SARA A. SMILDZINS
Manhattan Beach,CA
Summary
Proven leader entrusted by C-Suite executives to shape a more powerful and valuable voice. Extensive experience in brand marketing, product development, and sales management. Driven and effective team player consistently delivering bottom-line results and cultivating strong relationships. Currently leveraging expertise within a private equity model to support portfolio companies, specializing in business development, acquisition readiness, and leading activities that promote, enhance, and protect the company. Demonstrates a successful track record in driving community engagement, stakeholder management, brand communications, corporate branding, government affairs, and philanthropy. Highly comfortable in CEO and Chief Operating Officer roles. Adept at presenting to high-level corporate executives and financial stakeholders.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
President and Founder
Bungalow 5 and Titanium Pacific
10.2017 - Current
- Provided strategic consulting for brand portfolios within private equity model
- Developed and Managed 20 million dollar Real Estate Portfolio - acquiring and handling day to day operations for SFR and vacation properties.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
CEO
Kidtastic Learning
10.2015 - 03.2017
- CEO for Kidtastic Learning line of educational products
- Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products in the back-to-school and Kindergarten preparation market.
- Fostered strong relationships with industry partners to expand business opportunities.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new markets and devising targeted expansion strategies.
CEO
Brainy Day Funds Women’s Investment Portfolio
10.2008 - 04.2015
- Launched Brainy Day Funds Women’s Investment Portfolio.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
- Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.
Global Product Marketing, Entertainment Brands
Mattel Inc.
02.2005 - 07.2008
- Managed marketing and product development activities for $200MM global toy and entertainment brand portfolio.
- Partnered with new key entertainment brands to develop strategic business relationships, negotiate contract terms and handle conflicts.
- Led Product Development Team from Product Concept to Global Sales Roll Out
- Determined strategy for prioritizing business development opportunities
- Managed relationships with current partners
- Ensure organization is aligned to execute completed deals
Product Development Manager
Lakeshore Learning Materials
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Responsible for the product development efforts for over 50 early childhood, elementary and toy products.
Project Manager/Producer
Harcourt Education, Classroom Connect Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Successfully managed interactive product marketing projects through all phases of development.
Associate Buyer/Executive Training Program
The May Department Stores (Later Macy’s)
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Developed and implemented strategic marketing plans for several key brands.
Education
Boston University
MBA - Marketing
UCLA, Anderson Graduate School of Management
06.2006
BA -
USC, Annenberg School for Communication
06.1999
Skills
- Leadership Team Building
- Global Brand Management
- Strategic Planning
- Operational and Creative Excellence
Philanthropy and Community Leadership
- Chadwick School Parent’s Association - multiple Board level roles (2021 - 2024)
- Sandpipers Philanthropic Organization, Fashion Show Chair - Tory Burch
- Manhattan Academy PTA Board Member
- St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
- USC and UCLA alumni organizations - currently serving on the 25-year reunion committee
- Pi Beta Phi Sorority
- Involved with many breast cancer charities including Young Survivor coalition
Timeline
President and Founder
Bungalow 5 and Titanium Pacific
10.2017 - Current
CEO
Kidtastic Learning
10.2015 - 03.2017
CEO
Brainy Day Funds Women’s Investment Portfolio
10.2008 - 04.2015
Global Product Marketing, Entertainment Brands
Mattel Inc.
02.2005 - 07.2008
Product Development Manager
Lakeshore Learning Materials
01.2004 - 01.2005
Project Manager/Producer
Harcourt Education, Classroom Connect Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2004
Associate Buyer/Executive Training Program
The May Department Stores (Later Macy’s)
01.1999 - 01.2000
Boston University
MBA - Marketing
UCLA, Anderson Graduate School of Management
BA -
USC, Annenberg School for Communication
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