Elizabeth D. Nelson Email & Phone Number

Brought in to lead the transformation of SD Toys from a Spanish organization into a global business. Focusing on overhauling operational processes, increasing margins and revenues, streamlining the P&L for products, and spearheading core brand messaging and product line development to ensure long-term profitability and growth in the competitive collectibles market. Also tasked with distribution expansion, as well as growing other segments of the business, such as SD Games. •… Show more Brought in to lead the transformation of SD Toys from a Spanish organization into a global business. Focusing on overhauling operational processes, increasing margins and revenues, streamlining the P&L for products, and spearheading core brand messaging and product line development to ensure long-term profitability and growth in the competitive collectibles market. Also tasked with distribution expansion, as well as growing other segments of the business, such as SD Games. • Spearheading the development and execution of comprehensive business strategies, aligning company goals with global market opportunities to maximize profitability and expand market share. • Leading a significant restructuring of operational processes, optimizing efficiency and reducing costs while improving product quality. These efforts are resulting in increased margins and a more streamlined, profitable P&L.• Directing the expansion of SD Toys into international markets, transforming the company from a predominantly Spanish organization into a recognized global player in the collectibles industry. • Overseeing the ideation and implementation of core brand messaging, ensuring consistency and alignment with company values. Developing and launching new product lines that resonate with a global audience and drive revenue growth.• Holding P&L responsibility, ensuring financial stability and growth through effective budgeting, forecasting, and cost management strategies that are driving revenue and margin improvements.• Fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the team, empowering employees to contribute to the company's success while ensuring alignment with overall business objectives. Show less

Thrilled to join N LITE Media Corp. as a Senior Advisor, leveraging my 20+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development to support the company’s vision. I’ll be focusing on anime merchandising, collectibles, and apparel in both domestic and international markets, collaborating with C-level and executive teams in the U.S. and Japan to bring unique stories to life through a fusion of culture, animation, and innovation across diverse global markets.

With over two decades of professional experience, I bring a wealth of expertise in marketing, business development, blogging, and public speaking, coupled with an impressive portfolio as an award-winning photographer. My journey has spanned diverse arenas, from captivating audiences at renowned events like SXSW, San Diego Comic Con, Dragon*Con, and Nomadness Fest to fostering meaningful content partnerships with esteemed brands such as Hot Topic, Marvel Studios, Hobbiton Movie Set… Show more With over two decades of professional experience, I bring a wealth of expertise in marketing, business development, blogging, and public speaking, coupled with an impressive portfolio as an award-winning photographer. My journey has spanned diverse arenas, from captivating audiences at renowned events like SXSW, San Diego Comic Con, Dragon*Con, and Nomadness Fest to fostering meaningful content partnerships with esteemed brands such as Hot Topic, Marvel Studios, Hobbiton Movie Set, VisitRichmondVA, Overtone, Girls Who Travel, Rhoam Rhino, and many others.In my multifaceted career, I have dedicated 15+ years to content creation and cultivating impactful brand partnerships. My discerning eye and creative vision have not only earned me recognition as a professional photographer but have also allowed me to contribute significantly to the visual storytelling landscape. Moreover, with a decade of experience in videography, I bring a dynamic skill set that enhances my ability to craft compelling narratives and visually engaging content. My passion for travel and lifestyle is not just a profession; it's a commitment to delivering authentic, captivating stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Show less

Interim Co-CEO from 3/22 - 8/23. Here, I successfully transitioned into the role of executive leadership and provided effective leadership and direction to the organization including business development, sales, operations, marketing, and employee engagement by driving strategic planning and execution to achieve record-breaking revenue growth and profitability. I optimize workflow and transitioned downward trends into new heights of profitability by developing a new business development… Show more Interim Co-CEO from 3/22 - 8/23. Here, I successfully transitioned into the role of executive leadership and provided effective leadership and direction to the organization including business development, sales, operations, marketing, and employee engagement by driving strategic planning and execution to achieve record-breaking revenue growth and profitability. I optimize workflow and transitioned downward trends into new heights of profitability by developing a new business development function of the company. I implement strategies to optimize financial performance and develop financial reporting tools and dashboards to make data-driven decisions. • Collaborated with the executive leadership team to engage in strategic planning, market research, forecasting, and budgeting planning. This ensured alignment across the organization and facilitated the achievement of key business objectives.• Achieved P&L responsibility while implementing both turnaround and high-growth strategies. This resulted in the surpassing of monthly sales objectives and the establishment of a more efficient and effective sales process.• Spearheaded the development and improvement of sales policies and processes, including the creation of a well-defined sales cycle. • Successfully revamped the production process and pricing structures, reducing inventory while implementing sales strategies that maximized revenue generation. • Built global brand recognition to increase our customer base and drive exponential growth throughout Europe and Latin America. • Steered a turnaround of an underperforming sales department, implementing new sales strategies, improving accountability of team members, and driving performance through coaching initiatives.• Grew annual sales volume by an astonishing five times within 5 years.• Managed a $3M multi-department annual budget with excellent commercial acumen.• Received accolades as a new leader and fostered a positive, supportive work environment. Show less

