Paul Darwish
Cincinnati,Ohio
Summary
Spearheaded strategic initiatives for more than 7 start-ups and 3 major re-brands, resulting in increased market penetration and driving tens of millions of dollars in new/increased revenue.
Innovative entrepreneur with strong track record in launching and scaling successful ventures. Skilled in strategic planning, business development, and financial management, with focus on driving growth and operational efficiency. Known for fostering collaborative environments, adapting to changing market conditions, and delivering measurable results. Highly reliable and adept at aligning team efforts with organizational goals to achieve significant impact.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Business Coach
DARWISH COACHING & CONSULTING, Inc.
2019 - Current
- Engaged in partnerships with a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures and established enterprises; contributed insights on competitive strategy to secure funding, strengthen market positioning, and increase revenue for dozens of clients.
- Coached 5 CEOs across different industries on Strategic AI, aligning AI efforts with strategic plan and minimizing spend on outside technical consultants, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Collaborated with more than five emerging companies within the sports betting sector to analyze legal frameworks, address compliance risks, and formulate actionable market entry strategies targeting significant operational challenges.
- Crafted all-encompassing strategic marketing plans for three high-end retailers in different industries, including a complete rebranding and merchandising initiative for a 150 year-old home furnishings company; implementation resulted in significant revenue growth, with sales figures doubling within three years of execution.
- Conducted thorough competitive research and developed an actionable go-to-market plans for multiple companies in several industries including healthcare, education, technology and retail.
Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer
GRAYDON LAW FIRM
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Catalyzed firm-wide approach that led to five of the most profitable fiscal years in company history; improved client retention rates through enhanced engagement strategies with existing clients while targeting new practice areas and markets.
- Spearheaded the establishment of 3 new practice areas, generating $1 million in new revenue.
- Acted as strategic coach and consultant for 75 attorneys across eight practice areas, implementing tailored business development strategies resulting in a 20% increase in cross-selling opportunities.
- Orchestrated three huge projects simultaneously – an award-winning rebrand, an industry-leading website, and nationally recognized office space design – all launching the same day.
- Built a high-performing marketing team of five professionals; achieved highest internal and external satisfaction ratings in history of the Firm. Continue to mentor a few of them to this day.
Co-founder and President
SEARCHDADDY
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Created the business plan, financial projections and first-to-market strategy as SEO pioneer.
- Secured $300,000 in financing from Queen City Angels to fund innovative sales and marketing pilot program; recruited, trained and mentored 3 talented sales professionals.
- Saved nearly $100,000 in typical start-up expenses through creative barter and negotiation.
- Signed on nearly 30 clients across 15 industries in 5 geographic markets inside 6 months.
- Exited venture with sale to my business partner to enroll in Interfaith Seminary.
President
CLOSSON’S
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Undertook a strategic turnaround effort for this iconic retailer founded in 1866. Store featured high-end furniture, interior design studio, art gallery, gift boutique and bridal registry.
- Immediately cut 10% in expenses and reduced staff to slow significant monthly losses.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive brand revitalization strategy targeting the Boomer generation; launched 10 innovative programs across merchandising, marketing, operations, finance, and customer service to enhance engagement. Grew foot traffic by 20% in 12 months.
- Executed strategic decision to close the downtown store after 137 years of operation, culminating with an impressive 'Store Relocation Sale' that generated 30% of total annual sales in just 6 weeks.
- Re-named and relocated the Closson’s Phyllis J. Weston Art Gallery from downtown to Hyde Park Square, increasing foot traffic by 100% and annual revenue by 30%.
- Cut overall operating expenses by 25% within 2 years while maintaining sales volume in very challenging economic environment (post 911).
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
inyourimage.com
1998 - 01.2001
- Created vision, crafted strategy and wrote business plan.
- Raised $500,000 to fund R&D, product development, and initial retail test store.
- Directed product development, positioning, pricing and merchandising of 3D keepsakes.
- Negotiated prime space in Cincinnati’s premier mall during peak holiday season for test.
- Secured more than $100,000 in public relations exposure, including two television stations, three radio stations, both local newspapers and the leading business journal.
- Completed a successful test market, with annualized sales surpassing required breakeven.
Co-Founder and President
ON DISPLAY, LTD.
1994 - 1996
- Led company to third-year revenue and profit goals in second-year of operation.
- Won recognition by the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce as the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year for 1998 due to strong performance and positioning for future.
