About Us

A BIG IDEA MEETS A MORE COMFORTABLE REALITY

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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 ā€œHVLS Fan Companyā€ 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 Airā„¢ 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 & Customer Experience

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

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

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.

Brandy Moore

Brandy Moore

Vice President and General Manager, Industrial Business

Brandy Moore, Vice President and General Manager of Industrial Business at Big Ass Fans, is a powerhouse when it comes to creating solutions for industrial and commercial customers, ensuring they meet needs while delivering real value. As the former General Manager of Alfa Laval’s air business, she diversified the business into new markets, tripled sales, and seamlessly integrated multiple acquisitions internationally, crafting a comprehensive product portfolio and go-to-market strategy. Her background spans private equity-owned companies and Fortune Global 500 firms, where she honed her expertise in leadership, business transformation, and sales excellence. A proud Texas A&M alumna with a degree in industrial distribution, Brandy is also passionate about giving back through mentorship and volunteering with various organizations.

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.