Ben Classen
Bend,OR
Summary
Dynamic marketing executive with 18+ years of experience in developing, executing, and scaling high-impact marketing campaigns. Recognized as an award-winning brand strategist skilled in data-driven decision-making, performance analysis, and consumer engagement. A Webby Award-winning strategist adept at structuring tests, analyzing key metrics, and identifying opportunities to drive brand growth and revenue. Combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, bringing expertise in copywriting, photography, video production, and digital content creation. A creative problem-solver with exceptional communication and leadership skills, successfully leading cross-functional teams and aligning marketing strategies across departments. Known for balancing innovation and operational efficiency to consistently drive measurable results in highly competitive markets.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Brand & Funding Strategy
Super Legit Launch Studio
01.2022 - Current
- Fractional VP of Marketing for a health and wellness startup, leading brand development from inception to launch
- Oversaw all marketing and media channels, driving early-stage growth and market positioning
- Founder & Lead Consultant of a venture marketing studio, managing a diverse client portfolio across health, wellness, and traditional sports industries
- Developed capital raise proposals for two European Venture Capital firms, creating go-to-market (GTM) strategies, use-of-funds plans, and funding increase recommendations
- Published writer and editor for outdoor and culinary-focused media outlets, contributing to brand storytelling and audience engagement
- Led the launch of a premium dining experience brand in Maui, collaborating with global culinary leaders to curate high-end experiences for high-net-worth individuals
- Provided consulting on audience growth, budget optimization, and analytics implementation, improving marketing team effectiveness and decision-making
Director of Digital Services
Hype Club
01.2020 - 02.2024
- 2023 Webby Award Winner - Key contributor to a campaign that generated $300K+ in new annual revenue
- 2024 Webby Award Nominee - Led marketing strategy for a Best Viral Marketing Video nominee, accumulating 380M+ views across all platforms
- Overhauled analytics reporting structures and measurement frameworks for four clients, enhancing data-driven decision-making
- Designed scalable marketing plans that increased budgets by 200% on average, with one client achieving 3x fan growth ROI from a single campaign
- Launched a $5K digital campaign that drove 380M+ views and 550K+ new followers and significantly increased engagement in under 120 days
- Partnered with world-renowned animators, influencers, and content creators to develop viral campaigns and brand narratives
- Implemented streamlined bi-weekly reporting structures, reducing unnecessary meetings and increasing team productivity
- Played a key role in scaling a client's social media following from 130K to 2.6M+ in four years through organic and paid strategies
Co-Founder / Board Member
Coast Film Festival
01.2018 - 06.2023
- Co-Founded & Successfully Hosted a six-year-running live festival, leading marketing, content processes, and audience engagement strategy
- Transitioned all ticketing to a fully digital system, eliminating inefficiencies, reducing staff workload, and saving the festival $100K+ in operational costs
- Assisted in festival programming and logistics, ensuring seamless operations and an outstanding experience for 3,500+ attendees annually
Co-Founder / Agency Director
Skeleton Key Agency
02.2016 - 01.2020
- Led a new startup from $0 to $2M in sales within two years, driving brand awareness, market expansion, and customer acquisition
- Managed and operated a successful marketing agency, which launched a renowned film festival in Laguna Beach, CA
- Provided full-service marketing and promotional strategy for 12+ brands, including Fossil Watches, Gear.com, Fix Mfg., Sunset Magazine, and Tech Deck
- Directed a cross-functional team of 12 employees and managed 25+ volunteers, ensuring seamless execution of large-scale marketing initiatives
- Identified $510K in misallocated marketing spend, successfully reallocating funds to generate a 4x increase in social followers for a startup consumer goods brand
- Branded and launched a new product line for an outdoor brand targeting urban audiences, driving $1M+ in annual sales
- Developed an innovative email marketing strategy, integrating website and social media efforts to quadruple the client's email database
- Partnered with an eco non-profit to provide clean water solutions for at-risk regions, aligning brand initiatives with corporate social responsibility
Senior Editor
Nobleman Magazine
04.2017 - 07.2018
- Managed and led the production of a quarterly editorial calendar, overseeing interviews with feature guests, product spotlights, and strategic brand placements to align with audience engagement goals
- Wrote all cover stories and the entire editorial book each quarter, ensuring cohesive storytelling, brand alignment, and high-impact narratives
Global Digital Marketing Manager & ECOM US/CA Sales Manager
VonZipper Eyewear
