CreativeThinking, Owner
Portland, OR • 2015-Current

Freelance marketing director working with clients in retail consumer goods, commercial retail packaging and non-profits on short and long term strategies and projects.

• Launched BugSlide, an all-in-one motorcycle detailing product to national automotive retail and private aviation markets with packaging, retail support, ecomerce, dealer support, events, social media and public relations.

• Account management and business development for an eco-friendly consumer packaging product alternative to traditional "clam" packaging at retail.

• Pro bono marketing and fundraising support for The First Tee of Greater Portland and The Children's Course.

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Portland Advertising Federation, Executive Director
Portland, OR • 2014-2015  

Lead Portland’s advertising and design trade organization to develop membership, networking opportunity and educational programs.

 

• Increased membership base 50% in less than 8 months.

• Hosted multiple educational programs on trending topics including innovation, creativity and emerging markets.

• Hosted 2014 Rosey Awards, Portland’s annual creative award show. Increased attendance 40% over the previous 4 years.

• Launched PAF’s website and optimized site to better serve the membership with news, event updates and job board.

 

 

Sasquatch Advertising, Account Supervisor
Portland, OR • 2011-2013

Focused new business efforts in outdoor recreation, food/beverage and travel/tourism industries. Managed and expanded client relationships, creative development and vendor partnerships.

 

• Streamlined new business portfolio process by industry to improve proposal turnaround time.

• Worked closely with clients to identify needs and create actionable marketing plans.

• Managed pro bono marketing program for The Children’s Course/The First Tee of Greater Portland resulting in 15% increase in fund raising revenue.

• Managed rebrand of Chez Marie Veggie packaging based on extensive retail and competitor research. Also supervised FDA regulatory approval process.

• Developed Gerber Legendary Blades domestic key account retail programs and international collateral.

 

 

LaCrosse Footwear/Danner, Sr. Marketing Manager

Portland, OR • 2010-2011                                                                            Partnered with key accounts to grow sales through development of custom marketing programs. Managed media relations and events.

 

• Quickly immersed in and absorbed all aspects of the brand and product in order to develop and present seasonal go-to-market category direction to key accounts in the first 30 days on the job.

• Visited more than 25 Tier 1 and Tier 2 accounts to conduct market evaluation and merchandising needs assessment.

• Hosted two new product launch press events at major tradeshows with more than 50 editors and writers in attendance.

• Initiated proven, successful sponsorship with a leading land conservation organization to maximize brand exposure and return on direct consumer web sales.

 

GerberGear/Brunton, Brand Manager

Portland, OR • 2007-2010                                                                          Led two brand teams for Gerber, an industry leader in knives, tools, lights and gear in Portland, OR and Brunton, manufacturer of high-end camping and outdoor gear based in Riverton, WY. Responsibilities including long-term strategic planning, advertising, public relations, packaging, retail displays, events and web sales for both brands.

 

• Successfully executed redesign of 900+ SKU package line on time and on budget.

• Streamlined print production process saving $100k in 90-days with the company.

• Renegotiated the annual media buy to save $55k to reinvest in media and public relations.

• Launched Facebook presence with rapid audience growth and engagement.

• Restructured major sponsorship agreement to yield a 35% return on web sales program.

• Developed full line packaging program for co-branded Gerber/Bear Grylls Survival Series.

• Increased public relations media value >20% year over year for three straight years.

• Developed and launched multiple micro-sites for specific new product launches.

 

Miller Nash, LLP, Director of Marekting

Portland, OR • 2005-2007

Director of Marketing 2007                     

Marketing Communications Manager 2005-2006

 

Oversaw all marketing responsibilities for 130+ attorney law firm specializing in business and corporate law with offices in five Pacific Northwest cities. Duties included strategic planning, sponsorships, media relations, events and creating meaningful connections between attorneys and potential new clients.

 

• Wrote and executed practice group marketing plans for five areas of practice.

• Lead the firm through a rebrand to be more contemporary in the competitive landscape.

• Prepared attorneys for press interviews and speaking engagements.

• Pitched contributed articles to local business press with a 90% success rate.

• Managed approximately $500K charitable contributions budget.

• Developed new business “smart books” for potential client pitches.

 

 

B|O|C Advertising, Inc, Principal/Account Director

Portland, OR • 1993-2005                    

Principal/Account Director 1998-2005                       

Account Executive 1994-1998

Account Coordinator 1993

 

Drove client relationships and new business development. National and regional client focus included outdoor recreation, tourism, chocolate, financial services and retail industries. Responsible for day-to-day client needs as well as management of internal and freelance creative staff.

 

• Rebranded one of Oregon’s top independent banks, including brand guidelines, logo, signage, advertising collateral and website.

• Worked with Leupold, the world’s largest sport optics manufacturer, to grow their business by over 300% during a market downturn.

• Wrote comprehensive marketing plan for Moonstruck Chocolate including brand development, demographics, marketing/public relations strategies and retail build-out guidelines.

• Increase attendance by over 25% at Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, San Francisco, through grass roots marketing and public relations. Event raised funds for a support organization for people living with AIDS.

• Lead successful new business pitch of General Growth Properties. Hired as one of six regional agencies in an 80-agency competition. Result was extensive marketing programs for 27 large shopping malls in 9 western states.

• Specialized in new product introductions for a large number of clients, including manufacturers, retail operations and financial institutions.

• Produced award-winning television and radio commercials for the Oregon State Fair and consistently exceeded attendance goals through advertising and radio promotions.

• Introduce new product designation for Danner Boot, a leading US footwear manufacturer, creating new product line name, packaging, logo, point-of-sale, sales collateral and advertising.