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Summary

A well-connected brand builder, business developer, integrated marketer and accomplished public relations practitioner with an infectious enthusiasm for creating, transforming, storytelling, leading, collaborating, negotiating and mentoring.  

Work History

Present

Freelance Consultant

The Brand Guy

Develop strategic brand, marketing communications and digital strategies, identify target markets, assess consumer perceptions, competition, business trends, and product value for specialty retail, real estate, automotive, product and service industry clients. Perform brand strategy audits ensuring logo identity, package design, pricing, placement, messaging, digital experience, consumer engagement opportunities, social media/SEO strategies and media relation campaigns are aligned with company goals and objectives.    

2016

Strategist, Director of Business Development

Zync Agency

Served as key member of executive team charged with formulating business development initiatives consistent with overall strategy. Responsible for the development and management of all strategic sales activities. Designed and implemented processes to enhance sales productivity through pipelines, CRM tools and new partnerships. Created new brand awareness through marketing, sales materials and sales replication. Managed the proposal development process including collaboration with cross-functional departments as well as agency leadership. Generated $224,500 in new business estimates in first quarter(annual sales goal: $250,000). Developed tiered pricing strategy model for agency's proprietary brand strategy service program. 

2015

Vice President, Marketing

Blow Vapor Inc.

Reported to CEO, and responsible for developing brand, communications, digital marketing and e-comm strategies for a multi-brand product portfolio. Responsibilities included product management, product marketing, competitive intelligence research/reporting, public relations strategy, digital marketing strategy, retail partner product launch strategy and support, new product launches, event marketing and crisis communications. Developed product and corporate identity brand standard gatekeeping protocols. Created naming convention and product launch strategy for company's dry-herb product line. Enhanced website effectiveness and developed e-commerce promotional sales campaigns, delivering 90% increase in online sales and 200% increase in website traffic. Rewrote company's sales materials, product descriptions, mission statement, company values, brand story and website copy. Managed three direct reports.

2009

Vice President, Marketing

Hemera Branding Inc.

Reported to CEO, and responsible for developing and executing large scale corporate brand identity, brand reinvention, product identity, B2C and B2B marketing, global public relations, corporate communications and product launch strategies for a portfolio of businesses in the luxury automotive, retail, winery, restaurant and hospitality, commercial and residential real estate, luxury marina and corporate promotional apparel manufacturing sectors. Restructured, recruited, developed and directed cross-functional marketing department that included Account Services, Graphic Design, Digital Production, SEO/SM and Administrative. Lead strategy, ideation, client planning, budget, pitch and relevant stakeholder meetings. Identified challenges and emerging issues faced by each company, worked with leadership teams and staff from each company to recognize internal and external sales, customer acquisition, membership engagement, marketing and communications opportunities and solutions, and defined and executed appropriate strategies to advance each business. Promoted a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that valued collaboration, open door communication, professional learning and a commitment to client service, creativity and consistency. Managed 9 direct reports, responsible for staff performance and development goals, assigned accountabilities, set department and individual objectives, established priorities, conducted annual performance reviews.

2001

Founder/President

Word of Mouth Public Relations

Developed and directed national and global integrated public relation and  marketing strategies to support client objectives. Recruited, managed and mentored 9 direct reports. Developed and maintained relationships with key national and international print, broadcast, web and wire service editors, publishers, producers, talent bookers and bloggers.  

Drafted, reviewed and edited news releases, brochures, executive bios, executive speeches, media interview messaging, media news alerts, photo call alerts, web content, story pitches, blog content, catalogues, by-line articles, mission statements, company values, brand stories, investor packages, product descriptions and other related material in support of clients’ and agency public relations initiatives. 

Secured hard news and feature story placements with NY Times, OC Register, India Associated Press, National Post, CNN, NBC, CTV, eTalk, Oprah Winfrey Show, Al-Jazeera TV, AFP, LA Times, Reuters, Washington Post, BNN, Canadian Press, Chicago Tribune, Vanity Fair, ET Canada, Access Hollywood.

Previous Experience

Allen & Caron: Director of Communications

Luminor PR: Director of Communications

Brower, Miller & Cole: Account Director | Sr. Account Executive

Blaine Group: Account Executive

Columbia Pictures: Publicity Assistant

Education

Bachelor of Arts

York University

International Political Studies | Mass Communications