About Howard Lee & Associates
Howard Lee & Associates is an executive search firm for software and technology companies, founded in 2002 by Steve LePatner, its Founder and CEO. The firm is based in Los Angeles and recruits sales leadership, account executives, pre-sales and solutions engineers, customer success and software engineering talent for clients across Southern California and the United States.
We recruit for the roles that grow a software business: sales leadership, account executives, pre-sales and solutions engineering, customer success, and software engineering. Our focus markets are SaaS, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity and cloud.
Meet 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.
When you work with Howard Lee & Associates, you work directly with Steve. He leads each search himself, from the first call to the accepted offer.
Why we focus on tech
Hiring in software is different. A great enterprise seller is not the same as a great SMB seller. A strong solutions engineer needs technical depth and sales skill. A customer success leader has to drive revenue, not just keep customers happy. A general recruiter often misses these details.
By focusing only on software and technology, we learn the roles, the companies and the people. That helps us ask better questions and bring you better candidates.
How we work
- •One point of contact. You talk with the person running your search.
- •Direct outreach. We reach people who are not on the job market. Most strong candidates are busy in their current jobs.
- •Careful screening. We interview every candidate before you see them, and we check claims about results.
- •Short lists. We send a focused slate, not a stack of resumes.
- •Honest advice. We tell you what the market looks like, including pay and how candidates see your role.
- •Discretion. We handle confidential searches with care, for clients and candidates alike.
Who we work with
We work with software and technology companies of many sizes. That includes early stage startups hiring a first sales leader, growth stage companies building out teams, and established companies filling senior roles.
See the full list of roles we recruit for across sales, pre-sales, customer success and engineering.
For candidates
We also talk with sales, pre-sales, customer success and engineering professionals who are thinking about their next move. We keep every conversation confidential. If a role fits, we will tell you about it. If it does not, we will tell you that too.
If you are ready to start a conversation, get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Howard Lee & Associates located?
We are based at 8321 Yucca Trail, Los Angeles, CA 90046. We serve clients across Southern California and the United States.
Who founded Howard Lee & Associates?
Steve LePatner founded the firm in 2002 and leads it as Founder and CEO. He has been recruiting for technology companies since 1997.
What kind of firm is Howard Lee & Associates?
We are an executive search firm focused on software and technology companies.
Do you work with candidates directly?
Yes. We speak with professionals in our focus areas and keep every conversation confidential.
How do I contact Steve?
Call 714-234-9045, email steve@howardlee1.com or use the contact form.
Ready to talk about your role?
Call 714-234-9045, email steve@howardlee1.com or book a 15 minute call.