CalFinder Management Team
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Jason Polka
Jason founded CalFinder in 2005 in El Sobrante, California, and manages general strategic operations and business development to drive growth in the company’s product offerings. Jason established CalFinder to improve and simplify the home improvement process. He has led numerous initiatives to identify and execute new service and differentiated product opportunities within the contractor referral market. Prior to founding CalFinder, Jason was COO of Varsity Painting, a company known for its top internships in California. Jason managed their $10-million painting business and led the process to recruit painters and educate college students about how to run a business.
Gabe Luna-Ostaseski
Gabe, who helped to launch CalFinder, directs global sales and operations. In addition to overseeing CalFinder’s sales team and managing growth of the company’s contractor base, he is responsible for new member acquisition, enrollment services and account management. Prior to joining CalFinder, Gabe was the general manager and sales manager for Varsity Painting, one of the largest construction companies in California, and was responsible for hiring and training a staff of 20 sales people and 50 production employees. Gabe oversaw sales operations, production and customer service for the company’s largest division. After recognition as the top sales person for Varsity Painting at age 20, Gabe was promoted within two years and given responsibility for training the growing sales staff.
Chris Pallatroni
Chris was a founding member of CalFinder and assumed responsibility for regional sales in 2006. Using his significant management experience and outstanding decision-making skills, Chris is an effective overseer for operations that include recruiting, interviewing and supervising CalFinder’s door-to-door marketers. He spearheaded CalFinder’s newsletter to homeowners and developed a strategic sales plan to grow contractor network. Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Finance.
Dean Dowd
Dean joined CalFinder in April 2007 to provide pivotal technical direction for CalFinder’s continued advancements in the contractor referral market. He has responsibility for search engine optimization, content integration and management, data integration, development of an exclusive customer relationship management system, market research, strategic trend analysis, design and implementation of a template system, and web administration. Before joining CalFinder, Dean was Director of CMTM, a San Diego-based marketing company serving law firms and plastic surgery practices. As part of the founding team, he developed and implemented the company’s strategy to deliver qualified leads for all products. Dean has been the architect of hundreds of web sites, many of which have been ranked in the top three search engine results in highly competitive verticals.
Colin Gruen
Colin, a founding member of CalFinder, assumed responsibility in November 2005 for maintaining a high level of communication and development in contractor relations. He has helped build infrastructure to manage the company’s relationships with 200 certified professionals and is responsible during the initial weeks with each contractor for developing an individualized system for ongoing communications and an appropriate sales approach for matching homeowners with the contractor. As a mountain-bike guide in Moab, Utah, prior to joining CalFinder, Colin led multi-day trips during which he was responsible for food, shelter and the general welfare of the group, duties which were familiar from his previous work with adjudicated youth in a wilderness therapy program.
Kent Insley
Kent joined CalFinder in March 2006 to manage customer support. He is responsible for driving key components of support, such as handling incoming calls to pair homeowners with appropriate contractors, and providing thorough follow-up not only to ensure homeowners’ top satisfaction, but also to provide feedback for CalFinder’s contractor relations. Prior to joining CalFinder, Kent worked at Marin-based Boom & Bang Construction for six years while also attending classes to earn an A.A. degree in University Studies. Kent has facilitated wide-ranging projects all over the Bay Area, such as bath remodels, kitchen remodels, additions and decks. Kent was a part of Sausalito-based Sushi Ran’s remodel and the remodel of KOO Japanese restaurant in San Francisco.
Renee Macalino Rutledge
Renee Macalino Rutledge joined CalFinder in October 2007 as the newest Content Editor/Writer. Her articles, syndicated pieces, blog entries, and interviews related to remodeling and design have helped to define the CalFinder voice. As a managing editor, Renee develops story ideas, stays abreast of industry trends, oversees the editorial calendar, and assigns article topics to a dedicated team of freelancers and content writers. Prior to writing for CalFinder, Renee published articles for both local and national publications. She’s been nominated for a 2005 New California Media Award and a 2006 New American Media Award. She has a B.A. in English from U.C. Berkeley and an M.F.A. in English and Creative Writing from Mills College. Renee is currently working on her first novel.