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Lori Harbeck | Founder & Owner
Lori Harbeck | Founder & Owner
With a career in recruitment spanning over 35 years, Lori Harbeck is a recognized expert in the life sciences commercial landscape. After beginning her career in Chicago in 1990, she founded Harbeck Associates in 1993 with a singular mission: to help emerging Pharmaceutical, Biotech, and Diagnostic startups scale with elite talent.
Lori has spent over three decades deeply embedded in the start-up world, surviving and thriving through every evolution of the industry. Her deep-rooted network and reputation for precision are why the industry’s most disruptive companies trust her to build their commercial foundations.
Contact Lori:
309-532-2456
harbecklori@gmail.com
Bill Baracani | Senior Partner
Bill Baracani | Senior Partner
Bill joined Harbeck Associates in 1999, bringing a critical "insider’s perspective" to the firm. Before transitioning to executive search, Bill was on the front lines as an Account Executive for industry leaders Roche Laboratories and Stryker Endoscopy.
Because Bill has carried the bag and navigated the complex selling environments of Pharma and Med-Device firsthand, he possesses a rare ability to vet candidates beyond their resumes. He understands the nuances of the "Buy & Bill" model and the grit required to launch a new therapy in a competitive market.
Contact Bill:
239-285-5196
hireharbeck@gmail.com
Our Mission:
Our Mission:
At Harbeck Associates, our mission is to empower life science innovators by building the elite commercial teams required to bring life-changing therapies to market.
We specialize in the high-stakes environment of Pharma, Biotech, Diagnostic, and Medical Device startups—where the first 50 hires define the future of the company. By combining over 60 years of deep-industry recruitment expertise with a scalable, niche-focused network, we bridge the gap between breakthrough science and commercial success. We don’t just fill seats; we secure the leadership and field talent that navigate complex clinical environments, from the OR to the ultra-rare disease landscape.
Strategic Partnerships & Scalable Success
Strategic Partnerships & Scalable Success
While Harbeck Associates is a boutique Executive Search firm, our reach is National. We leverage a proprietary network of specialized Recruiting Partners that allows us to scale instantly to meet any commercialization challenge.
Proven Launch Execution: Pharming Group N.V.
Proven Launch Execution: Pharming Group N.V.
In 2022, Harbeck Associates was selected to build the initial commercial footprint for Pharming’s first-in-class launch of Joenja (the first treatment for APDS). This was a highly specialized, ultra-rare disease build-out requiring a precise candidate profile.
The Build: Recruited and placed 3 Regional Business Directors (RBDs) followed by a national team of 26 Account Executives.
The Complexity: Candidates required a "quad-threat" background: Hospital/IDN selling, Buy & Bill mastery, and deep experience in Oncology, Hematology, or Immunology.
The Timeline: Successfully onboarded the leadership team by May 1st, with the full national sales force in place and starting by August.
The Result: A fully operational, high-science sales force capable of navigating the complex ultra-rare landscape from day one.
Why Startups Partner With Us
Why Startups Partner With Us
With over 60 years of combined experience, we don't just "find candidates." We provide commercial intelligence.
Deep Niche Expertise: Specialists in Oncology, Rare Disease, and Hospital/IDN settings.
Complex Sales Models: Experts in identifying talent for Buy & Bill and high-science clinical environments.
Owner-Led Execution: You work directly with Lori and Bill. Your brand is never handed off to a junior recruiter.
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