STEVE SKOTZKE
Watsonville,CA
Summary
Proven track record in developing and executing marketing, sales, and innovation strategies that generate multimillion-dollar sales and profits for top-tier companies, including Fortune 500 giants. A dynamic and forward-thinking leader and consultant with a talent for building brands and fostering high-performing teams to achieve unprecedented success. Expertise spans the entire spectrum from strategic planning to execution, including concept development, product launch, sustainability initiatives, digital transformation, social media engagement, and customer lifecycle management. Recognized for creativity and innovation, evidenced by two design patents.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Consultant
SKOTZKE CONSULTING
Watsonville, CA
01.2012 - Current
- Provide business, marketing, and sales strategies and services for B2B and B2C clients, including business development, project management, new product development, innovation, branding, PR, commercialization, communications, content, digital and social media.
- Created and implemented sales, marketing, and product strategies which led to record sales of $400 million for largest product line for Dole.
- Led large cross-functional project team and created and launched an organic and conventional new line of products for Dole, achieving nationwide distribution and over $3 million.
- Led cross-functional project team at Dole to achieve $2 MM in cost savings.
Marketing Lecturer
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
Santa Clara, CA
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Taught a wide variety of courses quarterly in the Leavey School of Business to a diverse graduate and undergraduate student population, including in-person, hybrid, and online.
- Evaluated, graded, mentored and coached students in their academic and career development.
- Developed and implemented curriculum, syllabi, activities and assignments.
- Developed and implemented experiential learning projects with outside companies.
- Advisor to the Undergraduate Marketing Association
- Member of the Marketing department strategic committee
- Mentor for startups for the Bronco Venture Accelerator and Mindset Scholars
Business Instructor
CABRILLO COLLEGE
Aptos, CA
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Taught comprehensive variety of business subjects to a diverse college student population.
- Subjects taught include: business strategy and management, human resources, organizational behavior and development, economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, operations, digital and social media, advertising, finance, social responsibility and communications.
- Evaluated, graded, mentored and coached students in their academic and career development.
- Developed and implemented curriculum, syllabi, activities and assignments.
Product / Account Manager
SANTA CRUZ NUTRITIONALS
Santa Cruz, CA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed and implemented marketing, product and innovation strategies leading to 20% sales growth over prior year for 22 accounts, achieving over $40 million in annual sales.
- Managed fastest growing account and grew their business 35% to $26 million in annual sales.
- Developed company’s first organic probiotic vitamin supplements providing $2 MM in sales.
- Launched 20 other new vitamin supplements in 10 months, providing $1.3 MM in annual sales.
Sales and Marketing Manager
WN FOODS
Hayward, CA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Developed and implemented marketing, brand and innovation strategies including new brand, digital and social media, improving SEO, site traffic and sales leads 100+%.
- Established new channels of distribution to increase client base, distribution and revenues.
- Developed 18-month pipeline of new products to achieve future sales and profit growth objectives.
- Achieved Minority Business Enterprise certification as a minority owned business.
Director of Innovation
BELL-CARTER FOODS, Inc.
Lafayette, CA
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Headed cross-functional team to create new product line aligned with consumer insights for launch in test markets; devised commercialization strategy, plan and materials for test market.
- Conceived and drove product strategy for ground-breaking new product to launch across various channels; established relationships and feasibility with six co-packers for products.
- Implemented new software platform, Smartsheet, which improved project management, resource allocation, process development, workflows and collaboration.
Innovation Business Manager
CHIQUITA BRANDS / FRESH EXPRESS
Salinas, CA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Created innovative new Fruit Smoothie pouch for Kraft Lunchables using co-manufacturer, resulting in sales over 1 million units per month nationwide.
- Directed ideation session, marketing research, and segmentation study to create 60 new product concepts for $4 billion international company.
- Drove development of new product line launched in retailers nationwide
- Supervised and developed one direct report.
Product Innovation Manager
DRISCOLL STRAWBERRY ASSOCIATES
Watsonville, CA
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Led team in rebranding of $1.2 B produce brand, including new brand standards, logo, digital and social media, packaging, advertising, public relations, etc.
- Created new flexible Stage-Gate process, replenished new product pipeline, and led successful test market for new product yielding 15% incremental category growth.
- Led development of new innovative product, Berries to Go, for test markets; awarded design patent D 671,403 for product packaging.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WIBachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WIBachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WISkills
- Marketing Strategy
- Brand & Product Management
- Communications & Public Relations
- Project Management
- Digital, Print & Social Media
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Leadership & Management
Timeline
Marketing Lecturer
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
01.2020 - 01.2024
Business Instructor
CABRILLO COLLEGE
01.2018 - 01.2020
Product / Account Manager
SANTA CRUZ NUTRITIONALS
01.2017 - 01.2018
Sales and Marketing Manager
WN FOODS
01.2016 - 01.2017
Director of Innovation
BELL-CARTER FOODS, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2015
Principal Consultant
SKOTZKE CONSULTING
01.2012 - Current
Innovation Business Manager
CHIQUITA BRANDS / FRESH EXPRESS
01.2011 - 01.2012
Product Innovation Manager
DRISCOLL STRAWBERRY ASSOCIATES
01.2009 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Master of Business Administration -
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater