Nancy Michael Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago

Recruited by MMPI to realign the marketing strategy for the gift division, strengthen tenant and exhibitor relationships, increase buyer attendance and everyday traffic and build The Chicago Market brand to the gift and home trade. Managed all marketing disciplines.Shifted the overall marketing campaign to provide a visual presentation representing the wholesale product resources available everyday and during regional trade show event.Created tenant community to advocate, listen and react to ideas and issues. Advocated and listened to tenant issues

Recruited by Merchandise Mart to manage and produce wholesale trade show for the gift and home industry, strengthentenant relationships and build revenue in a distressed market place. Effectively managed advertising, branding, direct mail, e-marketing, public relations, website development, social media and all creative direction related to show experience andbranding.• Managed $3 million program budget, reducing expenses while increasing revenue• Created and staffed a buyer relations program to develop strategic outreach plan, resulted in 2500new attending buyers• Increased buying power by $2.5 million with an 80% conversion rate from prospect to attendee• Negotiated new vendor contracts resulting in annual savings of $270,000• Oversaw Advisory Board comprised of tenants and temporary exhibitors• Built relationships with industry partners strengthening the Chicago Market brand, while increasingattendance and buyer activity

Chicago

Created and was responsible for the marketing department for a significant brand in the wholesale gift and home industry.Worked closely with National Sales Manager to provide all company communication and sales collateral to 110 independent manufacture reps nationally and abroad and thousands of retail partners.Produced and managed all national sales meetings and events.Designed, launched and managed company website site and e-marketing strategy.Designed and branded customer CRM portal.Cultivated strong relationships with industry partners, sales force and retail clients.Managed all responsibilities concerning the go to market strategy for all trade shows and corporate showrooms including consistent visual message and vertical branding through advertising, promotional materials and experience.Laughed, empowered others, collaborated and achieved results.

Responsible for all marketing activity for one of the most significant brands in the gift and home industry. Collaborated withCEO, Founder and Senior Executive to implement new business strategies and tactics resulting in significant company growth.• Launched a marketing department and all related activities that helped fuel revenue growth from$20-$50 million over a three year period• Responsible for all sales communications and materials in support of 110 national sales professionalsproducing $50 million in revenue• Oversaw six direct reports including Corporate Showroom Manager, Visual Merchandiser, GraphicDesigner and Marketing Coordinator• Maintained vertical brand strategy between visual showroom presentations, advertising concepts,sales campaigns and promotions while effectively managing budgeted expenses• Managed twenty four trade shows, a primary component of the go to market strategy• Conducted all showroom lease negotiations, and responsible for all visual presentation• Reduced sales and marketing T&E expenses by 10-20% annually by re-working show staffing andrelated costs• Assisted in acquisition of a $2 million furniture company, all re-branding and marketing initiatives ofnew brand alongside established brand• Produced product launch national sales meetings while realizing $50K in cost savings• Launched interactive company website, CRM program and e-marketing strategy• Achieved 60% savings for every dollar bartered as a result of employing a barter and trade system forprinting, catering, advertising and promotion

Managed approximately 40 independent manufacturerrepresentatives from Mississippi River to East coast. Worked with representatives selling company products on road to specialtyindependent retail stores and to key accounts. Assisted sales force with administrative support, order processing, sales, andkey account support. Worked directly with buyers on mutually beneficial custom private-label product and programs for keyaccounts such as Yankee Candle and LL Bean. Traveled with representatives to independent stores to maintain and buildstrong relationships. Worked all showrooms and trade shows during markets selling products. Coordinated all sales meetings.

Worked as charter employee in entrepreneurial company runby two former pastry chefs. Responsible for building and managing wholesale distribution channel through catalog sales,direct marketing to schools, students, and retail outlets. Assisted in product development and worked alongside owner tomarket brand, creating well-known professional line of culinary apparel. Coordinated participation in national andinternational exhibits and trade, world-wide, including National Restaurant Show. Performed duties including selling,training, and implementing selling systems.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Communication, General

B.A, Telecommunications