Rob Van Driest: Marketing Director in Lolo, MT

Strategic marketing, creation of marketing tactics and event planning for the 2015 Economic Outlook Seminars. Constant Contact email marketing.

Product marketing company focusing on manufacturing businesses with product and sales challenges. Work with clients to increase distribution and improve financial performance through strategic product/brand activities. These activities include strategic plans, marketing plans, new product development, product management, brand positioning, sales training/support, merchandising program development, sales program development, quantitative financial analysis and general managment support. Taught small business development course in conjunction with the Montana Community Development Corp. Part-time marketing instructor at the University of Montana School of Business Administration.

Day-to-day operational responsibility for an internet information provider. Responsible for strategic planning, forecasting and business capitalization. Worked with other LLC members on product development. Sold company for a profit in 2006.

Business repsonsibility for five watersport accessory brands. Led several new product development projects. Organized five independent brands into cohesive business unit. Improved financial performance of all brands through sku rationalization and operational improvements yielding double-digit improvement in GP and OP while growing top line sales. Targeted sales efforts to capitalize on existing customer base and close-in distribution opportunity. Revised positioning of two brands as foundation for future category expansion.

Product management of watersports accessory product category with over 5800 skus. Developed/maintained comprehensive strategic product plan supporting Gear Division's 3-year growth targets. Managed muliple brands serving the needs of customers and consumers through a range of sporting goods distribution channels. Successfully reduced SKUs by 50% with negligble impact to net revenue.

Sales and product management responsibility including key account and independent sales rep managment. Led development/launch of 4 new products including one new product category. Created comprehensive marketing plan to re-establish brand in key trade classes. Doubled preseason sales with new, competitive, products and customer programs. Re-established key customer/partner relationships to support growth strategies/targets. Complete P&L repsonsibility.

Responsible for product line management, product development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution functions for Harmony accessory brand with 5800 skus.. Created finanacial modeling to better understand and manage the business through SKU rationalization. Developed skills and managed professional development of four employees. Grew key category revenues by shifting emphasis to more profitable customer and consumer-focused categories . Improved customer relations by personal interaction with accounts. Complete P&L responsibility - grew business while controlling costs.

Product marketing and sales responsibility for two new product lines targeting Home Center, Mass Merchant and Specialty Lawn and Garden distribution. Successfully managed vendor/partner relationships in supply chain. Exceeded sales budgets in '98 and '99 along with developing new products for introduction in 2000 selling season.

Repositioned and introduced existing product line of ready-to-assemble play sets for Harware/Home Center, Mass Merchant, Membership Club and Lawn and Garden distribution. Exceeded sales budget by 25% while increasing sales by 600% over previous year.

Mulitple product line responsibility targeting multiple channels of distribution. Successfully managed product development process including award winning products along with several US patents for innovation. Proven history of successful new product introduction that exceeded sales targets. Product line management including SKU rationalization.

Worked with consumers to get them into the right gear in an effort to enhance their outdoor experiences.