May 18, 2023

Bill Oesterle, co-founder and former CEO of Angie’s List, passed away on May 10, 2023, at 57. He reportedly died due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Oesterle co-founded Angie’s List in 1995 with Angie Hicks, currently chief customer officer of Angi Homeservices Inc., a Denver-based service that connects consumers with personalized solutions, service pros and “fair and transparent pricing” for everything from house cleaning to major remodels. Angie’s List rebranded as Angi in 2021.

Oesterle became CEO of Angie’s in 1999 and during his tenure, the company evolved from a hyperlocal business to a nationwide service with millions of subscribers. In 2004, Oesterle took a leave of absence to lead Mitch Daniels’ successful gubernatorial campaign in Indiana, where Angie’s List was founded.

In 2015, Bill Oesterle resigned as CEO of Angie’s List, and in 2017, the company was acquired for about $500 million by IAC. Angie’s List was then merged with IAC’s HomeAdvisor service.

By Seth Ellison, original article published at NKBA.org here.