Merlin U Ward Email & Phone Number

Phoenix, Az, Us

New York, New York, United States

At Sparks & Honey, I was the principal strategist of cultural systems, cultural analytics, creative direction, global client relations, and overall improvements to performance, revenues, and digital reach. • Introduced the one-hour Daily Work Session to transform the session from internal to external marketing, resulting in 1.8K+ hours of content across key social platforms. • Facilitated 800 Daily Culture Briefings and a live-stream demonstration of the company’s proprietary system. Achieved rich accolades and recognition as the Holding Company of the Year by MediaPost in 2019. • Retained $20M+ in business via publication of engaging C-Level keynote speeches.• Accelerated social media engagement by 250% through innovative integration of strategic social media communications and action plans. • Led, developed, and empowered 40+ cross-functional personnel. • Propelled cultural insights tracking by 125% resulting in $14M+ in revenues. Applied strategies from 150+ Subject Matter Experts in the Global Scout Network. • Quantified 152 culture elements by revitalizing the core system. Utilized global trend analysis in conjunction with the Data Science department.• Engaged cross-functional teams and managed communications in the development of proprietary enterprise software (SaaS), Q™.

Greater New York City Area

• Translates sparks & honey intelligence into actionable insights for clients through regular reports and ad hoc communication• Develops and delivers insights, both internally and externally, that drive brand strategy and innovation• Utilizes various data-monitoring platforms including set-up, keyword and query optimization; performs natural language and pattern analysis • Maintains subject matter expertise on the evolving cultural, social and digital media landscape.• Co-leads Culture Briefings• Liaises regularly with account teams to anticipate client needs and spearhead efforts to deliver added value to existing clients• Assists in identifying, pitching and closing new business opportunities

New York

Developed and taught a curriculum for the Digital Analytics online and in-class courses.

New York, New York, United States

At Renegade, I was a proactive leader of brand and account management, digital analytics, reporting, client relations management, and growth positioning. I was also the primary strategist for major client, the Empire State Building. I established the Digital Analytics Department from scratch, that ultimately drove all of the client account functions. • Maximized a $2M client portfolio through weekly accountability and reporting. • Supervised, equipped, and coached 5+ cross-functional staff. • Bolstered client retention by 150% leveraging analytics innovation and reporting. • Recipient of the Shorty Award for campaign collaboration with the NCAA and Leo Burnett to execute target strategies of the social media campaign. • Slashed costs by 25% via expert negotiations with tool stack suppliers and vendors

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

In this position, I pioneered a marketing and media firm that effectively translated client needs into tangible strategies. I overcame broad business challenges and specialized in integrated marketing campaigns, SEO management, and video production. • Conceptualized and integrated the business systems for account management and sales. Established frameworks, processes, and best practices. • Prepared pitches and presentations that won 82% of new business clients. • Catapulted social media engagement by an average of 230% for clients. • Generated and maintained $5M+ in revenues through strategic marketing, SEO/SEM and communications action plans.

•Consultant and currently serve as Board Member & Conference Chairman in 2011• Managed the creation & distribution of marketing content and marketing materials• Raised $80,000 for OTEF programs to teach disadvantaged population entrepreneurial skills

•Consultant and served as Chairman of the Marketing Committee until 2012• Developed marketing strategies and digital marketing channels based on member needs• Directed the rebranding of the association under new leadership

• Started network for entrepreneurs and small business owners offering business resources• Grew membership to 2000 in first year and 3500 in second year through comprehensive marketing• Managed CRM software for marketing and newsletters• Created the CLUB E SHOP in the Arizona Junior Achievement “Biz Town.”

• Founder of luxury transportation service designed to decrease DUI arrests• Developed brand and created strategic marketing plan• Oversaw implementation of marketing• Managed online content distribution, social media community & membership

Bachelor Of Science - Bs

Education record