience working in innovation and new product development for food companies, with a focus on the natural, organic, and free-from spaces. Specializing in idea-to-shelf product development, with expertise in nutrition and formulation, she has helped bring over 300 new products to market in retail and foodservice. A chef by training, she puts a culinary spin on nutritional formulation. Linsey is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute, earned her B.A. from Harvard, and holds an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Linsey is also the host of The Ingredient Panel podcast, where a food scientist, a chef, and a food product developer discuss what's in your food, why it's in your food, and why that matters.
Brand Strategy Advisor

Tim Pollak

Tim has four decades of CPG marketing and brand-building experience, was vice chairman at two of the world’s largest global ad agencies, Y&R and Dentsu, and co-founded a data analytics company. He has served on the boards of eight manufacturing, marketing, and education companies, including American Italian Pasta, Meow Mix and Freshpet, spent 5 years as a CEO, and has done business in over 50 countries. He earned his BA at Dartmouth and MBA at Columbia University.

Shopper & Digital Marketing

Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Logistics

Director of Shopper Marketing

Ben O'Brien

Ben has over seven years of experience in shopper marketing. He has worked with a variety of CPG companies including Nestlé Waters North America, Heineken, Unilever, and Mars Wrigley. Prior to joining Factory, Ben led the grocery channel shopper marketing team at TWINOAKS, a shopper influence agency, for its client Beiersdorf, a company whose brands include NIVEA, Aquaphor, and Eucerin. Ben earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Susquehanna University.
Ecommerce Manager

Shannon Linsenbigler

Shannon currently leverages her extensive experience in eCommerce, online merchandising, and website management to help Factory’s investment brands and external brand partners to develop and refine their eCommerce strategies across their Director to Consumer sites as well as Amazon. She excels at collaborating effectively to drive results and build momentum in the eCommerce space. With her 15 years of experience in the ecommerce industry, she uses this to help navigate the ever-changing landscape of the digital space.
Director of Supply Chain & Logistics

Mike Chordas

Mike brings over 35 years of expertise in logistics, distribution, inventory control, and supply chain management across the electronics, apparel, pharmaceutical, and food industries. He excels in fostering strong vendor relationships and implementing innovative solutions to enhance overall efficiency. Prior to joining Factory, he served as a senior operations manager for a leading third-party logistics company, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations for Godiva Chocolatier and other prominent brands. At Factory, Mike leverages business analytics to assist our partners in establishing operational procedures, streamlining processes, and delivering substantial cost savings to their bottom line. His analytical acumen allows him to identify inefficiencies and develop data-driven strategies that drive operational excellence. Mike has successfully advised numerous clients on optimizing their supply chain operations. His comprehensive approach ensures that partners achieve measurable improvements and sustainable growth.

Graphic & Packaging Design

Creative Studio

Art Director

John Stetz

John brings over 20 years of graphic design expertise, with experience on both the agency and client sides. His multidisciplinary skills encompass digital and traditional media, including print and packaging design, digital solutions, brand identities, and integrated campaigns. John has led art departments in the food & beverage, supplement, and pet sectors, guiding the design process from concept to prototype to create functional and on-brand packaging. A Lafayette College graduate with B.S./B.A. degrees in Economics & Business, Civil Engineering, and Visual Communications, John is a design-focused problem solver committed to excellence.
Senior Graphic Designer

Jane Young

Jane is a Senior Graphic Designer who primarily works with Stuffed Puffs. She helps Factory brand partners with print, packaging design, branding, and digital media. Jane earned a B.A. in Design with a concentration in Graphic Design from Lehigh University.
Creative Lead

Eric Deutsch

Eric has 15 years’ experience in all aspects of visual branding, including illustration, design, advertising, social media, and, especially, photography. His passion is visual storytelling, with a focus on creating visual content around locally sourced food and beverages.
Photographer

Nicole Horsefield

Nicole worked in product photography for several years, first at Saks Fifth Avenue and then at Cigars International, before joining Factory. She’s a versatile photographer who can bring brands to life for ecommerce and social media. Nicole earned a B.A. in fine arts with a concentration in photography from Kutztown University as well as a Master of Science in Marketing. Her personal work ranges from photojournalism to abstract art.
Graphic Designer

