James Kolstad Email & Phone Number

Lake Strategic Marketing is a full service agency with a media focus and deep expertise in the areas of media planning and implementation, brand building and creative design. Director of new business development; managed, and executed strategy and marketing plans for 25+ clients looking to penetrate the lucrative $80B+ active outdoor lifestyle. Hunting/fishing marketing through strategic planning, competitive analysis, product concepts, packaging, pricing, advertising, collateral, promotions, trade shows and communications Coached, directed and led staff responsible for strategy, creative, print and production, broadcast production, promotions, digital marketing, pro staff relationships, communications, direct marketing/customer relationship marketing, environmental design and new product launches.•Tripled business for multiple clients by effectively managing new product and program introductions•Generated rapid growth agency through research, development and marketing strategy•Contributed to increased client product distribution by delivering effective sales presentations and marketing strategy that focused on building consumer demand•Produced an increase in product awareness and increase in product exposure through development of new packaging, collateral, and sales materials that improved reach to B2B and B2C audience•Achieved 150% increase in client advertising exposure by negotiating rates and placements•Increased consumer awareness by 120%+ through development of targeted category messaging and dealer direct response program•Delivered free television, digital and print publicity by developing and establishing partnership promotions with strategic product alliances•Fueled sales through “pro-staff” partnerships directed to grow and educate market, and expand distribution•Saved man hours per year and cut expenses by streamlining and simplifying vetting process

Responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, training, and managing all marketing functions to achieve the company objective of sales, growth, profits, and visibility while ensuring a consistent marketing message and positioning on a worldwide basis consistent with corporate direction. •2016 Marketing media planning/strategy plans/strategies for all 22 FeraDyne brands•2016 Lead planning/development/execution of Comprehensive Marketing budget for all FeraDyne brands•Provide direction, analytics and data for 2016 media plan•2016 Marketing line review materials for all major customers (BIG BOX and independent retailers)•2016 ATA and selling group show preparation and execution•Develop innovative new product launch plans for new 2016 products.•Development of independent rep selling materials for 2016 sell in.• Completed execution of new designs packaging for 29 new 2016 products•Participation in FeraDyne agency selection•Direct and execution of all other marketing activities requested by management•Develop and build KPI’s that all future marketing will be measured upon•In-Depth Analysis of pro-staff utilization, determine base line minimal performance requirements

St. Paul, Mn, Us

Experienced Senior Account Executive who revels in finding solutions for clients which results in stronger, more profitable relationships for the agency. Adept at business development by nurturing bonds with prospective clients and participating in successful pitches which lead to high level, national accounts. Maintains professional presence and outstanding presentation skills with a strong desire for action. Excellent communicator, negotiator, team player, and skilled at multi-tasking in a rapidly changing, fast paced environment. •Produced 210% increase in sales with effective managing, mentoring and monitoring staff teams•Pioneered company’s entry into E-commerce by leading formation of E-based capabilities, selling strategy, profitability, project management, accountability and alignment with client goals and objectives•Introduced and delivered robust client E-commerce strategies capabilities including websites, e-commerce sales, e-offers, e-targeting, e-ordering, customer acquisition strategy including pay-per-click, SEO, SEM and email campaigns. Manage the Social function to optimize the way brands engage and interact with customers•Generated new business by spearheading sales delivering effective sales presentations and pitching clients with targeted marketing proposals•Two consecutive years was the number one billable hour ranked Staff out 84•Accelerated client growth by building and managing marketing teams, formulating strategic marketing plans, identifying new target segments and providing stewardship.•Reduced internal costs, increased efficiencies by restructuring staffing, redirecting resources, assigning accountability and directing responsibilities

Crafted market-focused graphic content for diverse clients. Optiwin, Tanner Windows, Peak Building Products•Developed brand-expansion themes for clients seeking to expand their position in the outdoor Sportsman market. Clients included Under Armour, W.L. Gore, and Wear Guard•Updated artistic and creative content for local small businesses including Middleburg Thoroughbred Training Center and Sadie’s Gourmet Deli and Café•Designed 3D environments and thematic multi-dimensional communications

•Branding and identity design of GanderMTN catalog and interactive communications•Oversee quality assurance for printed materials, specifically catalog pages and interactive communications•Supervision and management of the design team•Supervision and personal involvement in the layout, design and image processing•Production scheduling and deadline adherence•Recruitment and maintenance of department personnel

Madison, Virginia, Us

Sidney, Nebraska, Us

Primary creative and production responsibility for the presentation of outwear products across all Cabela’s sales channels. Lead 17-person staff including 5 direct reports to develop catalog, retail and wholesale communications for Multi-channel retailer. Worked across organizational boundaries to deliver a focused, consistent, on-budget marketing, message, leveraging input from supplier teams and internal business teams. Results included a 31% increase in product line sales following roll-out of my first major catalog revision. Worked with President of Merchandising to develop creative content supporting Cabela’s house brand. Composed original brand messages to enhance the brand’s traditional discount focus with performance and style messages. Analyzed competitive brands at retail, web, and catalog outlets to build a unique Cabela’s image.•Awarded Cabela’s Corporate Art Director of the Year in 2003, 2004, and 2005

Participated in startup catalog business for the luxury home and gift market focusing on original artists with literal or aesthetic connections to the Lake Superior region. Provided creative vision across all business areas: procurement, logos/iconography, photography, catalog design, and production. Built and directed a multidisciplinary creative team comprised of art directors, designers, information architects, and copywriters.•Participated fully in the core business management and development activities:• Developed supplier relationships and negotiated terms of supply agreements.• Performed market analysis and market development using paid studies, mailing lists, catalog performance metrics, and design/publication of print advertising.• Developed and monitored logistics and customer service systems.• Secured investors and partners including partnerships with local businesses and agencies.