Ryan Katz Email and Phone Number

As the Director of Business Development at Ideas Collide, a full-service marketing agency, I spearhead an array of growth-centric initiatives that have propelled us into a league of distinguished industry leaders. My role is instrumental in crafting and executing visionary strategies that have expanded our client base across multiple verticals, leading to a remarkable revenue increase year-over-year. I foster symbiotic partnerships with key stakeholders, navigating complex contract negotiations to ensure win-win outcomes. Beyond conventional growth channels, I've been pivotal in leveraging data-driven insights to fine-tune our sales funnel and optimize client ROI. My holistic approach synergizes cross-departmental talents from creative production to marketing analytics, embodying the agency's commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions. My leadership extends to advocacy and thought leadership, as I frequently represent the agency at industry events, amplifying our brand's influence and reach. Under my direction, Ideas Collide has not only achieved but surpassed its business objectives, firmly establishing itself as a go-to marketing partner for businesses seeking to disrupt markets and captivate audiences.

My responsibilities spanned from executing well-crafted sales strategies to identifying untapped business opportunities in collaboration with the leadership team. I was the driving force behind sales pitches and client presentations, effectively translating Ideas Collide’s value propositions into compelling narratives.Managing a robust sales pipeline, I consistently tracked our progress against ambitious sales goals. My hands-on coaching and professional development programs for the sales team were catalysts for elevated performance and higher morale. I was actively engaged in marketing strategy formulation and resource creation, from client proposals to sales materials and portfolio showcases. Always attuned to industry trends and best practices, I also provided creative leadership for Botco.ai, our agency's sister company.During this time, I took a strategic pivot to focus exclusively on sales, a transition I managed with minimal disruption. Overseeing a pipeline of 88 leads, I delivered a close-win rate of 26% and generated significant revenue. I also orchestrated our presence at over ten industry tradeshows in Phoenix and Portland, capturing multiple accolades, including a "Golden Atom" award. Integral to the firm’s operational evolution, I laid down the framework for our sales processes, integrated cutting-edge tools and technology, and was a critical participant in hiring top-tier creative talent.

My freelance assignments encompass a large assortment of creative services. Primarily, my work has focused on providing clients with brand identity development and strategy for new and existing organizations. Additional services include event marketing and live event production support for conferences, galas, and award ceremonies; facilitating creative production, strategic direction, and project management of advertisements; and smaller-scale work including graphic design, web design, videography, video editing, and motion graphics.Clients: Arizona State Fair (2015-2016 seasons), LGO Hospitality, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, John Little for Scottsdale 2020, Ideas Collide, and Happily Ever After League.

As the Marketing Director, I led all marketing initiatives and managed internal teams and external agencies for advertising, creative, web, and PR. I ideated and executed integrated marketing campaigns for grand openings, special events, and seasonal specials. Additionally, I directed all photo and video shoots from conception to completion, including writing scripts, scouting locations, procuring props and supplies, scheduling production teams, and coordinating editing and production.I was able to increase social media follower count by 40% in the first six months by building and implementing a robust social media strategy, including introducing a content calendar and producing elevated visual content. I also contributed to an increase in Cinco de Mayo sales of, on average, 148% across all locations through effective project management of creative, marketing, and operations for the large-scale holiday event.In addition to these accomplishments, I established a modern and effective brand identity for a new culinary concept by leading brand research efforts and implementing enterprise-wide workshops and brainstorms with key stakeholders. Finally, I built and implemented a new project management system for the organization, which increased workflow and effective communication across multidisciplinary teams.

As the former marketing and brand development overseer, I collaborated with multidisciplinary subject matter experts in various scientific, event, and educational industries to develop all marketing and brand creative. I acted as the primary decision-maker for conceptual content of interior and exterior onsite signage, wayfinding, advertising, seasonal promotions, events, and exhibits. To augment the creative capacity of our team, I consulted and managed external agencies for multichannel creative production, including video and web development. I led and managed all creative projects from briefing through production, leading brainstorming sessions, and providing feedback.To improve our existing process, I implemented a modern, user-friendly asset management system for onsite digital signage with over 30 monitors in a four-level building with a minimal budget. I also built and executed a project management process to increase project efficiency and productivity throughout all levels of the organization. When COVID-19 necessitated a complete pivot in the organization's purpose and service offerings, I established the site structure, user experience, and page layouts for content on an online learning platform and a website for educators, parents, and students with over 200 pieces of content in less than two weeks.

I was the organization's lead creative and brand manager, providing art direction and maintaining brand standards on multimedia creative production to internal and external stakeholders, including supporting marketing managers, designers, and creative producers in over 40 affiliate offices worldwide. I ensured clarity, professionalism, high quality, consistent style, and adherence to brand standards in all Make-A-Wish materials. I managed and supported the rollout of the 2018 Make-A-Wish global rebrand to the international affiliates by training and mentoring nine affiliate “brand champions.” To support international programs across various applications and audiences, I developed creative strategies and marketing objectives across multiple mediums, including design, video, and multimedia production. I led the creative ideation, technical production, strategy, and project management for three years of our premier, annual international conference.To increase efficiency and advance the organization, I identified areas for process improvements and implemented state-of-the-art solutions. I provided accessibility and methods to monitor global media use by developing, organizing, and implementing a custom digital asset management library for design and photographic assets accessible to all international staff.Recognizing streaming as an innovative opportunity to fundraise, I created and led the Stream [FTW] (“For The Wishes”) video game fundraising program and all corresponding digital marketing, content, and activation materials. I acquired, onboarded, and activated over 105 streamers and influencers, raising over $112,000 for Make-A-Wish International in the program's first nine months.

I planned, analyzed, and created visual communication solutions to marketing and communication challenges while adhering to strict brand guidelines. I was responsible for the creation and production of all creative projects, including designing graphics and layouts for emails, newsletters, digital and outdoor advertising, presentations, business cards, mobile apps, social media, ticketing, and websites on the Wordpress CMS platform. I was the primary photographer of architectural projects, corporate events, and the McDowell Mountain Music Festival.

I was the leader of all creative projects for the Arizona State Fair and interim events. I designed and directed strategically-focused, creative, and dynamic departmental projects encompassing a variety of print and electronic advertising materials in a deadline-conscious environment. Serving as the brand gatekeeper, I created style guides, enforced brand guidelines, and ensured consistency by establishing templates across all mediums. I managed all seasonal designers, photographers, print and digital vendors, and video editors. In support of all activities taking place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, I designed and coordinated production for all marketing collateral including brochures, logos, social media, web and email graphics, large-scale print and digital signage, promotional items, and internal communications, including all components of the Fair’s $1 million media buy. To improve the Fair’s guest experience and enhance onsite marketing opportunities, I developed, staffed, and managed the Information Booth program, comprised of over 30 seasonal employees. This improved guest awareness of Fair activities by over 63 percent in the first year.

Utilized CRM data to locate and photograph homes for housing policy renewals. Documented, organized and updated CRM data of homes’ renewal eligibility variables.