Stephanie Houston Email & Phone Number

Dallas, Tx, Us

Orchestrated the launch of Island Getaway Rum, a pioneering distillery and spirit brand that became an award-winning industry leader. Served as the entrepreneurial force and public face, driving all facets of brand development and go-to-market strategy:Chief Responsibilities:• Created and launched of a fully operational distillery and brand, Island Getaway Rum, serving as the public face driving brand storytelling, customer experiences, and inspiring loyalty through small and large-scale events. • Acted as the primary spokesperson for the company while building lasting relationships at all levels from suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, customers and internal stakeholders ensuring seamless operations and exceptional service.• Drove growth by identifying opportunities for innovation and expansion into new product categories, new markets and establishing new partnerships through the pandemic and volatile conditions in the beverage market.• Managed all departments, sales efforts and teams, setting performance expectations and strategies for day-to day operations while recruiting cross-functional teams spanning sales, tasting room staff, and production over an 8-year period to meet evolving business needs.• Conducted comprehensive market analysis, crafted compelling brand narratives, and executed strategic positioning for effective brand building.• Led all multi-channel sales and marketing campaigns encompassing sales collateral, in-house materials, trade show and activation presence, elevating brand awareness in multiple states using comprehensive market analysis, crafted compelling brand narratives, and executed strategic positioning for effective brand building.• Fostered relationships at all levels from suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, to end consumers, ensuring seamless operations and customer satisfaction.• Developed standard operating procedures, compliance standards, and championed legislative advocacy aligning with business objectives.

Conceptualized and launched the trailblazing LaGrange bar and live music venue concept in Dallas's Deep Ellum neighborhood. This pioneering venture was instrumental in revitalizing the area and earned acclaim as the "Best in Dallas" (2010) and "Best Rock Bar" (2012) for delivering unparalleled guest experiences through innovative initiatives:• Spearheaded all operations including financial planning, event curation/management, and oversight of construction/regulatory compliance.• Forged strategic media partnerships and executed high-profile marketing/PR campaigns to build brand equity.• Championed city code efforts enabling Dallas's first trailer park eatery, fostering a vibrant culinary landscape.• Oversaw multi-faceted project management spanning live event execution, design, community engagement and more.LaGrange's success exemplified expertise in entrepreneurial visioning, operational leadership, brand-building, and creating immersive customer journeys that positioned the venue as an industry pacesetter redefining hospitality standards.

Dallas, Tx, Us

Co-founded and played a pivotal role in building Platinum Select into a prominent, award-winning medical staffing firm serving hospitals nationwide. Orchestrated sales, marketing, talent acquisition, and employee development strategies instrumental to the company's success:• Established comprehensive business plans, secured funding, and formulated integrated marketing/branding strategies to drive growth.• Designed innovative staffing models, cultivated the employment brand, and implemented data-driven performance metrics.• Excelled in high-volume talent acquisition, attracting top healthcare professionals while delivering exceptional client service.• Created multi-channel marketing campaigns encompassing sales collateral, events, PR efforts, amplifying brand reputation.• Pioneered employee retention and recognition programs, promoting an engaging culture recognized as a "Best Place to Work."Platinum Select achieved over $200M in revenue, employed 700 staff, earned recognition as the "Fastest Growing Staffing Company" in 2006, and was acquired by AMN Healthcare in 2008 - underscoring expertise in startup leadership, sales/marketing, talent management, and culture-building.