Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Awards and Recognition
Generic

Karen Rozanski

Grand Rapids,MI

Summary

Accomplished Sales and Marketing Professional seeking a challenging position where I can make a positive impact utilizing my leadership skills, outside sales experience and business expertise. I offer a versatile skill set including persuasive communication (digital + interpersonal), strategic planning, creative thinking, and time management. I am a go-getter who genuinely enjoys applying myself to projects and relationships.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Small Business Owner

Small Business Owner/Freelance Marketing Consultant
12.2019 - Current
  • In December 2019, I stepped away from my full-time career of 22 years in the multi-family industry to pursue my lifelong dream of being actively present with my family. I also launched my online retail business, which began as a hobby but has grown into a very successful business.
  • In the fall of 2020, I decided to homeschool my daughters due to the uncertainty and challenges of the Covid shut-downs and mandates. This was a very rewarding endeavor and I continued to homeschool my youngest daughter until the 2023-24 school year. During this time I also began my freelance marketing consulting business where I have helped companies develop comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
  • December 2019– Present: Small Business Owner, Rebel Redeemed Style, Online Retail Store
  • June 2024-Present: Digital Marketing Director: SCI Floor Covering, Inc, six locations in the Midwest.
  • April 2022—Present: Digital Marketing Director: Design Phase, Interior Design Showroom located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • October 2021—August 2024: Digital Marketing Director: Price Right RV, RV Dealerships located in DeWitt and Sterling Heights, Michigan

Regional Marketing Director

Monarch Investment and Management Group
04.2018 - 12.2019
  • Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a team of 8 Leasing & Marketing Specialists and Resident Relations Managers for 80+ apartment communities in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and North Carolina.
  • Main point of contact with executive team to disseminate information on and implement new company objectives for corporate branding and systems efficiency.
  • Facilitated ongoing communication with Asset Managers and Regional Property Managers on property marketing needs; created and oversaw effective marketing strategies.
  • Consulted with Regional Managers on annual marketing budgets for Monarch properties.
  • Oversaw the corporate marketing budget for the region.
  • Worked with regional recruiters to develop brand and recruiting strategies.
  • Attended regional quarterly and annual national meetings to give department updates and set priorities.
  • Developed and implemented social media training, customer service and sales training programs for the region.
  • Official public communication; Crisis management of media and resident interactions.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to align marketing initiatives with corporate objectives.
  • Hired, managed, trained, coached, and terminated when necessary all area Marketing Specialists and Resident Relations Managers. Assisted in hiring and evaluating property level staff.

General Sales Manager

ForRent.com/Dominion Enterprises
08.2008 - 03.2018
  • Launched Western Michigan market in 2008 and acquired Mid-Michigan market in 2010.
  • Oversaw sales and service for 300 active accounts in the multifamily housing industry.
  • Recruited, trained, developed and motivated a team of outside sales representatives and support personnel.
  • Led sales team to exceed revenue targets through strategic planning and market analysis.
  • Responsible for all revenue management, sales growth, expense management, budgeting process, and overall operations for West Michigan and Mid-Michigan markets.
  • Introduced and sold cutting edge advertising and branding solutions to the multifamily industry including targeted digital listings, social media management services, SMS communication products and retargeting advertising.
  • Developed, optimized, executed and analyzed customers’ advertising listings and social media sites using my extensive marketing and lead generation expertise.
  • Taught and trained clients on the best practices for maximizing ForRent.com’s innovative marketing tools to reach prospective renters.
  • Networked at social/educational events through membership in Property Management Associations of West Michigan and Mid-Michigan.
  • Served on the Board of Directors and multiple committees for Property Management Association of West Michigan and Mid-Michigan, served on the Communications Committee for Property Management Association of MI (State Association with 4 chapters including West Michigan, Mid-Michigan, Detroit and Washtenaw County)
  • Built loyalty and deep relationships by providing stellar customer service and selling with integrity, became well-known as a trusted expert in the multifamily industry.

