Rebecca Steele
Huron,SD
Summary
Talented and results-oriented creative professional with experience leading teams, managing budgets and developing strategies to engage target audiences and streamline business operations. Proven track record of developing successful and innovative advertising and marketing campaigns that improve brand visibility and increase revenue and marketshare. Known for reliability and results-driven approach.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Advertising and Marketing
American Trust Insurance
Huron, SD
08.2019 - 05.2023
- Developed and launched rebranding of all creative, tone, website and social media to rejuvenate advertising and marketing efforts.
- Coordinated marketing efforts, including advertising campaigns, promotional events, and online presence to attract new customers and maintain existing clientele.
- Planned and executed web, SEO, database marketing and social media advertising campaigns.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Contributed to email marketing campaigns by crafting persuasive copy that led to increased open rates and clickthroughs.
Simply Devine Weddings and Events
Self
Huron, SD
09.2009 - 12.2017
- Isolated a need in the local area, developed a business plan, and launched a vertically integrated wedding and event decorating business.
- Developed creative design and copy for print materials, brochures, banners, and signs
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Designed, transported and set up floral arrangements for large-scale functions, comprising weddings, funerals, and banquets.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decision-making.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for revenue growth, focusing on diversification and market expansion.
- Lead over 1,100 event planning efforts, resulting in seamless execution of weddings, conferences, and special events.
- Monitored competitor activities, utilizing insights to inform future advertising strategies and tactics.
- Negotiated favorable advertising rates with various media outlets to maximize ROI.
Director of Sales and Marketing
Dakota Provisions
Huron, SD
07.2005 - 09.2009
- Supported the start-up of all new entity functions from building to grand opening and beyond.
- Provided all graphic design creation and copy writing of start-up branding materials and development of branding standards and overall tone still utilized today.
- Boosted the company's brand visibility through targeted advertising campaigns.
- Developed comprehensive sales plans for business growth, resulting in significant market share expansion.
- Analyzed industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to optimize product offerings and pricing strategies, increasing overall profitability.
- Organized promotional and trade show events.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Boosted marketing, reviewed pricing strategies and expanded distribution channels to increase sales revenue.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Increased sales volume and expanded product line to new retailers, warehouse clubs and natural food chains.
Marketing and Communciations Director
South Dakota Farmers Union
Huron, SD
01.2004 - 07.2005
- Coordinated successful media events, including press conferences and product launches, generating positive publicity.
- Planned and organized seminars, meetings and retreats.
- Wrote press materials and delivered presentations to media representatives.
- Managed internal, external, and crisis communications.
- Designed and created membership newsletter.
- Supervised and monitored media purchasing from media outlets.
- Coordinated and managed sponsorships and sponsorship activation.
- Monitored industry news daily, identifying opportunities for proactive outreach or reactive messaging adjustments as needed.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Communication
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD12-2024
Timeline
Advertising and Marketing
American Trust Insurance
08.2019 - 05.2023
Simply Devine Weddings and Events
Self
09.2009 - 12.2017
Director of Sales and Marketing
Dakota Provisions
07.2005 - 09.2009
Marketing and Communciations Director
South Dakota Farmers Union
01.2004 - 07.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Business Communication
Augustana University