Behnke Holdings
Est. Behnke Holdings · Private Portfolio

Building Generational
Value.

Everyone is welcome to apply

Behnke Holdings serves as the strategic architect behind a diverse portfolio of industry-leading subsidiaries — from publishing to private credit, we foster excellence through disciplined capital allocation.

05
Active Divisions
07
Board Directors
Long
Term Horizon
Casting Week 1 of 5 · In Progress
Narrator Casting

Audiobook narrator casting closes in…

All narrator applications lock permanently on July 11, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET. After that, the portal will not accept new narrator submissions.

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Thank you to everyone who has applied for the Before 21 narrator roles. Our hiring team is actively reviewing submissions. New submissions are still being accepted for the Lead, Featured, and Guest Voice Narrator positions.

Board of Directors

At Books by Behnke and Behnke Holdings, our Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, leadership guidance, and long-term vision as we continue to grow across publishing, media, and business ventures.

Joseph McDermitt (Behnke)

Founder, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President

Joseph serves as Board Chair and leads the company's overall vision, strategy, and long-term growth. As the author of the Before 18 series, Joseph has built a brand centered on raw storytelling, resilience, and real-life experiences. His leadership continues to drive innovation across publishing, media, and business development, positioning the company for continued expansion. Through his work, Joseph remains committed to building a platform that connects with audiences, challenges perspectives, and brings meaningful stories to life.

Phone704-626-4925 Ext. 8953

Sarah Blackwell

COO / Chief Operating Officer | Vice President | Board Co-Chair

Sarah Blackwell currently serves as Vice President and Board Co-Chair of Behnke Holdings. Sarah previously held the role until December 2025, when she stepped away from the position. With her return to leadership, she brings prior experience, continuity, and a strong understanding of the company's long-term vision and strategic direction. Her leadership continues to play an important role in the growth, structure, and future development of Behnke Holdings and its expanding portfolio of brands.

Phone704-626-4925 Ext. 8954

Isaiah Allen

Chief Creative Officer (CCO) | Board Member

Isaiah currently serves as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Behnke Holdings, leading the company's creative direction, brand development, media presentation, and overall visual identity across its platforms and operations. He plays a key role in shaping the company's public image, audience engagement, and long-term creative vision. Previously, Isaiah served as Chief Financial Officer from January 2024 through March 20, 2025, supporting the company's financial planning, operational growth, and organizational development during a major period of expansion.

Phone704-626-4925 Ext. 8955

Malika Johnson

CFO (Chief Financial Officer) | Board Member

Malika Johnson serves as Chief Financial Officer of Behnke Holdings, leading financial planning, reporting, and day-to-day finance operations across the portfolio. She works closely with the Chair and senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and the financial groundwork for the company's expanding divisions.

Phone704-626-4925 Ext. 8960

Amy Behnke

Board Member | Director of Talent Acquisition

Amy Behnke currently serves as a Board Member for Behnke Holdings after previously serving as Vice President within the organization. As a continuing member of the board, Amy plays an active role in helping expand the company's vision, strengthen its growing brands, and support long-term development across the organization. As Director of Talent Acquisition, she leads recruitment strategy and helps identify talent to support the company's continued growth. As part of a family-founded business, Amy brings leadership, support, and dedication to the company's continued growth. Her involvement reflects the strong family foundation behind Behnke Holdings and its future direction.

My mother is truly amazing, and I am grateful to have her continue helping guide and support this company as we continue bringing our vision to life together. — Joseph

Phone704-626-4925 Ext. 8956

Jordan Curaçao

Board Member | Strategic Advisor, Human Resources

Jordan serves on the Board of Directors of Books by Behnke and Behnke Holdings, providing strategic guidance in human resources, organizational structure, and team development.

Phone704-626-4925 Ext. 8958

Mario Valente

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | Board Member

Mario was appointed on July 8, 2026, as the company's next Chief Technology Officer. He currently serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors of Books by Behnke and Behnke Holdings, overseeing operational strategy and supporting the company's overall efficiency and growth. He works closely with leadership to ensure systems, processes, and daily operations align with the organization's long-term goals.

Phone704-626-4925 Ext. 8959

Governance & Leadership Continuity

Our Board of Directors is committed to maintaining strong governance, structured leadership transitions, and long-term organizational stability. Leadership changes are managed through a strategic and reviewed process to ensure continued growth and operational excellence.