Developed and maintained relationships with over 100 national and international accounts, including distributors, specialty retailers, and big-box retail chains. Utilized in-person meetings, phone calls, and email communication to communicate regularly with key clients, propelling revenue. Conducted extensive analysis of target accounts to identify and evaluate potential business opportunities. Streamlined communication between sales staff and management, increasing team morale. Implemented new… Show more Developed and maintained relationships with over 100 national and international accounts, including distributors, specialty retailers, and big-box retail chains. Utilized in-person meetings, phone calls, and email communication to communicate regularly with key clients, propelling revenue. Conducted extensive analysis of target accounts to identify and evaluate potential business opportunities. Streamlined communication between sales staff and management, increasing team morale. Implemented new processes and protocols that have been integrated across the business to enhance communication channels and improve cross-functional collaboration.• Entrusted to report results on a regular basis to the CEO and Director of Sales. Created and presented comprehensive reports that detailed sales figures and progress, effectively communicating complex data in a clear and concise manner, ensuring key stakeholders were able to make informed business decisions. Show less

• Orchestrated successful management of the company's convention show presence, with oversight of duties including floor plan layout, staff supervision, financial and inventory reporting, and strategic marketing planning.

• Established noteworthy brand awareness and increased product sell-through by spearheading impactful promotional campaigns in collaboration with prominent accounts, utilizing lifestyle social media content.• Conceptualized and directed apparel creation initiatives, working closely with manufacturers from ideation to timely order fulfillment, resulting in the creation of a new stream of revenue for the business.

In this role, I directed the activities of a team of 4 full-time directors and administrative staff, providing guidance and support to ensure their success. Conducted comprehensive data analyses of key marketing membership, fundraiser, and program demographics and trends, extracting insights to guide effective strategic decision-making. Facilitated all aspects of the human resources function, from overseeing recruitment and hiring, to developing and delivering robust training programs… Show more In this role, I directed the activities of a team of 4 full-time directors and administrative staff, providing guidance and support to ensure their success. Conducted comprehensive data analyses of key marketing membership, fundraiser, and program demographics and trends, extracting insights to guide effective strategic decision-making. Facilitated all aspects of the human resources function, from overseeing recruitment and hiring, to developing and delivering robust training programs, evaluating employee performance, and organizing training events.• Crafted and executed a strategic annual budget, skillfully allocating $150K in funds to effectively meet business objectives.• Led fundraising initiatives from the ground up, leveraging effective lead prospecting, PR and marketing strategies, and efficient volunteer and administrative management to achieve business goals.• Strategically planned, executed, and managed multiple successful promotions and advertising campaigns, skillfully navigating hurdles and demonstrating expert resource management to ensure efficient project delivery. Show less

Austin, Texas Area

• Ran a convention business with over 55 team members, 150+ volunteers and successfully executed a minimum of two conventions per year. • Implemented all sales strategies required to produce a business model that could be replicated to other markets and areas of interest, including creating all sales business plans and financial budgets. Within first operating event, turned a company operating in the red into a profit-producing business.• Negotiated all required deals with external… Show more • Ran a convention business with over 55 team members, 150+ volunteers and successfully executed a minimum of two conventions per year. • Implemented all sales strategies required to produce a business model that could be replicated to other markets and areas of interest, including creating all sales business plans and financial budgets. Within first operating event, turned a company operating in the red into a profit-producing business.• Negotiated all required deals with external partners, including financial, hospitality, retailer, and f&b. Extensive background in Food & Beverage, in terms of ad sales, strategy, marketing, and day-to-day operations.• Developed and implemented all branding initiatives including website design and information architecture, print materials, social media strategies, as well as traditional media marketing. Show less

Austin, Texas Area