Meet the Leadership Team
Leah Larson
Leah Larson, CEO of Big Ass Fans and President of the Air Movement & Heat group at Madison Air, is a visionary leader known for transforming brands and driving strategic growth. With expertise in brand evolution, product innovation, and front-line engagement, Leah is guiding Big Ass Fans to new levels of customer experience and growth. Previously, she served as CMO for Madison Air where she repositioned the company as a leader in Return on Air™ across industrial, commercial and residential industries. She also spent over a decade at Ecolab, leading global growth initiatives and enhancing the company’s brand. Passionate about community involvement, Leah serves on the board of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson Global Institute and volunteers with multiple organizations. She holds a BBA from St. Norbert College and an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
Sam Couch
Sam Couch, Vice President of Human Resources at Big Ass Fans, brings over two decades of experience in recruitment and HR leadership to her role. Since joining the company in 2015, Sam has steadily risen through the ranks, from Human Resources Manager to Senior Director, and now, she leads global HR strategy as VP. Known for her dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace, Sam plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s culture and employee experience. With prior leadership roles at Webasto, Kelly Services, and Ajilon Finance Solutions, she has honed her expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR operations. Sam holds a degree from the University of Maryland and remains dedicated to driving employee growth and well-being at Big Ass Fans.
Laura Felthaus
Laura Felthaus, Vice President of Marketing & Customer Experience at Big Ass Fans, is an intuitive, strategic leader passionate about driving brand growth and building high-performing teams. Renowned for her ability to elevate brand visibility and amplify customer engagement on a global scale, Laura meets challenges with bold creativity and unites teams around a shared mission of excellence. Her career includes leadership roles at Peepers, Tonal, and Nike, where she spearheaded transformative campaigns, including the record-breaking 2019 Women’s World Cup jersey initiative. Equipped with innovative problem-solving skills, a people-first leadership style, and consumer insights expertise, Laura specializes in integrated marketing campaigns and cross-functional collaboration. A former collegiate golfer and University of Kentucky alumna, she holds Lexington as a special place in her journey.
Nick Freihofer
Nick Freihofer, CFO of Big Ass Fans, is an analytical and forward-thinking professional equipped to lead and accelerate long-term financial growth. He came to Big Ass Fans from the Dehumidification and DOAS Group of Businesses within Madison Air where he implemented innovative solutions to create value for stakeholders. Prior to Madison Air, Nick spent 12 years at General Electric growing in a variety of leadership roles including CFO of Aerospace Aftermarket Solutions, Executive Director of Investor Relations, and CFO of Sourcing Operations. Nick received his bachelor’s degree from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a double major in accounting and finance and his MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
Brian Hilander
Brian Hilander champions bold thinking and visionary ideas in his pursuit of healthier environments worldwide. Since joining Big Ass Fans in 2022, he has fine-tuned global production, supply chain, and distribution, while also spearheading strategic partnerships and acquisitions to extend the company’s reach. Locally, Brian has restructured the support team, enhancing communication and recognition. With a background in world-class operations at Emerson Automation Solutions, The Outdoor Group, and Schneider Electric, Brian brings a wealth of experience and insight to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from Morehead State University and continues to push the boundaries of operational excellence.
Amelia Pope
Amelia Pope, Vice President and General Manager of International Business at Big Ass Fans, brings a powerful mix of entrepreneurial drive and ambition to lead the company’s global expansion. With her contagious energy and curiosity, Amelia focuses on growing Big Ass Fans’ presence in key markets such as Australia, Singapore, and Canada. She forges new distributor relationships and introduces innovative products that better serve customers. Before joining Big Ass Fans, Amelia made her mark at Brenntag, the world’s largest chemical distributor, where she successfully led its premier US facility. Armed with both a bachelor’s and master’s in business administration from Eastern Kentucky University, Amelia is well-equipped to guide Big Ass Fans to new heights globally, as she explores untapped markets and expands the brand’s international footprint.