Justin James
Maple Grove,MN
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Sales, Insights, and Marketing Executive with a proven track record of achieving triple-digit revenue growth and double-digit market expansion. Expertise in leveraging data-driven decision-making and innovative marketing strategies to drive business development and enhance relationship management. Skilled at transforming consumer insights into actionable plans that yield measurable results, particularly within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector and across all major retail channels. Committed to fostering strategic partnerships that propel organizational success and elevate brand presence in competitive markets.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sponsorships & Partnership Execution
Punk Rock Masters
01.2025 - Current
- Spearheaded sponsorship strategy and secured over $700,000 in funding from leading companies across multiple industries to successfully launch PRM Fest, the first-ever rock climbing competition and festival in Surf City, CA.
- Built and managed high-level corporate partnerships, delivering customized activation opportunities to maximize brand visibility and engagement.
- Collaborated with event producers, athletes, and entertainment partners to develop an integrated experience featuring world-class climbing competitions, live music, interactive games, food, and demos.
- Positioned PRM Fest as a unique sports, lifestyle, and cultural event, driving excitement and establishing the foundation for long-term growth and expansion.
- Directed cross-functional efforts in sponsorship fulfillment, marketing, and on-site brand integration to ensure seamless execution and ROI for partners.
Group Account Director
AUGUSTINE AGENCY
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Lead and manage high-stakes client relationships for a leading produce company and a top-tier adult beverage brand, driving volume growth, enhancing market presence, and amplifying brand visibility.
- Deliver strategic guidance rooted in deep CPG and retail expertise, ensuring clients achieve measurable business outcomes.
- Partner cross-functionally with creative, media, shopper, and insights teams to execute fully integrated marketing programs.
- Directed the ideation and execution of marquee programs that resulted in double-digit increases in distribution and sales growth, including:Avocados From Mexico Big Game Campaign with Rob Gronkowski, driving national buzz and shopper activation.
Official Sponsorship of the College Football Playoffs, strengthening brand equity and cultural relevance.
Launch of a new vodka brand through immersive activations at The Masters, including a tailgate and club experience targeting high-value consumers. - Recognized for exceptional collaboration and industry knowledge, positioning clients for sustained growth in highly competitive categories.
- Directed work of 8 team members focused on strong customer relations and service delivery.
Sr. Manager
THE MARS AGENCY
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Spearheaded top-down sales initiatives for key accounts including Mars Wrigley at Walmart and Sam’s Club, Conagra and Truvia at Target, and various emerging clients across major grocery channels. My strategic ideation and relationship-building efforts resulted in double-digit growth across multiple categories.
- Walmart: Orchestrated custom seasonal promotions (Halloween, Movie Nights, Holidays) that boosted sales by double digits.
- Sam’s Club: Developed and executed engaging Big Bet Seasonal programs, driving shopper engagement and community partnerships with sales growth in high double digits.
- Target: Led the Roundel relationship, facilitating new product launches and enhancing brand presence through strategic third-party collaborations.
Sr. Manager
VIACOMCBS (NICKELODEON)
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Instrumental in elevating Kroger into a top 5 retailer for Viacom, driving portfolio growth by over 40%. Developed and executed comprehensive retail strategies that aligned with Viacom's unique value proposition, catering to Millennial Parents, Kids, and Generation X.
- Kroger: Expanded product distribution, increased SKU count, and forged strategic marketing partnerships, including the Jewel Foundation’s Nickelodeon presence at the Kroger Wellness Your Way Festival.
- Seasonal Marketing: Led initiatives to expand Nickelodeon's market share in the highly competitive seasonal product space.
Sr. Manager
NIELSEN
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Shopper Marketing/Shopper Insights, Category Management, and Big G (the Cereal Division) Enhanced client relationships within General Mills' Cereal Division by integrating Nielsen’s analytical tools into their decision-making processes. Delivered insights that guided key business decisions, resulting in optimized pricing, promotions, and assortment strategies.
- ROI Measurement: Developed new tools to accurately track the incrementally of the category, highlighting growth opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers.
