Richard Pratt
Cedar Rapids
Summary
- An experienced journalist, digital content creator and marketer who brings passion and confidence to every task
- Eagerly accept new challenges and opportunities to learn
- Work best when part of a collaborative team focused on mutual success
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Business Reporter
Corridor Business Journal
North Liberty
12.2020 - Current
- Interviewed sources, gathered photos (many of which I shot myself) and produced content for both print and web use.
- Generated my own story ideas in most cases, developed and produced sources from end to end.
- Served as the key coordinator in the development and launch of a new website for the Corridor Business Journal.
- Networked extensively with key leaders throughout the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City corridor, from government to nonprofits to business leaders.
- Helped mentor fellow staff members, including new reporters, on both web and content initiatives.
- Collaborated extensively with staffers from all departments to further the company's editorial and business goals.
- Reported on business trends and developments affecting local markets.
- Conducted interviews with business leaders to gather insights and expert opinions.
- Collaborated with editors to refine articles and ensure clarity and accuracy.
- Attended press conferences to cover important announcements from major corporations.
- Maintained a network of contacts within the business community for story sourcing.
- Compiled data from multiple sources to create comprehensive reports on industry-specific topics.
Hosting Technical Support Specialist
GoDaddy
Hiawatha
12.2018 - 11.2020
- Responded to customer inquiries regarding technical issues with GoDaddy website hosting platforms, email products, website builders, domains and marketing suites.
- Counseled customers on solutions and best practices for growing their online business presence, recommending upgrades of existing products or new products as appropriate.
- Maintained excellent customer satisfaction and availability scores.
- Worked with other teams and technical support specialists to provide needed information.
Content Development Specialist
Stamats Communications
02.2018 - 03.2018
- Developed, optimized and shared content primarily for BUILDINGS magazine, a business-to-business publication focused on topics of interest to large-scale facilities managers nationwide.
- Enhanced content marketing skills, SEO tactics, audience expansion and targeted newsletter development, using tools such as Google Analytics, Hub Spot and Basecamp.
- Managed the development of content for online audience, adding enhancements as warranted to maximize viewership and viral sharing.
- Managed social presence on sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Online Content Editor
The Gazette Company
Cedar Rapids
07.1997 - 01.2018
- Involved extensively with multimedia production and implementation on TheGazette.com, KCRG.com, Parenting Ain't Easy, HooplaNow and other Gazette Company products.
- Primarily responsible for writing, selecting, editing and formatting content for daily posting to Web sites.
- Managed sites throughout shift on a daily basis, sometimes handling numerous content elements simultaneously.
- Assumed primary responsibility for Web audio and video encoding, using software such as Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas and SoundForge to produce podcasts and other digital media content.
- Developed and produced web-exclusive content, including recording, editing and producing a multi-installment video how-to recipe series with Kirkwood Community College.
- Developed an in-house video newsmagazine, GO Time, including writing, recording, editing and post-production.
- Worked with platforms such as YouTube, Vireo, Soundcloud and iTunes.
- Represented TheGazette.com at numerous public functions.
Education
B.A. - journalism, political science
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Iowa City, IANone - ENGLISH
LUTHER COLLEGE
Decorah, IASkills
- Public relations
- Content marketing
- Journalism
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- WordPress
- Video editing
- Customer service
- Adobe Photoshop
- Written communication
- Blogging
- Social media management
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Copywriting
- File transfer protocol (FTP)
- Filming and multimedia production
- Communications strategies
- Google Analytics expertise
- Proofreading and editing
- Content management systems (CMS)
- HubSpot proficiency
- Content creation and development
- Creative writing skills
- Administrative experience in project management
Certification
- Work Keys, Present, Platinum certification
- Inbound Marketing Certification, 05/01/18, Certification through HubSpot
Additional Information - Professional Skills And Abilities
- Extensive knowledge and experience with Web production and business programs
- Experience with various content management systems (CMS), including Wordpress, Saxotech and DotNetNuke
- Content marketing and digital content development
- Extensive and award-winning experience in both digital and print journalism.
- Volunteer fundraising and marketing
Affiliations
- Writing, editing and photography awards from Iowa and Wisconsin media organizations
- Founding member of Knoxville (Iowa) Rotary Club
- Avid performer, with experience in both musical and theater organizations
Timeline
Senior Business Reporter
Corridor Business Journal
12.2020 - Current
Hosting Technical Support Specialist
GoDaddy
12.2018 - 11.2020
Content Development Specialist
Stamats Communications
02.2018 - 03.2018
Online Content Editor
The Gazette Company
07.1997 - 01.2018
B.A. - journalism, political science
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
None - ENGLISH
LUTHER COLLEGE
Similar Profiles
Rae RogersRae Rogers
Accounting Assistant at Worcester Business Journal/NE Business MediaAccounting Assistant at Worcester Business Journal/NE Business Media
Cheryl MaierCheryl Maier
Senior Account Executive at AMERICAN CITY BUSINESS JOURNALSenior Account Executive at AMERICAN CITY BUSINESS JOURNAL
JASON GARRISONJASON GARRISON
Senior Account Manager at Philadelphia Business JournalSenior Account Manager at Philadelphia Business Journal
James HicksJames Hicks
Senior Account Manager at Point LogisticsSenior Account Manager at Point Logistics
Jermicheal WellsJermicheal Wells
Assembly Operator at Victor & PlasticAssembly Operator at Victor & Plastic