James Donovan
Summary
Dynamic business leader with over 13 years of experience in creative brand marketing, promotional products, apparel branding, and e-commerce operations. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, building strategic partnerships, and leading cross-functional teams. Expert in brand development, client relationship management, and digital marketing strategies. Successfully founded and scaled an apparel brand while simultaneously serving as GM and Brand Marketing Consultant in the promotional products industry.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager & Brand Marketing Consultant
Turn2U Productions
01.2024 - Current
- Leadership & Strategic Management:
- Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies and business objectives across multiple market verticals
- Oversee entire sales process from lead generation through contract negotiation and closing
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, distributors, and industry partners
- Client Management & Business Development:
- Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to understand client branding and marketing objectives
- Present tailored product solutions and promotional campaigns based on client requirements
- Manage key account relationships ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention
- Handle complex negotiations for large-volume orders and multi-product campaigns
- Research and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and pricing strategies
- Marketing & Brand Development:
- Develop promotional materials and campaigns
- Identify opportunities for product line expansion and new market penetration
- Attend trade shows, networking events, and industry conferences
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of promotional product categories, customization options, and pricing
- Supplier Network Development:
- Research and identify reliable promotional product manufacturers and suppliers
- Establish relationships with multiple suppliers across different product categories
- Negotiate pricing agreements, payment terms, and minimum order requirements
- Set up supplier accounts and credit arrangements
- Develop backup supplier relationships to ensure product availability
- Technology Infrastructure:
- Select and implement customer relationship management (CRM) system
- Choose e-commerce platform or build custom website for online ordering
- Set up inventory management system to track products and orders
- Establish secure payment processing systems for customer transactions
Owner, Founder & Chief Operator
Always a Hoot Studios
01.2020 - Current
- Strategic Leadership & Vision:
- Founded and developed comprehensive business strategy and long-term vision for apparel brand
- Established brand identity, values, and market positioning in competitive fashion landscape
- Set company goals, objectives, and KPIs across all departments while maintaining profitability
- Secured funding and managed all financial aspects including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow
- Operations & Product Development:
- Led complete product development lifecycle from concept to launch, including design direction
- Built and maintained relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors
- Negotiated contracts, pricing, and terms with production partners while ensuring quality standards
- Managed inventory levels, forecasting, and procurement planning to optimize cash flow
- E-commerce & Digital Marketing:
- Developed and managed comprehensive e-commerce platform with focus on user experience and conversion optimization
- Implemented digital marketing strategies including SEO, social media, and online advertising campaigns
- Monitored website analytics and made data-driven decisions for continuous optimization
- Coordinated with web developers and designers for site improvements and functionality enhancements
- Team Leadership & Customer Relations:
- Established customer service standards and procedures, handling escalated customer issues
- Developed customer retention strategies and loyalty programs to increase lifetime value
- Monitored customer feedback and implemented improvements based on insights and market trends
Business Development & Account Manager
Ashbury Images
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Account Management & Client Relations:
- Served as primary point of contact for assigned client portfolio, maintaining regular communication and conducting account reviews
- Built strong, long-term relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders across various industries
- Managed existing account portfolio while identifying upselling and cross-selling opportunities
- Developed account-specific strategies to increase wallet share and client retention rates
- Sales & Business Development:
- Consistently met or exceeded assigned revenue targets and account growth goals
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities within target markets
- Conducted needs assessments and provided expert product recommendations based on client objectives
- Presented solutions and proposals tailored to client requirements and budget constraints
- Project Management & Coordination:
- Processed client orders accurately while coordinating with suppliers and production teams
- Managed multiple client projects simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines
- Tracked order progress and provided regular updates to clients on production status
- Handled complex projects involving multiple products and delivery requirements
Education
Certified Advertising Specialist - Marketing, Promotional Products
Promotional Products Association International
02-2025
Associate of Science - Health Sciences
Cabrillo College
Aptos, CA05-2021
Skills
- Leadership & Management:
- Strategic Planning & Vision Development
- Team Leadership & Performance Management
- Cross-functional Team Coordination
- Change Management & Organizational Development
- Sales & Business Development:
- Client Relationship Management
- Revenue Growth & Market Expansion
- Consultative Selling & Needs Assessment
- Contract Negotiation & Deal Closing
- Marketing & Brand Development:
- Brand Strategy & Positioning
- Digital Marketing & E-commerce
- Content Creation & Campaign Management
- Market Research & Competitive Analysis
- Operations & Financial Management:
- Supply Chain & Vendor Management
- Financial Planning & Budget Management
- Quality Control & Process Improvement
- Technical & Industry Expertise:
- E-commerce Platform Management
- CRM Systems & Data Analysis
- Promotional Products Industry Knowledge
- Fashion & Apparel Industry Understanding
Accomplishments
- Successfully founded and scaled Always a Hoot Studios from startup to profitable apparel brand
- Consistently exceeded sales targets and revenue goals throughout promotional products career
- Built and maintained long-term client relationships resulting in high retention rates
- Developed comprehensive e-commerce platform with optimized user experience and conversion rates
- Established strategic partnerships with suppliers and vendors resulting in improved margins and quality
Timeline
General Manager & Brand Marketing Consultant
Turn2U Productions
01.2024 - Current
Owner, Founder & Chief Operator
Always a Hoot Studios
01.2020 - Current
Business Development & Account Manager
Ashbury Images
01.2001 - 01.2007
Certified Advertising Specialist - Marketing, Promotional Products
Promotional Products Association International
Associate of Science - Health Sciences
Cabrillo College
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