Kari Simpson Email & Phone Number

Irvine, Ca, Us

Irvine, California, United States

Managed some of the world’s top brands regionally in the western United States. • Made headquarter sales calls and built relationships with key decision makers at distributor, UNFI, and Southern California UNFI retailers.• Worked closely with Regional Managers to build promotional planners and execute plans to increase sales and distribution for brands.• Managed major sales programs and strategic planning initiatives to ensure all sales targets are met and exceeded.• Implemented… Show more Managed some of the world’s top brands regionally in the western United States. • Made headquarter sales calls and built relationships with key decision makers at distributor, UNFI, and Southern California UNFI retailers.• Worked closely with Regional Managers to build promotional planners and execute plans to increase sales and distribution for brands.• Managed major sales programs and strategic planning initiatives to ensure all sales targets are met and exceeded.• Implemented marketing strategies, analyzed data (Nielsen, IRI) and results to achieve clients’ goals. Show less

Irvine, California, United States

Co-Founded the start-up brand, Sweet Escape. Sweet Escape is a low carb/low sugar, non-chocolate candy brand answering the massive consumer demand for great tasting better-for-you candy. We are using a novel combination of ingredients and protected proprietary processes to set the new standard for taste and texture in better-for-you candy while building a protective moat around the business. • Oversaw R&D process to formulate extremely difficult recipe allowing for low-carb, low-sugar… Show more Co-Founded the start-up brand, Sweet Escape. Sweet Escape is a low carb/low sugar, non-chocolate candy brand answering the massive consumer demand for great tasting better-for-you candy. We are using a novel combination of ingredients and protected proprietary processes to set the new standard for taste and texture in better-for-you candy while building a protective moat around the business. • Oversaw R&D process to formulate extremely difficult recipe allowing for low-carb, low-sugar gummy candy which actually tastes and chews like known legacy candies on the market.• Designed & created logo and branding for Sweet Escape.• Created pitch deck for investors.• Created marketing plan for Sweet Escape. Show less

Carlsbad, California, United States

Consulting and strategic advisor to Designer Protein who acquired SmashPack in 2021. Focused on integrating SmashPack within Designer Protein, soon to be Designer Wellness.

Irvine, California

Co-founded, led and grew a startup CPG brand from zero to several million dollars in revenue. SmashPack was acquired in 2021 by Designer Protein. • Developed and launched the first shelf stable protein Fruit Smoothie and Protein Pudding squeeze pouches on the market without any prior CPG experience.• Developed and executed the omnichannel marketing strategy and managed social media, brand ambassadors, affiliate marketing, and online/digital marketing.• Created and presented… Show more Co-founded, led and grew a startup CPG brand from zero to several million dollars in revenue. SmashPack was acquired in 2021 by Designer Protein. • Developed and launched the first shelf stable protein Fruit Smoothie and Protein Pudding squeeze pouches on the market without any prior CPG experience.• Developed and executed the omnichannel marketing strategy and managed social media, brand ambassadors, affiliate marketing, and online/digital marketing.• Created and presented effective sales PowerPoint presentations to retail buyers.• Oversaw and directed the creation of company logo, rebrand, and package design (all packaging from pouch to shelf display box to inner cases to shipping boxes) to cement cohesive brand identity and support company direction.• Co-led growth initiatives to scale the company into a national brand partnering with Target, Sprouts, Costco, and Amazon in addition to natural grocers like Wegmans, HEB, and Raley’s to name a few. ð Successful contract negotiations led to $750K in annual revenue with Amazon and national distribution in all 1,900 Target stores in the 2nd year of business, capturing $1.2M in new revenue in the 1st year of launch. ð Drove revenue growth of 100% YOY with a 59% gross margin.• Positioned brand with professional and collegiate athletic teams and US Olympic teams, expanding the brand’s industry reach. • Initiated and grew alternative retail/ non-traditional account relationships, i.e., CrossFit gyms, Gyms, professional and collegiate athletic teams, etc.• Managed over 10 strategic partner teams to scale the brand.• Successfully raised growth capital from strategic investors. Show less

Anaheim, Ca

Initially I was hired as the Southwest Business Development Manager where I managed hundreds of accounts in 6 states and grew sales in my territory by securing accounts with the military, online agencies, and universities. In 2010 I was promoted to U.S. National Sales Manager where I managed a team of 15 outside sales managers across the country. During my time at Contiki I designed, created and gave hundreds of presentations and webinars, exhibited at hundreds of trade shows and other… Show more Initially I was hired as the Southwest Business Development Manager where I managed hundreds of accounts in 6 states and grew sales in my territory by securing accounts with the military, online agencies, and universities. In 2010 I was promoted to U.S. National Sales Manager where I managed a team of 15 outside sales managers across the country. During my time at Contiki I designed, created and gave hundreds of presentations and webinars, exhibited at hundreds of trade shows and other various exhibiting opportunities, and successfully found low cost marketing opportunities in social media as well as on college campuses (presentations, class speaking engagements, exhibiting, gorilla marketing, etc.). I worked directly with our consortiums and Sales and Marketing executives at major national travel agencies including AAA, Liberty Travel, AffordableTours.com, Vacations To Go, and STA Travel to manage and execute their sales and marketing plans with Contiki. Show less

