Dakota Shultz Email & Phone Number

Stickney, Il

I lead all marketing and communications for Hawthorne Race Course, the longest running gambling and sports entertainment business in Illinois (over 130 years). Though the agency I co-founded has worked as the in-house agency of Hawthorne for over 15 years, I was asked to take an even more direct role with the business in preparation for a $400 million redevelopment to become Illinois' first truly integrated gaming destination, featuring a casino, race track and sportsbook. Additionally, I have led the repositioning of Hawthorne's network of off-track betting parlors (the largest in Illinois) into a first-in-the-nation "betting bar" concept featuring horseracing, sports betting, video slots and sports bar hospitality, with an integrated customer loyalty program connected to Hawthorne's online/mobile wagering app.

Greater Chicago Area

For over 15 years, Agency 360 has provided customized marketing and communications services to clients in hospitality, entertainment, gaming, nonprofit, healthcare, technology and other industries. Our core competency is to develop connected strategies such as publicity, advertising, social media, event production and integrated marketing; and to manage the execution of the related tactics that will achieve success. We work seamlessly within our clients’ operations while leveraging our networks and expertise for their benefit.As the managing partner of the business my roles are bifurcated into client services and company operations:CLIENT SERVICES- Lead marketing and communications strategy development for all services for all clients- Oversee execution and ensure quality of all services for all clients- Direct management of legacy and other high-impact accounts- Support account managers tactically for all company services as needed- Develop conceptual framework for client creative services in video production and graphic design- Leverage network connections to create mutually beneficial opportunities for client groupsCOMPANY OPERATIONS- Develop and adapt internal operational structures and procedures- Manage all employees, independent contractors and vendors- Coordinate strategic growth of business, matching resources to opportunities- Oversee development of all new business proposals- Nurture company culture and define common purpose and guiding tenets for business- Ensure due diligence of business vis-a-vis contracts, financial planning, HR, insurance, etc.- Represent company expertise in public speaking and presentation opportunitiesSAMPLE CLIENTSAurelio’s Pizza | Hawthorne Race Course | Chicago Steel Hockey | TopGolf | Hooters | Baconfest | Xpressbet | DecisionOne Dental | PointsBet | Illinois Lotto | John Hancock Observatory | Jim Beam Brands | General Growth Properties | Chicago Firefighters Union | Chicagoland Skydiving Center

Greater Chicago Area

As executive director, I coordinate participation from fellow volunteer Board Members to develop events and programming for our peers in business marketing throughout the Chicagoland region.We present monthly events that facilitate peer-to-peer networking, and educational and inspiration insights from guest presenters on current best practices in modern marketing. Please contact me for speaking and sponsorship opportunities.

The Lattner Entertainment Group was one of the first licensed video gaming operator in Illinois.

Gateway Green is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the beautification of Chicago. Through partnership with the public & private sectors, we created a national model for comprehensive urban landscaping development. As the director of events and promotions, I developed and sold marketable sponsor opportunities, mainly for the organization's signature fundraiser, the Green Tie Ball, which catalyzed the event into one of the largest charity galas in Chicago.

Mfa, Writing

Bachelor Of Arts, English Composition

Education record