About Us

A BIG IDEA MEETS A MORE COMFORTABLE REALITY

 

Whether by stifling heat, numbing cold, or choking humidity, discomfort can strike anywhere. Its effects cripple workers’ morale and productivity and act as kryptonite for customers, so in 1999, a fledgling fan company set out to do something about it.

OUR OFFICES

Big Ass Fans brings industry-leading airflow and energy savings to customers worldwide. Learn more about our offices and leadership team here.

A BIGGER, BETTER WAY

It started with a big idea in engineering: that the combination of size and quality design could fundamentally change what ceiling fans could accomplish. That high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) airflow—an entirely new concept—was the key to making spaces more comfortable and efficient. Because the “HVLS Fan Company” thought big, it didn’t take long for people to notice the impact our products had on facilities or for them to rebrand the company the way they saw us: as upstart innovator Big Ass Fans.

AND COMFORT FOR ALL

Big Ass Fans started by creating safer, more productive work environments in industrial facilities. But we didn’t stop there. Proven by our products’ performance, what started as a big idea became a workplace revolution and is now best practice for designers, managers, and business owners across every imaginable industry and application. Go to work, hit the gym, or enjoy a night on the town and chances are you’ll see a Big Ass fan [overhead] keeping the peace smoothly and silently. From factories to homes and everywhere in between, Big Ass fans deliver comfort, style, and energy savings that make life and work more enjoyable.

United States Headquarters

2348 Innovation Drive
Lexington, KY 40511
877-BIG-FANS
Outside the U.S. (+1 859-233-1271)

Australia Headquarters

35 French St
Eagle Farm, Brisbane
QLD 4009
+61 1300 244 277

Singapore Headquarters

50 Ubi Crescent, #01-01, Ubi TechPark
Singapore 408568
+65 6709 8500

Canada Headquarters

2180 Winston Park Dr
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 5W1
Canada
1 (844) 9 BIG ASS (844-924-4277)

All Other Geographies

Call +1 859-233-1271

MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Leah Larson

Leah Larson

President and CEO

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

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

Laura Felthaus, Vice President of Marketing 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.

Brian Hilander

Brian Hilander

Vice President of Operations

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.

Jim Moan

Jim Moan

CTO and Vice President of Engineering

Jim Moan, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Engineering at Big Ass Fans, brings over 30 years of leadership in his field with a focus on driving innovation and product development. Since joining in 2023, Jim has led the company’s technological advancements, setting new standards for engineering excellence. Previously, he held senior roles at Cooper Lighting, where he directed global teams in system architecture and product engineering, developing connected systems that transformed their market segments. Jim holds a Master of Science in Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has been instrumental in advancing large-scale engineering projects throughout his career. His expertise continues to shape the future of Big Ass Fans, pushing boundaries in product innovation and engineering leadership.

Amelia Pope

Amelia Pope

Vice President and General Manager, International Business

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.

J.J. Rodgers

J.J. Rodgers

Vice President of Finance

J.J. Rodgers, Vice President of Finance at Big Ass Fans, brings over two decades of financial expertise and leadership across diverse industries. Since joining Big Ass Fans in 2023, J.J. has streamlined financial operations, driving efficiency and growth while overseeing key initiatives that align financial strategy with business objectives. With a strong background in finance, operations, and sales management from previous roles at Catalent Pharma Solutions, Emerson, and Hill-Rom, J.J. has consistently delivered results in fast-paced, high-growth environments. He holds an MBA from Xavier University and a BS in Accounting from the University of Kentucky, and his leadership continues to be defined by a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and team collaboration.

Jeff Tanner

Jeff Tanner

Vice President of IT

Jeff Tanner, Vice President of IT at Big Ass Fans, brings over 25 years of expertise in IT leadership, consistently driving innovation and strategic transformation. Prior to joining Big Ass Fans in 2024, Jeff served as VP and Chief Digital Officer at Meyer Natural Foods, where he led major technological overhauls in cloud operations, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, boosting efficiency and growth. His leadership is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. A graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, Jeff combines technical mastery with a passion for mentoring, reflected in his 26 years as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. Now, he’s elevating Big Ass Fans’ IT capabilities, pushing the company towards new heights in efficiency, security, and innovation.

Dan Nelson

Dan Nelson

General Manager, Services

Dan Nelson, General Manager of Services at Big Ass Fans, has been a dedicated company veteran for over 15 years. Known for his strong work ethic and unwavering character, Dan is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences by leading an in-house team of support experts and a nationwide network of certified installers. His hands-on approach ensures that every Big Ass Fans product performs at its best, bringing peace of mind to clients across the country. Under Dan’s leadership, the service division has seen an impressive 70% revenue growth in just four years, a testament to his hard work and passion for the role.

Charis Woodall

Charis Woodall

General Manager, Residential Business Unit

Charis Woodall, General Manager of the Residential Business Unit at Big Ass Fans, combines bold thinking with impeccable business acumen to lead the company’s residential and eCommerce segments. With nearly a decade at Big Ass Fans, Charis has been instrumental in shaping business strategy, sales, and product development. Known for her innovative mindset and quick-witted approach, she has reimagined the omnichannel residential business while building a team ready to elevate it to the next level.