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Led and managed the comprehensive content strategy across digital advertising, publishing partnerships, and e-commerce sales promotions, ensuring alignment with revenue and engagement goals
- Oversaw all platforms, content planning, and audience engagement strategies
- Managed planning calendars, web content, and digital asset optimization
- Developed and executed campaigns to expand the customer base and retention rates
- Managed budgeting, campaign execution, and weekly performance analysis
- Created high-impact visuals and assets for marketing initiatives
- Managed online sales performance, MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) enforcement, and third-party sales channels
- Curated and executed content collaborations with brand ambassadors
- Successfully Led Cross-Functional Teams spanning five continents, ensuring seamless collaboration, localized execution, and global brand consistency
Integrated Marketing Manager
The Enthusiast Network
08.2013 - 08.2015
- Led Brand Marketing & Advertising Strategy in collaboration with 64 media titles, ensuring cohesive brand positioning and multi-channel visibility
- Developed & Executed Integrated Strategies for outdoor brands and automotive manufacturers, leveraging market insights to drive engagement and conversion
- Crafted high-impact presentations that secured strategic partnerships and advertising investments
- Oversaw campaign execution, ensuring efficiency, ROI optimization, and seamless collaboration across teams
- Successfully sold and executed 12+ integrated advertising campaigns, with one campaign named a finalist in the 2014 Digiday Awards and the 2015 Webby Awards
Digital Marketing Manager
FIAT Chrysler Automobiles
06.2012 - 08.2013
- Directly responsible for digital advertising and social media marketing for the Western Division, driving campaign success, audience growth, and performance optimization
- Oversaw strategy, execution, and analytics to maximize engagement and conversions
- Developed and managed creator and influencer relationships to drive content production and brand promotion, enhancing brand visibility and audience reach
- Collaborated with outsourced agencies to create award-winning campaigns, commercial TV spots, and unique concept vehicles, including the 2013 SEMA Ram 'Sun Chaser.'
- Played an instrumental role in reducing yearly marketing spend by more than 40% while increasing dealer digital traffic by 14%, sustaining growth for three consecutive quarters
Digital Marketing Manager
Skullcandy Inc.
02.2011 - 02.2012
- Led digital marketing strategies and content production for the music division of Skullcandy Headphones, driving brand collaborations, tour activations, and audience engagement
- Developed and executed all digital marketing strategies for Skullcandy's music division, enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement
- Served as an Assistant Producer for two major music tours, leading content production efforts focused on musical acts and product collaborations
- Successfully launched five brand product collaborations, integrating music, lifestyle, and Skullcandy's brand identity
- Provided in-depth production support for more than thirty-five tour stop events over a year and a half, ensuring seamless execution and brand alignment
Digital Marketing Consultant
Stance Socks
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Assisted in the strategy and execution of a new, innovative accessory brand launch, supporting marketing initiatives, digital presence, and content partnerships
- Collaborated with the VP of Marketing to develop and execute the brand's go-to-market strategy, ensuring a successful launch
- Designed and developed the initial website along with key product marketing assets to establish the brand's digital presence
- Managed the first group of content creators and brand ambassadors, coordinating GTM launch plans and producing marketing assets to drive brand awareness and engagement
Education
Masters Certification - Advanced Web Analytics
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA01.2011
BA - Philosophy
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO01.2008
Skills
- Brand Marketing
- Team Leadership
- Market Planning
- Budget Management
- Operations and Logistics
- Creative Process Leadership
- Analytical thinking
Links
www.linkedin.com/in/bclassen/
benclassen.work
Timeline
Head of Brand & Funding Strategy
Super Legit Launch Studio
01.2022 - Current
Director of Digital Services
Hype Club
01.2020 - 02.2024
Co-Founder / Board Member
Coast Film Festival
01.2018 - 06.2023
Senior Editor
Nobleman Magazine
04.2017 - 07.2018
Co-Founder / Agency Director
Skeleton Key Agency
02.2016 - 01.2020
Global Digital Marketing Manager & ECOM US/CA Sales Manager
VonZipper Eyewear
08.2015 - 01.2017
Integrated Marketing Manager
The Enthusiast Network
08.2013 - 08.2015
Digital Marketing Manager
FIAT Chrysler Automobiles
06.2012 - 08.2013
Digital Marketing Manager
Skullcandy Inc.
02.2011 - 02.2012
Digital Marketing Consultant
Stance Socks
01.2010 - 01.2012
BA - Philosophy
University of Colorado
Masters Certification - Advanced Web Analytics
University of San Francisco
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