Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
WHY RQ AGENCY
Affiliations
Websites
References
Timeline
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SARAH HEERING

SARAH HEERING

Los Angeles,CA

Summary

C-Suite Operator specializing in financial strategies for high-growth agencies and startups. Managed over $50M in revenue while improving profit margins by over 20%. Secured $12.75M in capital for clients, demonstrating expertise in P&L optimization and ROI measurement. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and driving growth within complex organizations.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Strategic and Fundraising Advisor

Happy Wellness Group
Los Angeles, CA
12.2024 - Current
  • Capital Raised: Secured over $2.25 million across more than 6 early-stage wellness brands.
  • Investor Conversion: Built CRM systems tracking 40% improvement in investor re-engagement
  • Financial Systems: Implemented AI-powered forecasting reducing planning time by 60% (in process)
  • Strategic Impact: Led the 'Follow the Money' investor webinar series, generating 300+ qualified leads.
  • Provided guidance on wellness programs and services for clients.

Chief Operating Officer

Mikuna Foods
Los Angeles, CA
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Revenue Scale: Drove national expansion from regional to 2,300+ stores including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Erewhon
  • Margin Enhancement: Increased gross margins from 34% to 52% in 13 months through supply chain optimization
  • Operational Efficiency: Reduced inventory waste by 20% and improved fill rate accuracy by 15%
  • Team Leadership: Managed 10+ FTE across Ops, Finance, Supply Chain, QA, and Customer Experience
  • Financial Planning: Owned full P&L responsibility and strategic board presentations

Chief Operations Officer

MUZIK Inc
Los Angeles, CA
01.2020 - 01.2023
  • Cost Reduction: Reduced monthly burn from $420K to $250K (40% decrease) in under 6 months
  • Restructuring: Led post-Series A operational turnaround managing 12+ cross-functional team
  • Capital Bridge: Secured $2.1M bridge funding through enhanced financial dashboards and projections
  • Brand Performance: Launched ambassador program featuring high-profile talent including Melo Ball on ESPN

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

NailSnaps
Los Angeles, CA
01.2014 - 01.2019
  • Capital Raised: Secured $1.5M in venture funding for beauty-tech startup
  • LTV Optimization: Increased customer lifetime value by 40% through loyalty and influencer programs
  • Global Operations: Built international shipping to 28+ countries with mobile app integration
  • Exit Strategy: Successful company exit in 2019

Founder and Managing Partner

SAJE Media
Los Angeles, CA
01.2006 - 01.2015
  • Revenue Growth: Scaled full-service agency from $0 to $10M+ annual revenue
  • Campaign Management: Managed $100K-$5M campaign budgets for Disney, Paramount, NFL, Sony
  • Profitability: Developed internal cost controls achieving 25%+ agency margins
  • Team Scale: Built and led 25+ person team across strategy, creative, and operations
  • Innovation: Created proprietary data platform for campaign performance tracking pre-social analytics

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business

Fordham University
Bronx, NY

Skills

  • Financial Strategy and Performance
  • Agency P&L Management: $1M-$50M budgets
  • Campaign ROI and Margin Optimization: 34% to 52% improvements
  • Fundraising and Capital Planning: $15M-$10M rounds
  • Cash Flow Forecasting and Burn Rate Management
  • Operational Excellence
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership: 5-30 FTE
  • AI-Assisted Process Automation and Forecasting
  • Agency Restructuring and Turnarounds
  • Vendor Contract Negotiation and Cost Reduction
  • Agency and Marketing Expertise
  • Influencer Campaign Financial Modeling
  • Experiential Marketing Budget Management
  • Social Media and Digital Marketing ROI
  • Client Profitability Analysis and Optimization
  • Financial analysis
  • Goal setting

Accomplishments

Financial Achievements

  • $50M+ in total managed revenue across portfolio companies
  • $12.75M+ in secured capital through fundraising and bridge financing
  • 20%+ gross margin achievement through operational optimization
  • 40% reduction in monthly burn rate through strategic cost management
  • 20% inventory waste reduction through AI-assisted forecasting

Industry Recognition

  • NAWBO Innovator of the Year
  • Apple Best New App List
  • IDZ International Design Winner
  • Featured in TechCrunch, Vogue, Elle, ESPN, Fast Company

WHY RQ AGENCY

  • Aligned Experience: 15+ years in agency environments with proven success in entertainment, influencer marketing, and experiential campaigns
  • Financial Expertise: Deep understanding of agency economics, campaign ROI, and client profitability optimization
  • Operational Excellence: Track record of scaling teams, optimizing processes, and implementing AI-assisted systems for improved efficiency
  • Industry Connections: Extensive network within LA's creative and marketing ecosystem, including relationships with brands like Disney, Paramount, and Sony
  • Cultural Fit: Proven ability to work with high-profile talent and manage complex, multi-stakeholder creative projects
  • Available immediately for fractional CFO engagement with RQ Agency

Affiliations

  • Board Member: MUZIK, Inc.
  • Advisor: Brand Innovators Labs (2021 - Present)
  • Member: Chief (2022 - 2024)
  • Active Mentor: LA Female Founder and Investor Networks

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Strategic and Fundraising Advisor

Happy Wellness Group
12.2024 - Current

Chief Operating Officer

Mikuna Foods
01.2023 - 01.2024

Chief Operations Officer

MUZIK Inc
01.2020 - 01.2023

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

NailSnaps
01.2014 - 01.2019

Founder and Managing Partner

SAJE Media
01.2006 - 01.2015

Bachelor of Science - Business

Fordham University

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