Passionate and Creative Consumer Product Marketing Leader
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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Client Service Project Manager
Information resources, inc (IRI)
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Account Manager
Mywebgrocer
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Category/Brand Marketing Manager
Maple Leaf Bakery
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Customer Marketing Manager
J.M. Smucker (after acquisition of Sara Lee N.A. Beverage business)
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Senior Category Marketing Manager
Tyson Foods (after Acquisition of Hillshire Brands)
Education Highlights
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University of Iowa - Tippie College of Business
B.B.a. - Marketing
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DePaul University - Kellstadt Graduate School of Business
M.B.A. - Marketing
Philanthropy
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University of Iowa Alumni Association/Chicago I-Club
Supporter
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Center of Concern
Volunteer and supporter
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Greater Chicago Food Depository
Volunteer and supporter
outside Interests
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Automobiles
I appreciate the design of cars. Â I Like attending car shows and watching auto related tv shows.
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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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Outdoor Activities
Biking, hiking, skiing (I tried snowboarding once but I'll leave it to younger crowd)
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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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Sports
A Lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeye fan (iowa football season ticket holder).
Skills
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Consumer and Product Insights
- Inventory management
- Quality Assurance
- New business development
- Portfolio optimization
- P&L Management
- Promotional plans
- New Product Development
- Strategic Planning
Questions & Answers
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.
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.
