Our Team.

Tom Johnson: Founder, President, CEO & CTO.

As Founder, President and CEO of Certiantique, Tom is responsible for the overall management, interface and design. His career in technology spans over 33 years, starting with a position at IBM in their high-end computer graphics division in Kingston, NY. Three years later, he served as the Technical Liaison at IBM Japan in Tokyo where he dramatically streamlined the customer service procedure and problem solving process, shortening the timeline from 18 months to only a few weeks. During his six years in Japan, Tom worked closely, on-site, with clients such as Nissan, Sony, Toyota, and Honda followed by work in Germany, London, and Detroit on the Ford account for IBM.

The impetus for establishing a website catering to the antiques and collectibles world grew out of Tom’s love of 1950s California Pottery, many pieces of which were acquired via the web. Combining his passion for antiques and collectibles with his high-tech background, Tom created Ruby Lane in 1998 and named the site in honor of his mother, Ruby.

Tom graduated with top honors from the University of Minnesota, with a B.S. in Computer Science, with a Minor degree in Mathematics and Music. When he is not busy collecting 50's pottery and art, he splits his time between New York City and Naples, Florida.

Gisele Barrau-Freeman: Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

Gisele joined the team as Chief Marketing Officer and is responsible for overseeing marketing and sales initiatives while developing new strategies and revenue streams.
Hired by 1stdibs 8 years ago to help build it into the luxury website and brand it is today, she served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Director of Advertising and Director of Estates who consistently brought in a significant percentage of total revenue. In parallel, she also worked from the start on the build-up of another successful platform for manufactured home designs (Design Center Search) that became Architectural Digest’s online product search (ShopAD). Having previously managed several European manufacturers’ subsidiaries, Gisele has a unique perspective and deep knowledge of all aspects of the design industry.
Gisele has a PhD from Princeton University and is an avid collector of decorative ashtrays ranging from Ruinart to Daum and old leather-bound editions of French and English classics.
He collects vintage Louis Vuitton, Mid-Century Modern furniture and has a deep passion for Art Deco furniture and decor.

Palmer Pekarek-Greer: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Palmer is responsible for Ruby Lane's day-today operations, trademark compliance, Human Resources, legal team oversight, domestic and international sales tax compliance, and digital strategy. He is recognized for his talents in synergizing communications and marketing strategies in the management of corporate brands. Additionally, his media expertise and online communications ability have been integral in the successful branding and rebranding of several non-profit organizations and for-profit companies over the past two decades. Palmer has a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations, a B.S. in Business/Marketing, a M.S. in Communications Management, all from Colorado State University, an M.P.A. in State and Local Government from the University of Colorado. He collects vintage Louis Vuitton, Mid-Century Modern furniture and has a deep passion for Art Deco furniture and decor.

Gallery

Contact.

Do you want us to style your home? Fill out the form and fill me in with the details :) We love meeting new people!