Grayson Bakken
Burnsville,MN
Summary
Experienced Marketing and Operations Leader with a proven history of enhancing brand visibility, driving revenue growth, and optimizing operational performance across diverse sectors, including retail, service, and equipment rental. Recognized for leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions, fostering hands-on leadership, and seamlessly integrating marketing strategies with sales initiatives. Offers a pragmatic, execution-oriented approach tailored for growth-focused organizations navigating the evolving job market. Committed to delivering impactful results that align with organizational objectives and elevate overall performance.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Marketing Manager
J&F Reddy Rents
Burnsville, MN
03.2025 - Current
- Led integrated marketing strategy across digital, local advertising, and community partnerships to strengthen regional brand presence and customer acquisition.
- Managed website updates, SEO optimization, and performance analytics to improve online visibility, lead quality, and conversion rates.
- Partnered with executive leadership on sales forecasting, campaign ROI analysis, and performance reporting to guide strategic decisions.
- Standardized marketing processes and reporting to improve operational efficiency and accountability.
- Developed targeted email marketing campaigns to nurture leads and drive customer retention.
- Analyzed competitor marketing strategies to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.
- Created engaging content for social media platforms, boosting audience interaction and reach.
- Coordinated equipment rentals and returns, ensuring timely availability for customer needs.
- Built strong relationships with customers to promote loyalty and repeat business.
- Streamlined rental processes, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.
- Conducted inspections to ensure all rental equipment met safety and quality standards.
- Utilized rental management software for tracking inventory and managing reservations effectively.
- Oversaw daily operations at multiple locations, ensuring efficient management of resources and personnel across all branches.
- Boosted employee retention rates by creating a positive work culture that encouraged teamwork, communication, and continuous learning.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and knowledgeable assistance in equipment selection and usage.
- Assisted clients in tailoring rental packages to meet their unique project requirements while remaining within budget constraints.
- Coordinated with sales teams and clients to manage inventory, adjust orders, and handle logistics.
Marketing Manager / Landscaping Manager
Romeo’s Runway
Cottage Grove, MN
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Executed residential and commercial landscaping projects in coordination with business ownership, ensuring quality delivery and client satisfaction.
- Operated and maintained equipment in compliance with safety standards and best practices.
- Supported marketing efforts through social media content, online listings, and customer communications to increase local visibility and engagement.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve timely project completion and service delivery.
- Increased customer retention through effective communication and prompt response to inquiries.
- Improved property value through meticulous lawn care, including mowing, trimming, and edging.
- Increased productivity by effectively managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget constraints.
- Elevated client trust through transparent billing practices and prompt resolution of any concerns or issues that arose during projects.
Store Manager
Graif Clothing
Mankato, MN
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Managed end-to-end retail operations in a luxury apparel environment, including merchandising, staffing, and daily execution.
- Led and coached sales associates to meet performance standards and deliver a premium customer experience.
- Oversaw digital branding and social media presence, strengthening brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Maintained revenue targets and operational standards while serving high-end clientele.
- Coordinated bridal appointments, ensuring personalized service and seamless customer experiences.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to enhance product offerings and customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated fittings and alterations, ensuring timely completion for each bridal party's needs.
- Coordinated special events such as designer meet-and-greets and bridal expos, attracting new customers and increasing brand exposure.
- Provided fitting consultations, ensuring an exceptional and personalized shopping experience.
Server / Service Professional
Olive Garden
Mankato, MN
01.2020 - 05.2023
- Supported management with team coordination, shift leadership, and guest relations in a high-volume environment.
- Resolved customer issues efficiently while maintaining service quality during peak periods.
- Recognized for professionalism, reliability, and teamwork.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized dining area to enhance guest comfort.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Developed relationships with vendors to secure timely deliveries of necessary supplies.
- Partnered with back-of-house management in order to maintain seamless communication between teams, ensuring a smooth dining experience for guests.
- Trained new hires on company policies, procedure, s as well as proper food handling techniques which resulted in reduced turnover rates.
- Demonstrated leadership by keeping up with cleanliness and organization and delegating roles to employees.
- Managed cash handling procedures, reconciling daily sales reports, and maintaining accurate records for financial reporting purposes.
- Monitored inventory levels closely to minimize waste while keeping costs under control through careful planning and purchasing decisions.
- Enhanced team communication and efficiency with introduction of digital scheduling system, streamlining shift planning and time-off requests.
Tree Barn Sales Supervisor
Gerten’s Greenhouse
Inver Grove Heights, MN
05.2018 - 03.2020
- Supervised seasonal sales operations and inventory management for retail and wholesale tree products.
- Trained and led sales staff while maintaining strong vendor and customer relationships.
- Drove consistent sales performance through customer education and product expertise.
- Organized and maintained inventory of nursery products, enhancing accessibility for customers.
- Demonstrated adaptability while working across diverse roles, including propagation, maintenance, retail support, and customer service functions as needed within the nursery setting.
- Facilitated efficient restocking processes by diligently unloading deliveries of new plants and supplies upon arrival.
- Ensured the healthiest possible plants were available for sale by routinely inspecting specimens for quality control purposes.
- Educated customers on proper plant care techniques, increasing their chances of success with purchased items at home.
- Supported sales team in achieving revenue targets with in-depth knowledge of available products and proactive upselling techniques when appropriate.
- Assisted in the development of marketing materials, utilizing plant knowledge to create engaging content for potential customers.
- Promoted a positive team atmosphere among coworkers through active collaboration during daily tasks and special projects.
- Contributed to a safe working environment by maintaining clean, organized, and hazard-free workspaces throughout the nursery.
- Improved client satisfaction through effective communication about tree care options and recommendations.
- Increased customer satisfaction with professional communication and a high level of arboriculture knowledge.
- Educated clients about proper planting techniques, resulting in improved success rates for new trees.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Minnesota State University
Mankato, MN05.2023
Skills
- Strategic Marketing
- Brand & Campaign Management
- Digital Advertising & SEO
- Sales Enablement
- Business Operations
- Team Leadership
- CRM & Analytics
- Social Media Strategy
- Market Research
- Project Coordination
- Client & Vendor Relations
- Process Improvement
- Salesforce
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Social media marketing
- Staff management
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- SEO optimization
- Strategic planning
- Public and media relations
- Market data collection
- Customer acquisition
- Vendor relations
Certification
- MEWP Certified Lift Operator (2026)
- ARA Certified Driver (2026)
- Food Handler Certification
- Valid Driver’s License
Timeline
Marketing Manager
J&F Reddy Rents
03.2025 - Current
Marketing Manager / Landscaping Manager
Romeo’s Runway
08.2024 - 03.2025
Store Manager
Graif Clothing
06.2023 - 07.2024
Server / Service Professional
Olive Garden
01.2020 - 05.2023
Tree Barn Sales Supervisor
Gerten’s Greenhouse
05.2018 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Minnesota State University