Meagan Gates Email & Phone Number

Austin, Tx, Us

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas Area

As Brand Manager, I lead strategic brand initiatives that drive brand performance including new product development, agency relations, and consumer research. I manage cross-functional teams to deliver the long and short-term vision for dish & household cleaning marketing plans that deliver on the company’s growth agenda.

Austin, Texas Area

Accellerated the growth of key brands (Arm & Hammer, Blistex, Yes To, Vitafusion, First Response, and many more) across the drug, dollar, and beauty channels.

San Francisco Bay Area

As a Senior Manager of Customer Strategy & Development I align Big Heart Pet Brands & Target Corporation's strategies to uncover and execute Joint Business Partnership initiatives. I work between my field sales team in Minneapolis and our San Francisco HQ’s Brand, Category, Insights, and Finance Teams to: increase distribution by presenting new item innovation launches, executing consumer marketing & brand strategies, and optimizing the Go-to-Market process of iconic pet food & snacks brands like Milk Bone, Pup-Peroni, Milo’s Kitchen, Meow Mix, and Kibbles 'n Bits. My leadership and effective cross-functional collaboration has enabled our team to deploy customization and seasonal differentiation tactics that satisfy Target’s Guest’s need to “Expect More” while also effectively managing trade spend to deliver on the “Pay Less” proposition. Big Heart Pet Brands has a clear purpose to nurture the bond between pets and the people who love them. It is a $2+ billion company with beloved brands and one of the largest standalone pet food companies in the U.S. Through brand extension and product innovation, Big Heart Pet Brands is addressing trends toward specialization and humanization of pet food as well as the popularity of pet treats. Big Heart Pet Brands is a Private Company owned by VC firms: KKR, Centerpoint Partners & Vestar Capital

San Antonio, Texas Area

As a Business Manager I work closely with an H-E-B Category & Procurement Manager to identify private label growth opportunities. By collaborating with a network of talented suppliers, I am able to unite their capabilities with the buyer's needs to generate incremental sales. Currently, I manage over $50M+ in private label sales and oversee the progress of 20+ product development projects.

San Antonio, Texas Area

At H-E-B I investigated CPG shopper marketing objectives and united those with HEB’s to prioritize a multi-channel and highly targeted marketing plan. I uncovered profitable initiatives for shopper & multi-cultural marketing funds to create impactful loyalty campaigns. I also proposed future capabilities and growth opportunities for the Strategy & Loyalty department to pursue.

Austin, Texas Area

President of Marketing Fellows, McCombs’ Center for Customer Insight and Marketing Solutions, an elite group of marketing students committed to pursuing leadership in marketing. Class of 2012 planned the first annual McCombs Marketing Conference and the spearheaded the “McCombs Brand Experience” program where MBA students manage brands with actual results responsibility. Pilot program with Yoo-hoo, a $100 million Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) brand MBA Teacher's Assistant for Brand Managment CourseElected by cohort as Community Service Section Leader on the Graduate Business CouncilBazaarvoice Project Consultant Team Lead: Identified high potential customers and developed a strategy for Bazaarvoice to enter the travel industry. Research included sizing market segments, competitive analysis, and potential client interviews

Plano, Texas

While interning at Dr Pepper Snapple Group I created a launch strategy for an innovative product that was to be tested in three markets. The strategy consisted of both in-store and out of store sampling plans, couponing initiatives, merchandising, and working with agencies to create creative pieces for the campaign.

Dallas, Tx

Spearfish helps companies discover consumer-inspired ideas for marketing strategy, new product development, branding and positioning.I manage the sales and marketing efforts, getting the word out about Spearfish and how we “Study Humans in the Wild!” We take a totally fresh approach to consumer insights – with each assignment we observe and talk to consumers on their turf – where they are in the process of making purchasing decisions which ultimately shape our clients' bottom lines.I’ve had the fortune to work closely with the President to add value on research initiatives by refining methodologies, competitive analyses and data configuration, and providing input on proposal development. While at Spearfish, I’ve been able to develop a lead generation database by initiating and maintaining relationships with and promoting consumer insights services to prospective clients. So far I have secured projects with Baylor Healthcare Systems, PepsiCo Foodservice, and Overhead Door.

While at Pulte Homes I had the unique opportunity to train with a different cross-functional team every 12 months. I had the fortune of gaining a foundation of knowledge in customer service (2006), purchasing (2007), marketing research (2008), and sales (2009). It was a great time to learn firsthand the ins and outs of the cyclical housing industry, not to mention the chance to learn from ethical business professionals during a difficult period.A few of the highlights for me were: managing ‘Homeowner Delight’ by being fanatical about customer service; carrying out competitive analysis on land acquisition opportunities; spearheaded referral program for homeowner additions and upgrades (↑post-close sales 62%); awarded the Peak Performance Award Q408 for #1 community in customer service; drove direct mail campaign from inception to completion ($2 million in sales in Q1); executed online marketing campaigns and Email Blasts (↑click through rate by 52%); conducting consumer research which led to renovating selection process and reducing purchasing efforts.

It was at On Your Mark that I discovered my passion for marketing research and importance of the consumer’s voice. As the group’s intern, I became skilled in the “art” of facilitating online panels and summarizing qualitative reports. I worked with remarkable women who are passionate about what they do - understanding how women think, work, and shop.

Strategic Marketing, Mba

Activities and Societies: Marketing Fellows President, Graduate Business Council - Community Service Representative for Cohort 3, Member.

Bba, Business Administration

Activities and Societies: Academics Director of the Undergraduate Business Council, UT Admissions Orientation Advisor, Career Exploration.