Executive Partner & CEO: Scaling a Proprietary D2C Furniture Brand

I am the founder of Foundry 39, a design-first furniture brand with a 30-year legacy of master-level innovation. We are at a pivotal moment: we have a proven product library, a massive underserved market, and a production model built for infinite scale. I am seeking a growth-oriented CEO/Partner to join me as an investor-operator to lead our Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) expansion. My goal is to return to my role as Chief Design Officer, focusing on R&D and product innovation, while you architect the business for a high-multiple strategic exit within 5–7 years. The Competitive Moat The "Clean" Standard: We solve a major consumer pain point—chemical off-gassing in home environments. Our proprietary Foundry-Guard non-toxic finish is a defining differentiator for the surging "Wellness-Home" demographic. Asset-Light Manufacturing: I have successfully decoupled the brand from traditional manufacturing bottlenecks. We utilize an established, high-capacity distributed production network in Northern Indiana. This allows for massive volume increases with zero additional fixed overhead or W-2 labor risk. Strategic R&D Hub: I maintain a professional design shop that serves as the network's innovation center. The facility is future-proofed with 460V industrial service, specifically wired to integrate high-volume industrial automation as we scale. The Targeted Market The demand for non-toxic, solid-wood furniture is currently at a tipping point. While the traditional furniture industry relies on composite materials and formaldehyde, our brand captures the high-intent audience looking for quality, USA-made furniture that is healthier for their family and home. This market segment is currently underserved, offering a low Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) for a leader who understands digital brand storytelling. The Ideal Partner & Autonomy I am a "right-brained" creator, and I recognize that my highest and best use is in R&D and serving as the brand's primary Ambassador. I am seeking a "left-brained" leader who wants full operational autonomy. In this partnership, you will have the mandate to lead: Financial Autonomy: The CEO has the authority to manage the budget, negotiate with vendors, and decide how to allocate capital for growth. Operational Autonomy: The CEO manages the distributed production network. They decide which shops get which orders, how quality control is tracked, and how the logistics of shipping D2C are handled. Strategic Autonomy: The CEO builds the 5-7 year roadmap. They decide when the company is ready for the next level of investment and who the potential "strategic buyers" might be for the eventual exit. The Dynamic I am looking for a partner to take the helm and "make it happen" without interference. While I will remain the guardian of the brand's design language and proprietary IP, the CEO will have the mandate to architect the operations, marketing, and financial roadmap for our 5-7 year exit. The Role: Lead operations, digital growth, and financial engineering. Investment: This is a buy-in opportunity for an executive looking for significant equity, a high degree of agency, and a clear path to a strategic exit.