(414) 614-2989
jbrake73@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/jenbrake

Innovative marketing leader with a prove track record in developing and implementing marketing strategies that increase brand awareness and market share for B2B companies and direct-to-consumer brands. Adept at market research, brand management, people management, and strategic planning. Demonstrated success in driving significant sales growth and building high-performing marketing teams.

Team Leadership
Brand Development
Digital Marketing
Advertising - Digital, Print, PPC
Social Media
Strategic Planning
Content Marketing & Creative Development
Communication Plans
Product Marketing
Campaigns and Promotions
Website and Ecommerce including SEO
Email Marketing
Budgeting
KPI's, Analytics & Data Analysis
Market Research, VOC and Segmentation
Event Marketing & Tradeshows
Branding, Merchandising and Packaging
B2B and DTC Marketing

Sales Growth
Developed and led marketing campaigns that raised awareness, trial, loyalty, and advocacy contributing to 81% sales growth ($40M in revenue).

Team Leadership
Established and led marketing departments, including planning, budgeting, and mentoring high-performance teams.

Strategic Planning
Directed one-year, three-year, and 10-year strategic planning processes, including SWOT analysis, goals setting forecasting and budgeting with team of organizational leaders.

Brand Launches
Launched six premium consumer brands in North America, including budget management, brand messaging, packaging, channel marketing and communication campaigns. 

Market Research
Spearheaded quantitative and qualitative market research studies and competitive analysis to identify consumer attitudes and buying behavior, translating results into actionable marketing plans.

Digital Success
Increased website visits by 65%, web leads by 25%, and sales by 10% through website and e-commerce development.

Marketing Campaigns
Led campaigns resulting in $4 Million in sales and a 137% increase in online traffic.

Product Launches
Successfully planned and launched 45 new products, generating $20M in sales.

Marketing Consultant
Brandedge Marketing Solutions / Freelance,  February 2019 - Present
Provide marketing strategy, content marketing, and communication expertise to clients in construction, education, healthcare, and consumer product markets.

• Plan and manage execution of marketing plans, strategies and promotional programs that drive interest and sales.
• Develop marketing plans, branding, and promotional strategies.
• Devise and implement advertising and communications strategies.
• Design and develop websites, including graphics, content creation, and keyword research.
• Create marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, briefs.
• Advise on branding, positioning, communications, and marketing tools.

Director of Marketing
Summit Safety dba HiVis Supply, February 2024 - September 2024
Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand awareness and drive sales for the HiVis Supply and Dome75 brands.

• Plan and execute promotional activities, including seasonal campaigns and educational content, aligned with product strategy.
• Oversaw the design, functionality, and integration of e-commerce and content websites, ensuring optimal user experience
• Led a five-person marketing team in implementing communication strategies for customer engagement, sales conversion, and building brand awareness through advertising, email campaigns, search optimization, page design, and social media.
• Analyze and improve e-commerce sales by tracking analytics, setting goals, and implementing continuous improvement strategies.
• Generated $2.5M in revenue by overseeing PPC campaigns, email/social media marketing, ecommerce, and diverse program materials.
• Improved product sales by 10% by guiding initiatives based on seasonal trends, product roadmaps, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including sales, product development, and merchandising, to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging and branding.
• Business development: Increased sales by 12% by planning and executing promotional activities, including seasonal campaigns and educational content.

Director of Brand Marketing
Hultafors Group North America, December 2020 – February 2023
Member of the Executive leadership team. Launched, managed and promoted hardware and PPE brands to drive brand awareness, retail growth and market share. Brands include: Johnson Level, Hultafors Tools, Custom Leathercraft, Kuny’s, Martinez Tools, ScanGrip, Hults Bruk, Snickers Workwear, Solid Gear Footwear and Hellberg Safety.

• Launched and managed ten premium brands, increasing brand awareness and growing market share.
  
• Spearheaded and executed multi-year strategic marketing communication plans, including mission, vision, and values.
• Conducted VOC and primary research projects to develop brand platforms including promise, positioning, and visual graphics; developed campaigns and marketing content distinct to each brand's unique value.
• Built, led, and mentored six-person marketing team, leveraging individual skills, maximizing efficiency, streamlining processes, and prioritizing projects.
• Established brand consistency across all communication channels (print, digital, event, social), elevating the company's overall image and reputation.
• Managed 100+ successful product launches and rebranding initiatives, resulting in increased sales and market share.
• Streamlined all digital and offline marketing efforts including website, SEO, email campaigns, social media, advertising, influencer outreach, in-store merchandising, Amazon and ecommerce websites, and trade show marketing.
• Enhanced creative output by developing materials with 10 agencies and partners.
• Tracked, measured, and reported brand and campaign performance to optimize strategies and ensure ongoing success.

Marketing Manager
Hultafors Group North America, February 2019 – December 2020
Led branding, marketing, and communications for Johnson Level and Hultafors Tools brands in North America.

