Executive Search
Executive Search for Software and Technology Companies
We find the sales leaders, account executives, solutions engineers, customer success leaders and engineers who grow software companies. Based in Los Angeles. Hiring nationwide.
What We Do
How We Work
Howard Lee & Associates is an executive search firm for software and technology companies. We recruit for the roles that drive revenue and build product.
Most great candidates are not looking. They are busy doing good work somewhere else. We find them, talk with them directly, and bring you a short list of people who fit the role and your team.
We work with startups hiring their first sales leader and established companies scaling teams. Our focus is SaaS, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity and cloud.
About
Steve LePatner, Founder and CEO
Steve LePatner is the Founder and CEO of Howard Lee & Associates, an executive search firm founded in 2002. Steve has helped technology companies build their teams since 1997.
Steve and his firm partner with AI and software companies, from high-growth startups to enterprise organizations, to hire exceptional sales, GTM, customer success and engineering talent.
Over more than 25 years he has placed sales, pre-sales, channel and alliance professionals at every level, from individual contributors to vice presidents. Steve is a seller at heart, and that is why he knows top sales talent when he sees it.
Specializations
Roles We Fill
Sales Leadership
VPs of Sales, CROs, regional directors and first sales hires. We look for leaders who have built teams, hit plans and know your market.
Sales leadership recruitingAccount Executives
Mid-market, enterprise and strategic AEs who can carry a number. We check track records, deal size and sales motion before you meet anyone.
Account executive recruitingPre-Sales and Solutions Engineering
Solutions engineers, sales engineers and pre-sales leaders. People who can run a strong demo and earn the trust of a technical buyer.
Solutions engineering recruitingCustomer Success
Customer success managers, directors and VPs who keep customers, drive renewals and grow accounts.
Customer success recruitingSoftware Engineering
Engineers and engineering leaders across backend, frontend, cloud, data and AI/ML. We screen for skills and for fit with how your team works.
Software engineering recruitingOur Process
How a Search Works
Discovery call
We learn the role, the team, the targets and what success looks like in the first year.
Search plan
We agree on the profile, target companies, pay range and timeline.
Outreach
We reach out directly to qualified people, including those not on the job market.
Screening
We interview each candidate and check experience against your must haves.
Short list
You get a focused slate with notes on each person.
Interviews and offer
We coordinate interviews, gather feedback and help close the offer.
Follow up
We stay in touch with you and your new hire after the start date.
Why Us
Why Howard Lee & Associates
Tech only
We recruit for software and technology companies. That is all we do.
Direct attention
You work with Steve LePatner, our founder, on your search, not a rotating team.
Revenue and product roles
We know what good looks like in sales, pre-sales, customer success and engineering.
Discreet
We run confidential searches when you need to replace someone quietly or keep a new initiative private.
Clear updates
You always know where your search stands.
FAQ
Common Questions
What roles do you recruit for?
We recruit sales leaders, account executives, pre-sales and solutions engineers, customer success leaders and software engineers for software and technology companies.
Which industries do you focus on?
Software and technology, including SaaS, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity and cloud.
Do you only work in Southern California?
No. We are based in Los Angeles and serve clients across Southern California and the United States, including remote roles.
Can you recruit for remote roles?
Yes. We recruit for remote, hybrid and in office roles across the United States.
How long does a search take?
It depends on the role and the market. Many searches produce a first slate of candidates within a few weeks.
Do you work with early stage companies?
Yes. We work with startups making their first key hire and with larger companies scaling their teams.
Contact
Start a Search
Tell us about the role. We will follow up within one business day.