Justin Krivanek
Digital Strategy Expert | Consultant | Entrepreneur
Atlanta,GA
Summary
I strive to inspire those around me to achieve their definition of success, both personal and professional, through servant leadership and embracing the power of now. I believe an endless thirst for learning paired with collective action will always create meaningful results.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
VP of Marketing
Popmenu
Atlanta, GA
03.2020 - 07.2023
- Established overall marketing and go-to-market strategy, budgets and goals to achieve 30x valuation and 3x client base in two and a half years
- Built marketing team from myself and one digital marketing manager to 15+ over a year and a half through Series B and C
- Led marketing strategy of two strategic acquisitions to strengthen our platform offering and our position in the marketplace
- Led all functions of marketing including creative execution, thought leadership, organic and paid growth strategies, product and brand marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, events, and corporate communications
Director of Media & Field Marketing
McAlister's Deli (Focus Brands)
Atlanta, GA
12.2018 - 03.2020
- Strategically managed all national and local media agency relationships, plans, and budgets to drive sales and build brand awareness with a heavy focus on digital marketing
- Led and developed a team of three field marketing managers, one media marketing manager, and one grand opening specialist
- Led social media strategy to create meaningful conversations and content that translates into traffic
- Analyzed franchise and enterprise data to improve media campaign efficacy, adjust budgets, and communicate results to key stakeholders
- Utilized industry and consumer research, along with social listening tools, to accurately identify potential McAlister's guests and target ideal audiences
- Created grand opening plans and ongoing case studies to endlessly improve grand opening performance
Director of Strategic Brand Initiatives
McAlister's Deli (Focus Brands)
Atlanta, GA
03.2017 - 03.2019
- Built, communicated, and implemented the strategy necessary for activating new brand positioning and brand ID across all physical and digital guest touch-points
- Led the creation and development of our new prototype across multiple teams of different expertise to decrease buildout costs by 19%
- Executed and analyzed consumer research to better direct our decisions and uniquely position the brand
- Identified opportunities and implemented solutions throughout brand development to strategically improve guests' experience in technology and within the store environment
- Reported directly to brand president and led other key initiatives across various departments to drive sales and brand awareness
Field Marketing Manager
Moe's Southwest Grill (Focus Brands)
Atlanta, GA
08.2015 - 03.2017
- Partnered with franchisees and local agencies to create strategic local store marketing plans including digital, social, and traditional media to grow sales and drive brand awareness
- Led and managed marketing co-ops to efficiently budget and spend in multiple DMAs across 120 restaurants
- Assisted in the development of a new loyalty app and created best practices for local campaigns/promotions
- Analyzed and communicated impact of local tactics and digital media campaigns to optimize future performance
Corporate Catering Manager
Moe's Southwest Grill (Focus Brands)
Atlanta, GA
02.2014 - 08.2015
- Led, managed, and championed the rollout of a new catering online ordering software, leading to double digit sales growth for four consecutive years
- Promoted proper catering execution and growth throughout the brand (650+ locations, 165+ franchisees) by developing sales professionals
- Daily market visits with catering sales managers, general managers, and franchisees to increase catering sales and local store marketing
- Created case studies of best-in-class franchisees to improve marketing strategies, profitability, and lead generation
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA2011
Accomplishments
- Successfully creating and leading Popmenu's marketing strategy from Series A through Series B & C
- Creating a demand generation engine and content strategy for Popmenu to fuel growth and success of the company and 60+ person sales team
- Positioned Popmenu and as an industry thought leader through thoughtful and intriguing client and consumer research
- Designed and led a 10-week media model test in 45 McAlister's locations that resulted in a 3% growth in system sales
- Collaborated on the successful launch of two different loyalty apps and launch of catering software at Focus Brands
- Led and implemented rebranding of McAlister's Deli including brand positioning, store design, and logo evolution
- Managed marketing strategy and agency relationship for Moe's largest market and co-op (Atlanta, 76 locations)
- As a member of a two person catering department at Moe's we directed the system catering growth of 12.6% ($8 million increase) in 2014 and 12% in 2015
Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Established a marketing shop in Atlanta to support 5+ clients on retainer
- Real estate investor with 6 long-term rental properties in Atlanta
- Co-Owner of Leashes & Litterboxes Atlanta — acquired in November '22 with 300+ active clients
References
Brendan Sweeney: CEO + Co-Founder of Popmenu - (404) 784-4495
Paul Macaluso: CEO of Another Broken Egg Cafe - (405) 249-8002
Jamie Schlef-Wilhelm: Former Moe's Director of Catering - (404) 931-1257
Timeline
VP of Marketing
Popmenu
03.2020 - 07.2023
Director of Media & Field Marketing
McAlister's Deli (Focus Brands)
12.2018 - 03.2020
Director of Strategic Brand Initiatives
McAlister's Deli (Focus Brands)
03.2017 - 03.2019
Field Marketing Manager
Moe's Southwest Grill (Focus Brands)
08.2015 - 03.2017
Corporate Catering Manager
Moe's Southwest Grill (Focus Brands)
02.2014 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - English
Georgia State University