Director of Development and Growth @ Backbone Media

As the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Gear Patrol, I lead the Commercial Division, which encompasses Advertising Sales and Partnerships, Revenue Operations/Client Services, Marketing, and Gear Patrol Studios, its branded content creative studio (which specializes in custom digital, print, social and video content on behalf of its clients). 

With over 20 years of experience in advertising and marketing, I have a proven track record of building, scaling, and expanding revenue in the digital media and advertising industry. I have created a culture of accountability and success, led and executed organizational changes, built goal-oriented teams, and leveraged relationships to generate revenue growth for the organizations I have worked with. My responsibilities include defining and implementing revenue strategy, driving revenue through innovative products and services, and overseeing the revenue, sales operations, client services, and creative studios teams.

STRATEGIC EXECUTIVE, SERVANT LEADER 
Leading advertising sales and marketing strategy, fostering a positive and inclusive culture that empowers every team member, and retaining exceptional talent in an ever-evolving media environment.

GROWTH MINDSET, CULTURE OF SUCCESS
Commitment to expanding and diversifying revenue streams through innovative strategies, adapting to market trends, and leveraging emerging technologies. Ability to embrace change, and focus on sustainable profitability, while nurturing a dynamic and agile team committed to success.

PASSION FOR PRODUCTS
I am passionate about product journalism and its ability to help everyone discover the best products for their needs and preferences. I bring creativity, innovation, and excellence to all our projects and partnerships, and I am always open to new opportunities and connections.

Backbone Media is one of the nation's leading integrated marketing agencies with capabilities across paid and earned media. At Backbone, we are for people and brands who want to move: we hone, amplify, and stoke brands in the active lifestyle space and beyond. Backbone has consistently been recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” and has been shortlisted in the prestigious PRWeek Awards, illustrating you can cultivate a culture with work/life balance and execute award-winning work. Visit us in person in Denver or Carbondale, Colorado, online at backbone.media, or on Instagram
@backbonemedia.

Director of Development and Growth 

Head of Sales and Partnerships, Commercial Division (Advertising Sales, Operations, Client Services, Marketing, and a branded content creative studio). Accountable for driving growth, leading all facets of the sales process, including strategy development, identifying new opportunities, prospect outreach, presentations, negotiating, and closing partnerships.

Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)

Launched and led the inception of the Commercial Division of Gear Patrol. Served in a player/coach role in the first 18 months while recruiting, onboarding, and scaling the team based on revenue growth and profitability. 

• Successfully led sales and partnerships team through a strategic investment from Hearst Magazines in 2018 while growing revenue by 49% year-over-year. 

• Led the launch of retail initiatives including the launch of Gear Patrol magazine in 2015, along with several limited edition product collaborations and in-person events and experiences.

Vice President, Advertising & Partnerships

The role of Account Director entailed overseeing the complete sales process, cultivating robust business relationships with clients and potential customers, identifying their needs, and delivering solutions aligned with the organization's key metrics and results.

• Condé Nast/Style.com Q4 Seller of the Quarter Achievement Award for achieving 140% to target.

• Responsible for revenue across all product mediums across multiple categories and territories: American Fashion, Luxury, Footwear, Consumer Electronics, Technology, and Spirits.

Account Director

Individual contributor Sales and Team Management responsibilities across integrated media platforms including New York Magazine and NYMag.com, Vulture, The Cut, Grub Street, The Strategist, and Intelligencer.

• Assigned key management accounts as an individual contributor, and managed a team of six account executives.

East Coast Director, Integrated Sales

Cultivated relationships with advertisers, including ensuring client satisfaction and retention. Pre- to post-sale specialization in managing client accounts, and meeting and exceeding revenue targets.

• Awarded VVM’s annual “All-Star”, which was awarded to only the top sales reps within the company.

• Exceeded targets while simultaneously spearheading new sales growth initiatives in print and online.

Senior Account Executive

Built and maintained relationships with advertisers, ensuring revenue goals were met while strategizing to expand the client base. Developed advertising solutions tailored to clients' needs while maximizing impact and ROI.

• Consistently exceeded revenue goals and new account business targets.

• Awarded top salesperson of the year by the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies (117 newspapers nationally)

Senior Account Manager

Find out detailed information about Zach Mader, Director of Development and Growth @ Backbone Media in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Zach Mader: Director of Development and Growth @ Backbone Media in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Zach Mader

Community College of Philadelphia