Herb D. Vest, chairman and founder of HDVMS, created Metric Interactive in 2007 to respond to the unique opportunities of the Internet.

In 2005, he founded AdShuffle to address shortcomings in previous ad serving technology that he had experienced firsthand as the owner of one of the web’s most heavily trafficked sites. AdShuffle is the latest in a series of revolutionary businesses built by Vest.

In 2003 he founded and became CEO of TRUE.com – the leading scientifically based relationship service whose mission is to help singles find long-lasting, fulfilling relationships. Before that, Vest was founder and CEO) of H.D. Vest Financial Services. The company served an estimated 2 million individual and small business clients, offering a new, one-stop shopping approach on financial products and services through a national network of CPAs and tax professionals. It was traded on NASDAQ under the symbol of HDVS until its merger with Wells Fargo in 2001.

From 1973 to 1983, Vest was a public accountant, focusing on tax preparation and advice. He also taught courses in income taxation at the University of Texas at Arlington and at North Lake College.
Vest served as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer in Vietnam, during which he attained the rank of captain. While in the service, he completed the Combat Tracker Course at the British Jungle Warfare school in Malaysia and attained a Top Secret security clearance. For his valor and skill, he was awarded the Purple Heart, as well as a Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster.

A Mensa member, Vest holds seven academic degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, a Master of Science in Taxation, a Master of Science in Financial Services, a Master of Science In Management, a Juris Doctor, a Doctor of International Business Administration and a Master of Laws. He completed postgraduate work at Harvard Law School, Princeton University and Wharton School, among others. Additionally, he has served on the board of several large companies and organizations, including the Southern Methodist University School of Law Executive Board and the American Small Business Association, in addition to being a representative for the Office of U.S. Trade.

In 1999, Vest received Ernst & Young’s prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award. He was named to Accounting Today’s “100 Most Influential People in Accounting” from 1994-2000, and was also a finalist for Inc. Magazine’s “entrepreneur of the Year” award in 1992.

Ruben Buell, Chief Executive Officer, sets the direction for all HDVMS companies, including Metric Interactive, AdShuffle and TRUE.com.

Previously, Buell was director of brokerage technology at Wells Fargo. Throughout his career he has held several distinguished titles, including chief information officer and chief technology officer.

In 1993 he founded and was president of Rose Software, a time- and billing-software design shop for law and accounting offices.

In her role as Chief Strategy Officer, Patricia Bellows brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, and relationship and management skills to her role as CSO for all HDVMS companies, including Metric Interactive, AdShuffle and TRUE.com.

Previously, Bellows served in the office of the president of H.D. Vest Financial Services. While there, she managed a variety of functions, including strategic planning, compliance and marketing.

She holds numerous technology and financial certifications, and a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Ted Sinclair brings more than 18 years of experience in financial management and strategic planning for public and private companies to his role as chief financial officer for all HDVMS companies, including Metric Interactive, AdShuffle and TRUE.com.

Before joining HDVMS, Sinclair managed a public accounting firm that provided financial services and strategic planning to a wide range of industries. Prior to that, he was chief financial officer for H.D. Vest Financial Services, where he was responsible for the financial management, budgeting and financial, tax and management reporting. He previously served as controller at H.D. Vest Financial. He is a certified public accountant, certified management accountant, certified financial planner, certified cash manager and a certified fund specialist. He is a general securities principal, registered options principal, municipal securities principal and financial and operations principal.

As President, Leah Gentry oversees all daily operations at Metric and leads the company in developing strategies, processes and concepts for the digital marketplace.

Previously, Gentry served as Chief Creative/Content Officer for TRUE.com, one of the most heavily trafficked sites on the Internet. A pioneer in the field of nonlinear content on the Web, Gentry led development of digital products at the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and Excite. She has served as a senior fellow of the Media Center at the American Press Institute and as an instructor at the University of Southern California.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

As Creative Director, Paula Bakouris helps lead a team of designers, copywriters and webmasters to produce effective, compelling creative for a wide range of clients.

A 20-year veteran of the advertising industry, Bakouris has created award-winning, brand-building work for a variety of industries at t:m advertising (formerly Temerlin McClain Advertising) and other agencies. Her work has appeared in Print magazine, and she is the recipient of several Dallas ADDY awards.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English.

As Media Director, Diane Cardinal leads clients in development and execution of successful media strategies.

Cardinal has constructed and implemented marketing plans based in online media, search optimization, general strategy and email, among others. Her experience covers a wide range of industries including automotive, finance, education, technology and relationship sites.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in advertising from The University of Texas at Austin.