Marketing, E-Marketing and Creative Services Professional

Proven track record developing and executing print, media and e-marketing initiatives. Award-winning, results-oriented professional skilled in demonstrating value to target audiences using innovative marketing plan development and execution. Highly skilled in directing, executing and analyzing creative development of advertising and marketing efforts based on company objectives.

Key Skills:

* Strategic online marketing and organic search maximization programs
* Search engine marketing, mall coordination, link share and PPC campaigns 
* Product strategy, development, branding, positioning and repositioning
* Promotional marketing campaigns and value-added strategies
* Cutting-edge creative direction, graphic and web design
* Print design, production, quoting and pre-press preparation
* Award-winning HR professional with 94% retention rate

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:   

2007- Present
Creative Director/Marketing Manager
Topsider Homes, Clemmons, NC    
http://www.topsider.com

Direct all conventional and electronic marketing initiatives for Topsider Homes, a builder of high-end resort and vacation homes. Report daily to Company President regarding statistics, link and lead strategies, project management and ongoing updates to internal marketing and continuity programs. Direct and administer extensive SEM efforts and other e-data programs. Administer all web-related initiatives, incorporating the latest in PPC marketing and generic search optimization. Write articles for PR and associated inbound link strategies. Design, produce and oversee printing of all print collateral, advertising, direct mail programs, corporate signage and banner/link and html-based e-marketing programs.

1999-2007

Director of Creative Services (2003-2007)
Marketing Director (2001-2003)
Publications Manager (1999-2001)
Market America, Inc., Greensboro, NC
http://www.marketamerica.com

Directed all marketing and advertising services for a $400 million International Marketing company. Built from scratch a talented staff of 25 art directors, graphic designers, web designers, video producers, editorial staff and translation professionals.

* Advertising and Marketing:   Directed all advertising and marketing efforts including new product introductions, strategic marketing campaigns, product identity programs, logo creation, catalog and brochure development, web site development, e-promotions and all other sales, business-building and trade show materials. Repositioned company with new logo and positioning statement.

 * Internet/Web:  Directed the overall redesign and implementation of an extensive network of corporate and product-branded Web sites and web-related products including the company’s main web portals, and extensive affiliate partner programs.

 * Publications:  Provided and/or directed final creative and appearance, copy writing, print scheduling and distribution of all corporate monthly, quarterly and annual publications. Developed and directed the design of all periodicals for four countries. Signed off on proofs, insured distribution dates, and negotiated translation, postal and print contracts as needed.

 * E-Communications:  Created, oversaw and administered the development and distribution of extensive company-wide communication efforts including electronic newsletters and micro-targeted email programs targeted at over 130,000 active distributors in four countries. Developed strategies to meet marketing and product development goals. Established optimal product positioning and launch dates based on industry trends and forecasts.

* Compliance:   Worked directly with legal staff to ensure legal compliance and with Scientific and Product Management Departments to ensure accuracy. Directed print, media, manufacturing and other vendors to insure quality, budget, and deadline adherence. Directed all in-house and external translators to reproduce materials in multiple languages.

 * Conventions/Trade Shows:   Designed Convention themes and directed production of trade show signage and all associated collateral. Assisted with trade show and convention stage design and layout. Insured availability of marketing materials for Company trade shows. Created programs, literature and presentation support materials, including both electronic and print. Coordinated related PR efforts with venues, local media and business associations.

 * Human Resource and Capital Budget Management:  Developed and adhered to yearly equipment, office, operations and human resource budgets. Interviewed and determined final selection of candidates and conducted annual reviews. Administered promotions, adjustments and corrective action as needed. Developed facility expansion budgets and determined additional human resource needs. Worked with architectural firms to plan floor layouts and other expansions.

1994-1999
Advertising and Creative Director
Replacements, Ltd,
Greensboro NC   
www.replacements.com

Developed all marketing and advertising materials including creative planning, photography, copy writing, graphic design, proofing, film preparation, press checks, print and media costing and media buying for a retail direct sales company. Individually responsible for all in-house, company-oriented projects including extensive human resources recruitment and Web site/banner ad development.

1992-1994
Advertising Director
Kayser-Roth Direct
Greensboro, NC   
www.kayser-roth.com

Single-handedly managed creation and execution of all direct advertising projects. Responsibilities included conception, copy writing, graphic design, photo direction, talent selection and comprehensive layout and film preparation for monthly catalogs, newsletters, mailers, and assorted side projects. Adhered to extensive direct mail test grids, some with as many as 25 variations of pricing and copy. Won numerous awards for performance and creative projects.

1990-1992
Art Director
Coyne Beahm Advertising Agency
Greensboro, NC   
www.coynebeahmshouse.com

Wide range of experience for well-respected ad agency including concept, positioning and design work for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, including highly confidential new brand technology division. Other work included creative and other services to VF Corporation (Wrangler/Lee Jeans), Hefty Designs, Planters LifeSavers, and a host of others.

Created the agency's first computer graphics department. Agency productivity - and billing - increased threefold. Entrusted by company to add additional systems and personnel to meet new sales growth. Interfaced with executive level brand management personnel, and regularly participated in focus groups across the country.

EDUCATION

Began studying commercial art and advertising at age 16 as part of a 2-year, 4-hour per day Commercial Art program offered to select students in Westchester County, NY, a suburb of New York City. Followed Regents level (honor roll) graduation with the pursuit of a Marketing Degree at The State University of New York. After moving to North Carolina, attended Guilford Technical Community College's Commercial Art Program while working freelance and running my own business.

Adult education and training includes attendance at the University of California at Santa Barbara's Macintosh Summit and accredited attendance at the Direct Mail Institute in New York, NY. Ongoing education is ongoing, including the latest in search engine marketing, pay-per-click programs, generic search optimization and link share programs.

Mac and PC savvy. Expert level in Photoshop and Freehand. Intermediate in InDesign, Illustrator, Quark, Dreamweaver, Flash, and MS Office. Ongoing training in the latest SEO/SEM techniques and W3/508 compliance.