Kara Karasch
Vero Beach
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Business Development and Marketing
Kneady by Nature Massage and Wellness Spa
11.2023 - Current
- Identified new business opportunities to drive revenue growth and strategic partnerships.
- Boosted operational efficiency by streamlining processes and reducing overhead.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Maintained financial controls, planned business operations and control expenses while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.
- Established and maintained highly effective relationships with clients and industry partners to drive growth.
- Generated significant revenue growth with the implementation of innovative marketing campaigns.
- Spearheaded client retention efforts by providing exceptional service and fostering long-term professional relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor data, informing strategic decision-making processes for business growth opportunities.
- Mentored team members to develop their skills, leading to increased productivity and successful promotions within the company.
- Enhanced company''s market presence through targeted networking events and relationship building.
Marketing Director
Boaters Exchange
05.2017 - 11.2023
- Conducted market research to identify opportunities for expansion into new markets or customer segments .
- Executed comprehensive marketing plans that consistently achieved targets for increased revenue.
- Oversaw creative direction for marketing materials, ensuring consistent branding across all touchpoints .
- Established successful partnerships with key influencers, expanding brand reach and credibility.
- Spearheaded social media strategy, fostering community engagement and increasing follower count across channels.
- Increased brand awareness by developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns.
- Evaluated campaign performance using analytics tools, refining strategies based on data insights.
- Coordinated trade show participation, maximizing exposure at industry events and generating valuable leads.
- Boosted company revenue with the implementation of targeted advertising initiatives.
- Created fresh, attractive designs with crisp graphics and engaging copy.
- Managed budget allocation and resource utilization to maximize marketing ROI.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and agencies, securing cost-effective solutions for various marketing initiatives .
- Managed public relations efforts to maintain a positive brand image in the industry.
- Devised and executed integrated, online and direct marketing campaigns.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
- Generated sponsorships with related and partnering entities to enhance marketing objectives.
- Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.
Animal Enforcement Officer
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
04.2016 - 05.2017
- Conducted interviews and investigations to gather evidence and enforce laws.
- Prepared detailed reports to document findings and support legal actions.
- Maintained accurate records of incidents and enforcement actions for accountability.
- Enforced laws and regulations to uphold community standards and safety.
- Provided guidance to community members to promote understanding of regulations.
- Identified violations and issued citations to ensure adherence to local laws.
- Worked closely with team members to coordinate enforcement efforts and achieve targets.
- Responded to public inquiries in a timely manner to resolve concerns and provide information.
- Maintained detailed records of investigations, actions taken, and outcomes achieved for future reference and analysis.
On Farm Grain Originator
Elburn Co-Op
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Managed hedging strategies to mitigate price risks associated with fluctuating commodity markets.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency through effective communication with growers, transportation providers, and endusers.
- Enhanced profitability by identifying and capitalizing on grain trading opportunities.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements through diligent record-keeping and reporting practices.
- Provided accurate forecasts of grain supply and demand, enabling informed decision-making by senior leadership.
- Assisted in the development of marketing materials to promote awareness of available products among potential clients.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers and customers to ensure a consistent supply of quality grain products.
- Evaluated competitor offerings to refine pricing strategies that maximized revenue while maintaining competitiveness in the marketplace.
- Analyzed financial data to evaluate performance metrics, using insights gained from this process to inform future decisionmaking.
Lifestyle Product Specialist
Land O'Lakes Inc/Purina Animal Nutrition LLC
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Provide excellent problem-solving and communication skills to resolve challenges associated with product and communicate solutions effectively with members of the product team and/or animal owners
- Develope strategies to maximize sales, and achieve company revenue goals
- Create effective marketing strategies, and create training materials for educating prospects, customers and dealers
- Organize and conduct effective educational meetings to enhance brand image and sell product
- Conduct selling events to build in-store traffic and product awareness, as well as, increase sales volume
- Monitor the performance of competitor products
- Identify new markets for upcoming and existing products
- Serve as product ambassador in seminars and conferences
- Develop and maintain business-to-business relationship with prospects, current customers and influential people in the industry
Office Manager/Project and Sales Administrator
Garaventa USA Inc
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Developed office policies to support operational goals and compliance.
- Supported financial planning by overseeing budgeting and expense tracking.
- Resolved administrative issues for improved workflow and reduced disruptions.
- Strengthened vendor relationships by negotiating contracts and managing agreements.
- Implemented filing systems to enhance record-keeping and data retrieval.
- Facilitated office relocations by coordinating logistics and ensuring smooth transitions.
- Led projects to improve office infrastructure and technology.
- Reduced operational costs with strategic resource management.
- Supported management team by preparing documents and presentations.
- Coordinated travel arrangements to support executive schedules and meetings.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
- Assisted in the recruitment process, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic.
- Served as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Supported department heads in accomplishing their goals through diligent administrative assistance such as report generation and data entry.
- Oversaw facility maintenance requests, coordinating with building management to address repairs or improvements efficiently.
- Developed comprehensive policy manuals outlining procedures and guidelines, contributing to a well-organized workplace culture.
- Streamlined document handling and processing, reducing turnaround time for client inquiries and requests.
- Developed and enforced office policies that aligned with company values and regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance.
- Oversaw office budget, ensuring all expenditures were within allocated funds and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Improved order processing by accurately entering and managing data.
Sales Representative
Sierra Motor Corporation
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Expanded customer base through cold calling, networking, and relationship building.
- Generated additional sales opportunities with upselling and cross-selling techniques.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends for informed decision-making during client interactions.
- Consistently met or exceeded quotas by implementing strategic sales plans and effective time management.