- Wrote business plan and secured more than $500,000 in start-up financing, including term debt, credit line, SBA 504 loan, and private equity.
- Provided venture capital-like returns (+40%) to investors after just two years in business.
- Paid off the SBA 504 loan five years early.
- Negotiated a graduated lease for 35,000 sq. feet of manufacturing space to ease cash flow.
- Bootstrapped the start-up operation, purchasing equipment for 50 cents on the dollar.
- Managed all financial, human resource, administrative, and strategic issues.
Regional Manager, Central East Region
GUARDSMARK, INC.
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Led a $25 million region to 28% increase in revenue and 18% increase in profit.
- Responsible for more than 1,100 employees, including 7 salespeople and 6 branch managers in territory extending from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Maintained 93% customer retention rate versus industry average of 70%.
- Completed company’s largest start-up, with more than 100 officers at 8 sites in 5 cities.
Marketing Manager
THE DYMENT COMPANY
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Implemented Total Quality Program, and led upper management in creation of Mission Statement and complete repositioning of company services.
- Revised all marketing materials, and developed effective multi-media sales presentation.
- Initiated entry into fast-growing direct-mail industry, and grew it to 20% of firm’s revenue.
- Teamed with 7 sales people to create award-winning marketing programs for several Fortune 500 companies and helped to grow firm’s revenue by 50% in just two years.
Assistant Brand Manager, Crest Professional Brand
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
01.1987 - 01.1990
- Developed national marketing strategy for quarterly sales package delivered to dentists.
- Wrote copy and managed development of print advertising to complement sales package.
- Grew “share of recommendations” by 15% via “How high is up?” test market program.
- Managed 30 retail, wholesale and chain headquarter accounts for three months.
- Created, recommended and negotiated the Crest/Disney Home Video promotion, behind which the brand shipped an all-time record volume.
- Initiated entry into the “trial size” category; earned $1 million in profit during the first year.
- Conceptualized and executed a year-long, 30th anniversary celebration for Crest featuring special efforts in promotion, advertising, packaging, public relations and professional.
Education
Master in Business Administration - Business Ethics
HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BOSTON, MABachelor of Arts - English and International Affairs, minor in Peace Studies
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
CINCINNATI, OHundefined
THE NEW SEMINARY
NEW YORK, NY01.2009
Skills
- Visionary Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Product Development
- Fundraising
- Brand Management
- Business Development
- Strategic Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Negotiation
- Partner Development
- Strategic AI Implementation
- Client Development
other
- 2009 Contributor-at-Large, Charter for Compassion, selected as one of only three at-large contributors (from thousands world-wide!) for insight and eloquence of writings on compassion
- 2006 Chairman, Board of Trustees, New Thought Unity Center of Cincinnati
- 2002 “Forty Under 40” Member, as Selected by the Cincinnati Business Courier
- 1998 – 2004 Board Member, Greater Cincinnati Venture Association
- 2001 – 2002 President, Greater Cincinnati Venture Association (youngest ever elected to this position)
- 2000 – 2004 Board Member, Economics Center for Education and Research (youngest member on Board)
- 2002 – 2003 Board Member, Society for the Preservation of Music Hall (youngest member on Board)
- 1998 – 2004 Board Member and Vice President, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cincinnati Chapter
- 1995 – 2001 Adjunct Faculty Instructor, Management & Entrepreneurship, Xavier University MBA Program
- 1999 – 2001 Board Member, Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative Loan Committee
- 1995 – 1996 United Way Campaign Chairman, Guardsmark Corporation (achieved record campaign goals)
Timeline
Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer
GRAYDON LAW FIRM
01.2012 - 01.2019
Co-founder and President
SEARCHDADDY
01.2004 - 01.2007
President
CLOSSON’S
01.2001 - 01.2004
Regional Manager, Central East Region
GUARDSMARK, INC.
01.1994 - 01.1996
Marketing Manager
THE DYMENT COMPANY
01.1990 - 01.1992
Assistant Brand Manager, Crest Professional Brand
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
01.1987 - 01.1990
Bachelor of Arts - English and International Affairs, minor in Peace Studies
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
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THE NEW SEMINARY
Executive Business Coach
DARWISH COACHING & CONSULTING, Inc.
2019 - Current
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
inyourimage.com
1998 - 01.2001
Co-Founder and President
ON DISPLAY, LTD.
1994 - 1996
Master in Business Administration - Business Ethics
HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
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