Sr. Manager of Central Division
DANNON
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Shopper Marketing, Central Division and Mobile/Digital Lead – Target, Meijer and Regional Grocery Served as the chief marketing officer for Dannon’s Central Division, overseeing all brands with a focus on custom voice planning and mobile/digital strategy. Managed a multi-million-dollar marketing budget, driving substantial sales growth through innovative shopper marketing initiatives.
- Target: Successfully launched the first national program for Danimals, achieving a 124% sales lift and securing a 54% offer take rate.
- Stonyfield: Led the brand's acceptance into the prestigious 'Made to Matter' campaign at Target.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements in production efficiency.
Director, Marketing
JINGIT
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Led the strategic marketing vision for Jingit, a cutting-edge interactive mobile/digital rewards platform. Drove adoption among top CPG brands and retailers, resulting in a 60% increase in sales through data-driven insight packages and custom Omni-channel programs.
Sr. Manager
DR PEPPER SNAPPLE GROUP
2006 - 01.2012
- Shopper Marketing – Target, SuperValu, Kroger, Club, and Regional Grocery Directed shopper marketing efforts for Target, SuperValu, Kroger, Club, and Regional Grocery accounts. Developed custom marketing strategies that drove sustained sales growth and earned multiple company-wide awards for customer-centric initiatives.
- Target: Achieved consecutive years of double-digit growth in LRB (Liquid Refreshment Beverages), increasing carbonated soft drink sales by 7% and Snapple sales by 37%.
Education
BBA - Marketing, Psychology
University of North Texas
Denton, TXSkills
- Retail Leadership: Walmart, Target, Kroger, ABSCO, AHOLD, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Club Channels
- Marketing Strategy: Mobile, Digital, and E-commerce Expertise
- Program Development: Marketing Programs & Promotional Campaign Creation
- Customer Insights: Market & Customer Segmentation 8451°, IRI, Nielsen (Spectra, Homescan, Answers)
- Event Execution: Tradeshow Planning & Management
- Business Performance: ROI Analysis P&L Management
AWARDS / ACTIVITIES
DPSG Call to Action Award – Inspecting What We Expect, 2012, DPSG Call to Action Award – Customer Centric, 2011, DPSG Call to Action Award – Customer Centric, 2009, DPSG Refreshing Spirit Award from Penafiel for Outstanding Performance, 2008, Lone Star Emmy Award for Emerging Media for Traders Television Podcast and EZine, Winner of Denton Music Awards for Best Live Act, 2001, Judge for the Design of the Times contest at Path to Purchase
Timeline
Director of Sponsorships & Partnership Execution
Punk Rock Masters
01.2025 - Current
Group Account Director
AUGUSTINE AGENCY
01.2023 - 01.2024
Sr. Manager
THE MARS AGENCY
01.2020 - 01.2022
Sr. Manager
VIACOMCBS (NICKELODEON)
01.2017 - 01.2020
Sr. Manager
NIELSEN
01.2015 - 01.2016
Sr. Manager of Central Division
DANNON
01.2014 - 01.2015
Director, Marketing
JINGIT
01.2012 - 01.2014
Sr. Manager
DR PEPPER SNAPPLE GROUP
2006 - 01.2012
BBA - Marketing, Psychology
University of North Texas
Similar Profiles
Ashley PanicoAshley Panico
Lead Volunteer for National Non Profit at Punk Rock Saves LivesLead Volunteer for National Non Profit at Punk Rock Saves Lives
Jonathan MechamJonathan Mecham
Rhythm Guitar at Daniel's Park (Punk/Indy Rock)Rhythm Guitar at Daniel's Park (Punk/Indy Rock)
Daniel Kwabena AnanDaniel Kwabena Anan
Forklift Operator at Rock MastersForklift Operator at Rock Masters
Adam RongitschAdam Rongitsch
Director, Professional Services – Cisco Collaboration at C1 (Formerly ConvergeOne)Director, Professional Services – Cisco Collaboration at C1 (Formerly ConvergeOne)
Annette LeeAnnette Lee
Retirement Representative at EmpowerRetirement Representative at Empower