Lead with Impact. Build Strategy That Moves the HVAC Industry.
You’ve built brands, led teams, and carried the weight of revenue targets. Now, you’re seeking something more than a title—you’re looking for purpose, autonomy, and the chance to do your best work with people who value depth over flash.
At Nerd Herd, we aren’t building a consulting bench—we’re curating a leadership table for seasoned HVAC marketing professionals who still have big ideas, high standards, and zero interest in going back to the grind.
This is a contract-to-hire role built for high-trust, high-impact marketing executives who want to consult with meaning and momentum—and potentially grow into a long-term leadership seat. It’s strategic work, with structure and support—but without the red tape or burnout culture.
Why This Role is Different
We work with mid-market HVAC manufacturers and rep firms who are serious about growth. These companies need more than a marketing plan—they need a true strategic partner who knows how HVAC businesses actually work.
Here’s what you’ll find at Nerd Herd:
- Hybrid Work, Real Flexibility
We operate on a hybrid schedule: two days per week in our Downtown Minneapolis office, the rest is remote. We also run a 4-day work week, with full-time benefits starting at just 35 hours.
- Lead Strategy. Own Outcomes.
You’ll take point on shaping brand direction, GTM strategies, and team development for clients that actually want your leadership. You’re not sitting on the sidelines—you’re steering the ship.
- Structured, Supported Consulting
We’ve built the frameworks, processes, and systems so you can focus on thinking big, driving change, and delivering results—not reinventing the wheel or chasing invoices.
- Fractional, Not Freelance
Our consultants typically work 10–30 hours/week across 6–12+ month engagements. It’s strategic depth with breathing room—not transactional chaos.
- Surrounded by Peers, Not Juniors
You’ll collaborate with other sharp, seasoned consultants who speak your language, challenge your thinking, and have your back.
What We’re Looking For
This isn’t your first rodeo. You’ve sat at the leadership table. You’ve built and led marketing orgs in the HVAC space. Now, you want a role where your expertise is respected, your impact is real, and your schedule is sustainable.
You’re a fit if you:
- Bring 15+ years in marketing, with at least 5+ years at the VP or CMO level
- Have direct HVAC industry experience—you understand rep models, product spec cycles, and the realities of marketing in a technical, trust-based industry
- Operate with a P&L mindset, aligning marketing with revenue, not just reach
- Thrive in fractional roles but are open to a long-term leadership fit with the right team
- Crave freedom and focus, not micromanagement or status reports
- Are energized by peer collaboration, smart systems, and clients who value strategic thinking
Our Core Values
What We Value at Nerd Herd
We’re serious about our values because they shape how we show up for our clients and each other.
Stay Curious
Ask the smart questions. Challenge norms. Keep learning.
Because better starts with why.
Own It & Elevate
Take full ownership. Sweat the details. Never settle for “good enough.”
Leadership means being the one who raises the bar.
Bold Focus
Connect every action to a clear goal.
Push through the noise. Deliver with purpose.
Go-Giver
Lead by sharing. Support your team. Make a difference.
The best leaders make others better, too.
Who Thrives Here
This role is ideal for someone who values more than a paycheck:
Health, Purpose & Sustainable Ambition
- You care deeply about the impact of your work—not just promotion or vanity metrics.
- You want to work at a sustainable pace with time to think, recharge, and deliver excellence without compromising your health or integrity.
- You’re still hungry for results, but you’re no longer willing to sacrifice everything to chase them.
Family-Centric with Work-Life Integration
- You may be in a life stage where family, caregiving, or personal time takes priority—and that’s not a liability here.
- You want a role that respects boundaries and doesn’t glorify being “always on.”
- You’ve done the travel grind and long hours—now, you’re intentional about who and what gets your energy.
Flexibility & Autonomy
- You want to structure your time around when you’re most effective—not just log hours.
- You believe in outcomes over optics and want to be trusted to lead.
- You want the freedom to focus on what lights you up—and the space to say no to what doesn’t.
