Driven marketing and business development professional with nearly 20 years of experience. Offers an extensive background in all aspects of branding, marketing, customer development and relationship management.
Skills
Strategic marketing
Corporate messaging
Product marketing specialist
Sales strategies
Organized
Special events planning
Dedicated team player
Negotiations expert
Project planning and development
Account development
Self-motivated, entrepreneurial
Work History
Principal, Brand and Business Development06/1997
to Current Brandworks, Inc | A Geiger Partner – Greenville,
SC
Creatively collaborate with customers in efforts to effectively
communicate marketing and event objectives through the strategic vehicle
of branded merchandise
Preserve customer brand integrity by monitoring the consistency and quality of branded merchandise purchased
Negotiate pricing, control purchases and manage the entire life-cycle as the lead project manager and liaison
Develop strategies to maintain profitability by analyzing competitor pricing, industry trends and supplier incentives
Define target prospects through market research and initiating strategies in building a bridge for communication and
relationships with prospects
Successfully developed relationships and accounts with national brands and organizations including: Fox News Network, Gulf Oil and Rite Aid
Direct and coordinate marketing activities for Brandworks to communicate Geiger partnership, products, services and corporate
capabilities
Apply sales forecasting and strategic planning to verify sales and
profitability to determine future plans and vision for Brandworks
Director of Strategic Accounts05/2013
to 05/2014 Headwear Professionals – Frederick,
MD
Directed and coordinated marketing and business development activities to promote products and services with a national distributor account and other regional key accounts in the Southeast,
resulting in an expansion of sales within my territory and group by 100%
Planned client relationship cultivating events to promote growth and awareness
Consulted with buying personnel to determine projected demand for products and services
Coordinated and participated in promotional events and trade shows
Facilitated art and graphics creation with inside team for effective merchandising
Traveled nationally to meet with customers and deliver clear company messages, initiatives and efforts
for partnership
Developed and implemented campaigns for email and direct-mail among 500 distributor sales partners
Negotiated prices, terms of sales and special agreements with customer national account team
Listened attentively to customer feedback and worked with product development team to increase higher levels of customer satisfaction and service
Account Executive04/1995
to 06/1997 Associations Plus – SC
Responsible for writing and designing marketing communication pieces
including association newsletters, event publications and membership
recruitment collateral
Planned and monitored state-wide conference for SC Child Care Association
Planned statewide training events for state association throughout South Carolina, including site selections, contract negotiations, securing education leaders, and event marketing to membership
Assisted the Executive Director with the operations for three state-wide associations
Served as the main point of contact and customer relations for SC Electric and Gas customers in the Quality Dealer Program, designed to promote better service from HVAC dealers within SC&EG's territory.
Assessed vendor products and maintained positive vendor relations
Admissions Intern08/1994
to 04/1995 Winthrop University – Rock Hill,
SC
Assisted counselors and director with college admissions and university recruitment strategies Edited newsletter published and targeted to high school juniors within designated markets Created, researched and wrote university major and departmental sheets including requirements, policies and courses for potential students Evaluated undergraduate applicants from assigned territory, and recommended admission decisions to director Represented the university at college fairs and events in and out of South Carolina Counseled prospective students on the admissions policies, procedures and university offerings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Mass Communication1994Winthrop University-
Rock Hill,
SC
Mass Communication
Business, Marketing and Advertising coursework
Communications and Journalism coursework
Affiliations
Promotional Products Association International, Carolinas Association of Advertising and Marketing Professionals, Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Accomplishments
1998, 1999 Sales Growth, Geiger Sales Partner
2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 Sales Partner of the Year, Geiger Carolinas
2002 Geiger Sales Partner of the Year, Southeast
Geiger Sales Partner National Conference Qualifier
Skills
accounts payable, accounts receivable, Adobe Creative Suite, brand identity, branding, budgets, business development, contract negotiations, customer relations and project management