Director of Marketing

Cambridge Partners, Inc.
06.2004 - 08.2008
  • Responsible for all company marketing and branding initiatives for 1,700 unit multifamily property management portfolio with 6 unique apartment communities ranging from Class A to Class C.
  • Developed and executed a marketing plan which resulted in an 15% increase in company occupancy.
  • Responsible for negotiating and decision-making for all advertising including print, radio, television, digital advertising and all promotional products; responsible for planning and maintaining the company’s advertising and promotions budgets of approximately $400K annually.
  • Responsible for designing all marketing materials, sales contests, motivational programs, company and community calendars and newsletters, and implementing resident retention programs.
  • Integral part of the recruiting, hiring and training of leasing personnel– conducted final interviews.
  • Developed and facilitated presentations for monthly motivational sales meetings and quarterly company-wide meetings.
  • Acted as the organization’s public relations representative within the media, generated press releases.
  • Developed marketing initiatives to successfully rebrand struggling asset with new name, property upgrades and improved resident profile.
  • Developed networking and outreach marketing programs to local businesses to promote Elite Employer and Keychain Discount Club, which I developed as tools to establish and maintain relationships with the area’s top employers and business owners.
  • Worked with VP of Operations to develop business plans, overall budget strategies, and staffing decisions.
  • Implemented company-wide “Green” initiatives to make properties more energy-efficient, environmentally responsible and to raise awareness among staff, residents, contractors and suppliers.

General Manager

Atlantis Asset Development
02.2004 - 06.2004
  • Managed 768-unit luxury student apartment community (new construction).
  • Responsible for recruiting, hiring and training all leasing and maintenance staff.
  • Oversaw the lease-up progress and exceeded goals for leasing all newly constructed buildings.
  • Worked with marketing director to design and implement successful outreach marketing, branding campaigns and special events including an appearance of MTV’s Real World cast.
  • Coordinated the grand opening of apartment buildings, clubhouse and leasing office.
  • Responsible for daily communication with construction company and Atlantis corporate management.

Director of Sales and Marketing

AIMCO
07.1998 - 02.2004
  • Responsible for hiring, training and supervising all leasing staff at all West Michigan area AIMCO apartment communities (2,730 units).
  • Responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to increase leasing productivity and resident retention, therefore increasing overall occupancy and free cash flow.
  • Identified target customer and made fact-based marketing decisions to attract and maintain these customers.
  • Responsible for market analysis research, budgeting and coordinating all advertising and outreach activities, as well as designing and implementing promotions for leasing and renewals.
  • Set weekly and monthly sales goals and incentives, and facilitated regular motivational sales meetings with staff.
  • Worked closely with on-site and regional management as well as corporate directors of marketing to coordinate effective budgeting and business plans to achieve net operating income goals.

Skills

  • Committed to excellence in every aspect of life
  • Articulate and persuasive in verbal and written communications
  • Experienced in outside sales, training, leadership and motivation of others
  • At ease with all levels of professionals
  • Enjoy networking and developing long-lasting business relationships
  • Well-rounded knowledge of business operations, technology and current marketing trends

Timeline

Small Business Owner

Small Business Owner/Freelance Marketing Consultant
12.2019 - Current

Regional Marketing Director

Monarch Investment and Management Group
04.2018 - 12.2019

General Sales Manager

ForRent.com/Dominion Enterprises
08.2008 - 03.2018

Director of Marketing

Cambridge Partners, Inc.
06.2004 - 08.2008

General Manager

Atlantis Asset Development
02.2004 - 06.2004

Director of Sales and Marketing

AIMCO
07.1998 - 02.2004

Awards and Recognition

2018-2019 Excellence in Education GLAStar Award– Property Management Association of Michigan; Personally submitted the nomination for Monarch Investment and Management Group and won two years in a row

2016 ForRent.com President’s Club – This is the highest honor at ForRent.com

2016 Business Person of the Year GLAStar Award—Property Management Association of Michigan

2013 President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service—Property Management Association of Mid Michigan

2012 President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service—Property Management Association of West Michigan

2011 Highest Percentage of Revenue Growth—ForRent.com

2010 Highest Percentage of Revenue Growth—ForRent.com

2009 ForRent.com President’s Club, 2007 Marketing Director of the Year GLAStar Award—Property Management Association of Michigan