• Increased brand visibility by 20% by leading North American branding, marketing and omnichannel initiatives for top tool brands.
• Established brand positioning and executed brand guidelines and brand-building initiatives including packaging, merchandising, retail displays, and print and digital content.
• Expanded team capability by building and leading a 4-member team for key branding initiatives.
• Developed brand stories and omnichannel marketing initiatives, increasing brand preference, engagement, and reach.
• Direct digital and offline marketing efforts, including SEO, email campaigns, social media, advertising, and event marketing.
• Launched 45+ new products through dynamic campaigns, including digital, influencer, Amazon, PR, retail and trade show exhibits highlighting products and services to customers or channel partners.

Marketing Manager
Marking Services, Inc., April 2013 – November 2018
Led brand communications, marketing team and market strategies for B2B (business to business) global industries including energy, oil & gas, marine & offshore, food processing, and commercial buildings.

• Boosted global business growth by 20% through strategic marketing execution
• Increased revenue by 10% by identifying new opportunities with trend analysis, effectively identifying new opportunities and adjusting marketing plans for maximum effectiveness.
• Directed all marketing efforts, including print and digital media, e-campaigns, social media, website, and video. Created catalogs, service literature, product sell sheets, and collateral.
• Designed global websites and an e-commerce platform with 37k standard and custom products 
  increasing visits by 65%, web leads by 25%, and sales by 10%
• Developed an internal electronic ordering system, streamlined ordering process and increased order accuracy while reducing costs by 30%.
• Established the marketing department of three team members; hired, coached, and led team.
• Achieved increased brand visibility of 25% through directing comprehensive marketing efforts across digital platforms including PPC, online advertising, social media content, and e-campaigns.

Healthcare Marketing Coordinator
Johnson Controls, Jun 2000 - Oct 2004
Marketing and sales support for the healthcare market at Johnson Controls in North America.

• Developed and maintained internal sales website.
• Conducted and analyzed market data to identify key segments and associated value propositions.
• Created database of market intelligence and prospect companies.
• Coordinated market industry meetings; planned and executed internal sales meetings.
• Researched relevant market niches and potential customers.
• Wrote and communicated quarterly sales newsletters.

Marketing Manager
Serigraph, Inc., January 2006 - April 2013
Developed and executed marketing strategies for eight business units increasing revenue and growing market share. Verticals: Automotive, Appliance, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, Medical, QSR, Sporting Goods, Retail 

• Boosted online traffic by 137% and increased engagement by 20% through inbound marketing initiatives including blog, social, email and nurturing campaigns.
• Conducted 20+ targeted market studies unlocking new customers, industries, and products.
• Designed website to highlight company brand and service capabilities.
• Improved ROI by 25% by coordinating trade shows and showcases.
• Designed 100+ product sell sheets, brochures, service literature, customer focused sales presentations, and other marketing collateral.
• Increased online presence by 35% by managing social media accounts for optimal engagement.

Development Coordinator
Milwaukee Public Museum, 1998 - 2000
Responsible for daily activities in support of a donor and membership development programs.

• Coordinated and support donor and membership marketing programs.
• Maintained high level donor records ($10K+).
• Acknowledged donations, and prepared correspondence regarding the Museum and its programs.
• Arranged and attended events with high-level donors and prospective donors.

Database Market Administrator
GMR Marketing, 1996 - 1998
Responsible for administration and research for market databases in correlation with GMR's event marketing programs. 

• Designed and maintained databases for individual marketing programs.
• Researched relevant market events and industries for strategic planning.
• Designed survey activities for customer programs.
• Coordinated and support customer marketing programs.

Bachelor Of Arts – Business Administration
Cardinal Stritch University – Milwaukee, WI
2005 – 2008
3.9 GPA
Activities and societies: Habitat for Humanity

Associate of Arts – Marketing
Waukesha County Technical College – Waukesha, WI
1994 – 1996
3.5 GPA
Activities and societies: Wisconsin Marketing and Management Association
Treasurer - WMMA Waukesha Chapter

• Adobe Creative Suite, Canva
• Microsoft Office
• WordPress, Squarespace, Magento, EPiServer eCommerce/CMS, Titan CMS, InstaPage, FileMaker Pro
• Google Analytics, AdWords, LinkedIn Ads, Meta Ads, Microsoft Ads, SEM Rush
• Hubspot, Hootsuite, Later Social
• Monday, Slack, Microsoft Teams Tasks, Basecamp,
  
• Constant Contact, Klayvio
• ChatGPT, Algolia, Jasper, Grammarly
• SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox
• Salesforce,  Dynamics CRM
• SPSS Statistics,  Access, Hot Metal Pro 
• Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, LinkedIn, TikTok
• Reputation, Yatpo

Team Leadership, Digital Marketing, Brand Management, Content Marketing, Social Media, Marketing Management, Strategic Planning, Communication, Campaign Development, CRM, Market Research & VOC, Product Marketing, Advertising, Analytics, Copywriting, Search Engine Optimization, Budgeting, Blogging, Merchandising, Packaging, Email Marketing, Event Marketing, Project Management, Video Production

Pro-active and Responsible, Strategic Thinker, Creative Problem Solver, Detail Oriented and Organized, Positive Team Leader and Teammate, Committed and Hard-working. Excellent Collaboration, Excellent Multi-tasking, Suburb Oral/written Communication. Excellent Copywriting and Editing, Outstanding Project Management, Analytical and Budget Driven