Michael Gerardi Email & Phone Number

Schaumburg, Il, Us

Agency Leadership:Secured and managed new digital marketing business through strategic alliance partner Launch Digital Marketing. Services included website development, SEO, SEM, display advertising, paid social, re-targeting, and e-mail marketing.Managing multiple account coordinators, several are now agency leaders. Mentoring new account managers.Grew key B2C accounts from 5% to 35% of billings; increased profit margin over 200%Built and managed B2B division.Account Leadership: Wireless Division Record Growth:Grew business from 2 accounts / 40 locations / 2 states to 15 accounts / 220+ locations / 14 states fueling massive agency growth in revenue, profits, and national prestige. Directed Authorized Agents for U.S. Cellular, Cingular / AT&T, T-Mobile, and authorized agents for Sprint and Verizon.Awarded Certified Authorized Advertising Agency Designation for U.S. Cellular Account Leadership: Account Management:Directed Arlington International Racecourse account (seven seasons) including media and marketing plan development and management. Directed Garrett Popcorn Shops account starting in 2005. Developed logo, point of sale materials, website design, outdoor campaigns, and promotional videos Directed Cole Taylor Bank, Parkway Bank, and Evergreen Bank Group accounts helping banks gain share and thrive.Directed Ditka’s Restaurants account including new ad campaign that produced record growth, high profile partnerships, and successful openings of new locations in Chicago and PittsburghDirected Better Business Bureau – Chicago account; launched rebranding campaign focused on driving traffic to the web site resulting in unified brand messaging across all media platforms, record total asset growth, and total web page views.Directed many B2B accounts; all leaders in their respective industries. Developed marketing plans, negotiated trade media, developed email blasts and newsletters as well as website development and maintenance.

Greater Chicago Area, Il, Us

Enhanced agency value for key accounts resulting in increased billings and marginSecured and managed strategic alliances enabling agency to provide enhanced services resulting in a three-fold increase in gross profitDeveloped and managed cross promotions for CPG accounts enabling clients to secure preferred pricing and positioning at grocery resulting in record sales and expansion of agency’s CPG portfolio Managed P&G account directing baby care category management (Pampers) and multiple shopper marketing initiatives (Olay and Pampers) in Jewel-Osco systemwide resulting in record salesManaged BMG Entertainment, Farmland Foods, Krakus Foods, and Carando Classic Italian Meats accounts; team member for PepsiAmericas and Connie's Pizza accountsDeveloped and managed annual sales promotions and consumer sweepstakes for Farmland FoodsDeveloped and managed weekly two-minute live segment for Farmland Foods for Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) Pre-Game Show (NBC) featuring tailgaters grilling Farmland products at Arrowhead StadiumDeveloped and managed annual national Farmland Foods - John Deere Sweepstakes resulting in 100% grocer participation in product and riding mower displays; secured record salesDirected focus groups for key accounts resulting in confirmation of strategy and effective creative

Denver, Colorado, Us

Developed and managed marketing plan, promotions, and special events for Blockbuster Music in the Midwest Zone (120 stores in 11 states) in support of new music and video releasesLeveraged media buy and music label incentives to secure over $5M in added-value from radio stationsSecured and managed nearly $1M in incremental co-op advertising funds for new music and video releases and sponsorship of local, regional, and national concerts and festivals including SXSWDirected and supported over 100 artist in-store performances, meet and greets, and CD signings including developing marketing, advertising, and public relations campaignsNegotiated and managed annual sponsorship of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (1996-97) achieving record music label co-op participation and on-site sales of $1MManaged advertising agencies (FCB Chicago, now DRAFTFCB) to achieve regional marketing goals

Chicago, Il, Us

Developed and managed marketing plan in Midwest and Southeast Zones and Canada (Toronto): 123 health clubs in 14 states plus two Canadian locations Developed and directed marketing and media plans for over 30 grand openings and grand re-openings in U.S and Canada resulting in new clubs being fully funded before opening daySignificantly increased club traffic (phone calls, walk-ins, and guests) through promotions and sponsorships maximizing awareness and sales for each locationManaged marketing partnership with Reebok including the nationwide introduction of new Reebok products and programs through Bally clubs systemwideManaged advertising agency (Hal Riney & Partners, now Riney) and media buying agency (Western Media) to achieve regional marketing goalsNegotiated and managed high-profile sponsorships and cross promotions including: Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Taste of Chicago, Nutcracker on Ice Professional Figure Skating Tour, and U.S. Summer Olympics Festival.

Set new member and retention drive records. Partnered with top brands including Wilson Sporting Goods, Reebok, and leading names in women’s athletic apparel to achieve record pro shop sales.

Managed development of consumer and trade communications with in-house agency and agency of record for B2C and B2B print campaigns and product brochures.Brand Manager for private-label hearing aid battery line (Rayovac). Developed sales forecast, package design, and sales incentive programs. National Trade Show ManagerNewsletter editor with nationwide distribution of 5000+.