Passionate and Creative Consumer Product Marketing Leader
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Performed marketing consulting for various consumer product companies.
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Member of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network. Extensive LinkedIn connections.
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M.B.A. Marketing - DePaul University B.B.A. Marketing - University of Iowa
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Founding Father - Iowa Delta chapter of Phi Kappa Theta at the University of Iowa.
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Regularly promoted throughout my marketing career.
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Endorsed by several co-workers and managers.
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Responsible for the management of multiple staff at various stages of my career.
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Active volunteer with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Getting to know me
IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDIAN TURNED CONSUMER PRODUCT MARKETING LEADER/BRAND STRATEGIST
At one time I was living a dual life; training in improv comedy under the late, great Del Close and performing at the IO Theater (formerly ImprovOlympic) in Chicago, while at the same time working for a CPG market research company during the day and taking M.B.A. classes at night.
While many of my Chicago improv comedy contemporaries continued to pursue the entertainment path and went on to successful careers in TV and film, I realized my greater passion and prowess was with marketing. So, I left the improv world to solely focus my talents in the consumer products world. (Plus, I wasn't as funny as Jack McBrayer, Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, and Tina Fey anyway.)
These days I draw on both my extensive marketing experience with consumer food/beverage products and my improvisational comedy background of creativity, collaboration, and levity to be a strategic thinker and cross-functional team leader. I enjoy working with consumer products and playing a part in how operators and consumers interact with the product and packaging. I am passionate about connecting consumer/market insights to marketing strategy and creative execution that increases share, grows brand health, and drives profitable sales.
While many of my Chicago improv comedy contemporaries continued to pursue the entertainment path and went on to successful careers in TV and film, I realized my greater passion and prowess was with marketing. So, I left the improv world to solely focus my talents in the consumer products world. (Plus, I wasn't as funny as Jack McBrayer, Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, and Tina Fey anyway.)
These days I draw on both my extensive marketing experience with consumer food/beverage products and my improvisational comedy background of creativity, collaboration, and levity to be a strategic thinker and cross-functional team leader. I enjoy working with consumer products and playing a part in how operators and consumers interact with the product and packaging. I am passionate about connecting consumer/market insights to marketing strategy and creative execution that increases share, grows brand health, and drives profitable sales.
Experience Highlights
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Director of Marketing
Elohi Strategic Advisors
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Marketing Consultant
BlueHawk CPG Marketing Consulting
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Senior Category Marketing Manager
Tyson Foods (after Acquisition of Hillshire Brands)
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Customer Marketing Manager
J.M. Smucker (after acquisition of Sara Lee N.A. Beverage business)
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Category/Brand Marketing Manager
Maple Leaf Bakery
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Account Manager
Mywebgrocer
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Client Service Project Manager
Information resources, inc (IRI)
Education Highlights
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DePaul University - Kellstadt Graduate School of Business
M.B.A. - Marketing
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University of Iowa - Tippie College of Business
B.B.a. - Marketing
Philanthropy
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Greater Chicago Food Depository
Volunteer and supporter
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Center of Concern
Volunteer and supporter
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University of Iowa Alumni Association/Chicago I-Club
Supporter
outside Interests
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Sports
A Lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeye fan (iowa football season ticket holder).
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Music/Concerts
I'm a Lollapalooza and riot fest veteran. eclectic music taste from jazz to hiphop to alternative.
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Outdoor Activities
Biking, hiking, skiing (I tried snowboarding once but I'll leave it to younger crowd)
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Food and Beer
While not the best for the waistline, I Enjoy exploring new restaurants and breweries.
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Automobiles
I appreciate the design of cars. I Like attending car shows and watching auto related tv shows.
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- New Product Development
- Promotional plans
- Consumer and Product Insights
- P&L Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- New business development
- Quality Assurance
- Inventory management
- Portfolio optimization
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose your profession?
Ever since I began pursuing my undergraduate business degree at the University of Iowa, consumer product marketing is what has piqued my interest the most. I become passionate about the products I work with and enjoy becoming an expert on the products. Having a role in how a consumer or operator interacts with a product is very satisfying to me.
What are you looking for right now?
I don't believe Lorne Michaels will take a chance on me for SNL, so right now I am providing my skills and expertise as a CPG Marketing Consultant. My clients have included Grecian Delight Foods, Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, and Tyson Foods Retail. I am open to permanent marketing management opportunities with a consumer product company in the Chicago area. The ideal company would be one where I can leverage my experience and skill set to further the growth of the company's product categories as well as further my long term personal development.