Anaheim, Ca

• Managed new and existing sales relationships with key travel agencies by increasing levels of business for Contiki Holidays in 6 states (the Southwest region).• Prospected for suitable partnerships/alliances for business development. • Participated in travel industry events, trade shows, conferences, and consumer events on a local and national level.• Created new business/selling tools to share with sales team along with ultilizing a customer relationship management software.•… Show more • Managed new and existing sales relationships with key travel agencies by increasing levels of business for Contiki Holidays in 6 states (the Southwest region).• Prospected for suitable partnerships/alliances for business development. • Participated in travel industry events, trade shows, conferences, and consumer events on a local and national level.• Created new business/selling tools to share with sales team along with ultilizing a customer relationship management software.• Established and maintained relationships with home-based to brick-and-mortar to internet agents, managers, and owners.• Implemented sales strategies and budgetary management disciplines.• Managed 6 Field Marketing Interns a year in several states. Show less

Wilmette, Il

• Directly supported the Publications Director, Catering and Special Events Director, as well as the COO, Controller and Golf Shop at an exclusive North Shore private country club with a member base of 600 people.• Daily created and maintained web pages for the club’s website by updating & uploading the home page, daily events, calendar of events, and member directory.• Created, edited and published several books such as the member annual golf book, which is a 100 page informational… Show more • Directly supported the Publications Director, Catering and Special Events Director, as well as the COO, Controller and Golf Shop at an exclusive North Shore private country club with a member base of 600 people.• Daily created and maintained web pages for the club’s website by updating & uploading the home page, daily events, calendar of events, and member directory.• Created, edited and published several books such as the member annual golf book, which is a 100 page informational guide book possessing all of the rules, lesson information, events, etc., co-edited the club annual Yearbook, which is a 300+ page directory of all yearly events, club by-laws, committees, and membership information, created and co-edited employee newsletter and much more.• Assisted the Catering Department by designing and printing customized menus, invitations, place cards, booklets, etc. by working one on one with members, created event function sheets for the distribution to all departments, obtained updates from executive chef on menu selections, and worked with members, when necessary, to book their events.• Appointed to the Employee Roundtable where I organized monthly employee events by researching and booking tickets, banquet space and transportation logistics for 75+ people.• Selected by General Manager and Publications/ Marketing Director to book high-profile, celebrity chef for the Association of the Club Managers of America trade show where I negotiated fee for $5,000 under asking price. Show less

Ny, Ny & Los Angeles, Ca

• Co-Starring roles in the films, “Super Model” and “Strange as Angels”, Guest Star on television’s “The Young and the Restless”, member of sketch comedy troupe Bitches Funny, etc. • Trained at top schools: o UC Irvine is ranked in the top 10 for their Fine Arts department. o HB Studios with Uta Hagen is the premiere theatre workshop school in New York City.o The Groundlings Theatre is responsible for Saturday Night Live and Mad TV casts as well as many other top… Show more • Co-Starring roles in the films, “Super Model” and “Strange as Angels”, Guest Star on television’s “The Young and the Restless”, member of sketch comedy troupe Bitches Funny, etc. • Trained at top schools: o UC Irvine is ranked in the top 10 for their Fine Arts department. o HB Studios with Uta Hagen is the premiere theatre workshop school in New York City.o The Groundlings Theatre is responsible for Saturday Night Live and Mad TV casts as well as many other top actors.• Consistently enrolled in various types of classes to challenge myself as well as further my studies as a performer.• Majority of the jobs booked were through my hard work and efforts and not by the work of my agent and/ or manager. Show less

Los Angeles, Ca

• Responsible for all publicity of shows, programs, booking of theaters as well as administrative duties. • Due to my efforts, Bitches Funny performed at the top comedy clubs in Los Angeles and was seen by in-demand casting directors.• Created and demonstrated new and dynamic games for the purpose of teaching improvisation.• Wrote and co-wrote scenes for every performance- which were received by thunderous laughter.

Bachelor'S Degree, Drama, Emphasis In Musical Theater

Activities and Societies: •Gamma Phi Beta sorority •Dean's List, UC Irvine •New York City Satellite Theater program

Improv And Sketch Comedy