- Conducted product demonstrations to educate customers on features, benefits, and competitive advantages.
- Increased repeat business by fostering trust-based relationships with key accounts through regular communication.
- Achieved top performer status consistently through dedication to meeting goals and exceeding expectations.
- Utilized CRM software to manage client information, track leads, and monitor sales progress.
- Managed portfolio of high-value accounts, ensuring they received exceptional service.
- Participated in trade shows and conferences to network and generate leads.
Resident Barn Manager
Lazy L Equestrian Facility
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Designed, built and managed state-of-the-art boarding and training facility
- Proven and respected riding instructor and trainer, multiple disciplines
- 4-H, equestrian team and youth camp leader
- Organized barn and farm tours, customer appreciation events and equine related camps
- Promoted and organized revenue generating horse shows and clinics
- Developed and maintained operations manual, barn rules and schedule of events calendar
- Generated, possessed and maintained broad network of equine professional contacts
- Operated heavy equipment in order to maintain barn cleanliness, arena footing, pastures and grounds maintenance
- Managed barn staff, delegated diversified work assignments as needed
- Managed payroll
- Devised and maintained indexing and filing system for efficient record keeping
- Produced marketing and advertising materials and oversaw its placement in major trade publications
- Website design and management
- Collaborate with printers on the design and printing of logo changes, letterhead, envelopes, business cards, literature and presentation folders
- Prepared and maintained required boarding contracts, health papers and insurance forms
- Accounts Receivable/ Accounts Payable
- Handled general ledger postings and daily reconciliations
- Processed monthly expense reports reflecting supporting documents and budget code indexes
- Update, track and monitor account status, execute letters and notices, and generate monthly reports
- Manage capital purchases, direct vendor relations, generate and maintain equipment tracking records
- Established computerized method of inventory tracking
- Client relations
- Authorized Dealer of ADM Alliance Nutrition and DAC Products
Sales Coordinator
Merhow Industries
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Provide years of experience coordinating office and sales management with a high degree of efficiency
- Served as point person for manager, sales, clients and vendors
- Proven ability to generate leads and follow through, resulting in wholesale and retail sales
- Process incoming orders, coordinate shipments, and facilitate
- Provide excellent communication skills and problem resolution abilities, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality
- Effective at providing sales staff with advanced work processing and web based support, direct business relations and distribution of company literature to stimulate client interest and sales leads
- Reorganized customer service to properly align with sales, improving communications and reducing time sales spent on non-sales related administrative activities
- Promote company product and services at trade shows throughout the United States
- Acted as receptionist (if applicable) answering multi-line phone system, greeted walk-ins, set service appointments
Sales Coordinator/Office Manager
EZ Loader Boat Trailers
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Provided executive level administrative support to the General Manager
- Coordinated projects and events exercising ability to improvise, improve procedures and meet demanding deadlines
- Engineered departmental systems and procedures, and successfully trained employees
- Managed capital purchases, direct vendor relations, generated and maintained equipment tracking records
- Managed parts and warranty department
- Responsible for processing incoming orders, coordinating shipments, addressing incoming parts calls from retail customers and dealerships
- Processed incoming orders, coordinated shipments and facilitated customer-related issues
- Acted as receptionist (if applicable) answering multi-line phone system, greet walk-ins, set service appointments
- Schedule employee holidays, benchmark employee salary increases against current standards
- Perform employee performance evaluations and managed travel and expenses for all office employees
Executive Secretary Administrative
Riblet Products Corporation
01.1994 - 01.1999
- Provided full administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
- Facilitated the accurate and timely writing, editing and preparation of corporate presentations, organizational charts, quarterly goal charts, financial spreadsheets, correspondence, merged mailings, and special projects
- Devised and maintained extensive filing system and corresponding cross-reference list
- Acted as liaison between all impacted departments to ensure proper communications and reporting practices
- Collaborated with departmental managers on weekly postings and master reports
- Planned and coordinated corporate luncheons
- Developed presentations for related on-site and off-site meetings
- Organized the details of special events, travel arrangements, corporate agendas and itineraries
- Maintained attendance and vacation records
- Organized and lead safety meetings
- Completed forklift certification
- Maintained Material Safety Data Sheets
- Interviewed new hire candidates
- Maintained employee personnel files
Education
High School Diploma -
Constantine High School
Constantine, MI06-1991
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Southwestern Michigan College
Cassopolis, MI06-1996
Skills
- Business strategy
- Sales leadership
- Time management
- Executive reporting
- Financial acumen
- Budget management
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Networking skills
- Organizational skills
- Client retention
- Presentation skills
- Business acumen
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Additional Information - Drivers License State
Florida
Timeline
Director of Business Development and Marketing
Kneady by Nature Massage and Wellness Spa
11.2023 - Current
Marketing Director
Boaters Exchange
05.2017 - 11.2023
Animal Enforcement Officer
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
04.2016 - 05.2017
On Farm Grain Originator
Elburn Co-Op
01.2014 - 01.2015
Lifestyle Product Specialist
Land O'Lakes Inc/Purina Animal Nutrition LLC
01.2013 - 01.2014
Office Manager/Project and Sales Administrator
Garaventa USA Inc
01.2010 - 01.2013
Sales Representative
Sierra Motor Corporation
01.2007 - 01.2010
Resident Barn Manager
Lazy L Equestrian Facility
01.2006 - 01.2007
Sales Coordinator
Merhow Industries
01.2004 - 01.2006
Sales Coordinator/Office Manager
EZ Loader Boat Trailers
01.1999 - 01.2004
Executive Secretary Administrative
Riblet Products Corporation
01.1994 - 01.1999
High School Diploma -
Constantine High School
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Southwestern Michigan College
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