Why I Run TOWARD Businesses Most Run FROM

I love to learn. So my career goal was to maximize my learning. So I sought the hardest problems to solve. As a result, I have deeper skills and can offer a wider solution set than most consultants. And I run towards businesses most run run FROM. 

 

Here's how I got started::

• Research Analyst with a strategic planning consultancy, Kurt Salmon Associates, now owned by Accenture.

• Wharton for my MBA to study entrepreneurial management so I could learn practical, hands on skills for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities.

• Consumer package goods (CPG) after Wharton, because you're trained to be a good marketer AND a CEO because they only hire CEOs from the marketing ranks. 

• Taco Bell because it was the best place to learn SOBO skills -- (S)ales (O)ver night, (B)rand (O)vertime. 

 

After this foundational training, I then set off to identify and solve the most challenging problems I could find – usually startups and turnarounds – and always in a new industry. When you're constantly pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you are able to learn more and achieve unexpected results:​

​

• Grew same-store sales 58% for a 200 unit retail chain, bringing it to profitability for the first time in its 10 year history, resulting in the sale of the business to Hallmark and a successful liquidity event for investors.

• Grew catalog profitability 118%, growing ecommerce traffic +36%

• Reversed an 8% decline in cheese snacks and generated a 25% increase in revenue

• Designed and launched a mobile buying app using augmented reality and digital twin technology, selling it into 60% of the magazine industry, achieving our annual download goal in 3 months, winning an Edison Innovation award. Convinced a highly competitive industry to do the unthinkable: cooperate with its competitors and put our logo on the bottom of every page.

• In my first job at Kraft, reversed a sales decline at Cheez Whiz by initiating, funding, and launching a promotion that resulted in a 69% increase in 4th quarter sales of our flagship sku. 

• Stood up a digital marketing department within 2 months and achieved a 340% ROI on digital ad campaigns.

​

And I'm still learning, now with formal training in  Behavioral Economics.  Why? Because at the heart of all business transformation is behavior change whether it's try this, buy more, or click here. Behavioral Economics makes it easier to change behavior, place better bets, and shortcut your way to success.

 

Have a complex problem? Bring it to me. I run toward businesses most people run from.