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2005 - present
naples, FL (US)
Owner
• Marketing Consultant, BEE CREATIVE, Naples, Fl
Offers strategic and creative marketing/advertising solutions to local companies and advertising agencies—current clients include 4What (an interactive advertising agency) and Ready Tours (a provider of virtual marketing solutions).
? Assisted a small North Florida advertising agency in restructuring its management team, then assumed creative responsibilities. Designed a new business strategy that emphasized retainer accounts rather than project business. Spearheaded two new business pitches, of which one was successful.
? Developed business and marketing plans that enabled a prospective new venture to secure necessary capital to drive start-up.
? Supported an Internet solution company in its evolution into a full-service, interactive advertising agency. Secured the agency’s first new client, a $240,000 marketing account, within three months.
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Jan 2000 - Mar 2004
frankfurt, germany, united states
Managing Partner/CEO
• Managing Partner/Chief Executive Officer, BEE SCHMULDER ADVERTISING, Frankfurt
Directed day-to-day agency operations and held direct responsibility for P&L, client relations, strategy development, and new business activities. Provided leadership to a 25-person team.
? Drove the creation of this company after negotiating an amicable split of the Ritter & Bee agency with former partner and lawyers. Selected and designed the agency office, investing $500K in equipment and top talent.
? Secured six major accounts with total gross billings of $30M in the first year, with the agency receiving a 20% (of fees) profit margin.
? Handled six major brands of Ferrero Chocolate, the world’s largest confectionary company. Co-developed a national strategy document for the client, which was later adapted internationally.
? Boosted profitability by 15% after downsizing the agency in 2003.
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Oct 1991 - Dec 1999
frankfurt, germany, united states
Executive Creative Director/Managing Partner
• Executive Creative Director/Managing Partner, GLOBAL AD/RITTER & BEE ADVERTISING,
Handled all aspects of the agency’s creative output and shared in day-to-day management responsibilities. Served a variety of clients, including BMW 316, Ferrero Chocolate, Prince Metternich Champagne, Granini Orange Juice and P&G (Direct Marketing).
? Co-founded Global Ad as a DBB Worldwide subsidiary and held 12.5% ownership; generated gross billings of $60M by year two. Negotiated a management buyout in 1993 with DBB. Established R&B as a special/direct marketing agency in 1996.
? Created an unconventional marketing campaign to introduce the new BMW 316i compact to the German market; achieved a response rate of 500% over target and triggered the purchase of 3,000 units prior to vehicle appearance in dealer showrooms.
? Developed a creative marketing campaign for a start-up IT company, fueling a 600% increase in brand awareness in just three months with a small budget.