Trey Adams

Trey is a graphic designer who primarily collaborates with the Roar Organic team and has also been a key role in Factory's work with past brand partners, Juvee and BlueTriton. He has supported these brands across various aspects of print media, including branding, packaging design, and marketing kits, as well as digital media such as email and SMS design, Amazon storefronts, and website assets. Trey earned his B.F.A. with honors in graphic and interactive design from Moravian College, where he is currently also an adjunct professor. Before joining Factory, Trey worked in destination marketing for Discover Lehigh Valley.
Content Creator - Video & Animation

Amanda Brady

As a video content creator and animator, Amanda makes high-quality videos and animations that capture a brand's voice and message while also remaining on trend and fun. She focus’ on creating engaging and compelling content tailored for specific purposes.

Finance & Accounting

Administration

Head of Finance

Marla Hyndman

As the Head of Finance, Marla is responsible for overseeing all the financial operations for Factory as well as for our partner brands. Her responsibilities include managing the audit and tax filings, accounting systems management, internal monthly reporting, and working capital management. Marla is a CPA and financial executive with over 35 years of experience in financial accounting and reporting, budgeting and planning, and treasury. She has been with Factory for over 5 years and prior to this she was Senior Vice President and Controller for the US Division of the Hain Celestial Group where her responsibilities included integrating the back-office functions of acquired businesses. Marla is a strong leader and problem solver with deep operational, financial, and managerial experience the food industry. She holds a B.A in accounting from Binghamton University.
Controller

Andrea Thompson

Andréa is a CPA and financial professional with over 15 years of experience in general accounting, budgeting, treasury, financial planning, and banking. Prior to joining Factory in 2018, she worked for a global medical device organization where her specialties included benefit plans and asset accounting. Andréa holds an MBA from DeSales University. In her free time, she enjoys walking and being her kids’ biggest fan at sporting events.
Head of Human Resources

Jessica Postal

Jessica supports the brands by implementing standardized HR practices and policies across the portfolio, ensuring consistency and alignment with the overall core culture. With a strong emphasis on talent and workforce management, benefits/total rewards administration, and legal compliance, she collaborates closely with leadership to drive strategic HR initiatives which enhance company and team member growth.
Head of Information Technology

Elias Maalouf

Elias is a seasoned IT manager and network administrator with a proven track record in delivering comprehensive technical support and solutions. With expertise spanning over two dozen hardware and software platforms, he ensures optimal performance and reliability for the Factory team and our brand partners. Elias excels in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust IT infrastructures that support business growth and operational efficiency. His skills include network architecture, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and system integration, enabling him to meet the diverse needs of emerging brands and companies. By leveraging his strategic planning abilities, Elias helps new businesses scale their technology capabilities, ensuring seamless integration and functionality across all systems. His proactive approach to IT management includes anticipating potential issues, streamlining processes, and enhancing overall productivity.
Accounting Manager

Asad Khan

Asad has over 20 years of professional accounting and finance experience in the manufacturing sector, including CPG. His areas of expertise include general accounting, month- and year-end closings, inventory reconciliation, cash flow, budgeting, and tax reporting. Asad is also has Integrating EDI platform working experience & deduction/chargeback management into the other responsibilities currently. Asad holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a major in accounting from the University of Mumbai, India.
Director of Building Operations

Kristi Wright

Kristi is a seasoned operations professional with over 25 years of experience in the field. For 20 years, she had the role of Facilities and Space Planning Manager at Rodale Inc., where she served as Property Manager, fostered employe and vendor relations, managed corporate space planning, and provided overall operational support. Kristi joined Factory in 2018 as the Director of Building Operations. In this role, she oversees building security, coordinates all preventative maintenance programs and repairs, and manages overall building upkeep. She also serves as the primary liaison with all building vendors and visitors. Her responsibilities also include organizing all events held at the Factory building, updating all digital content displays around the building, and serving as Office Manager to the Factory staff. In addition to overseeing the needs of the building and it’s occupants, Kristi also maintains inventory and handles all the shipping of marketing materials and swag for our partner companies, as well as assisting with their consumer relations.