TARA Ericson

beMatrix is a privately held global manufacturer of innovative modular exhibit and display solutions for the experiential, live event, and exhibition industry

Accomplished Chief Executive Officer with a proven track record of excellence & effective change management. Successful at developing and building outstanding leadership teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. Committed to nurturing a positive company culture, driving innovation, growth, and sustainable success

• Steered the organization to its highest-ever revenue performance in 2019 through sales and marketing realignment; 32% YOY increase
• Successfully navigated challenges posed by the global pandemic, orchestrating a Reduction in Force (RIF) and expense consolidation while ensuring stability and adaptability
• In 2022, post-pandemic, reconstructed the leadership team to achieve the highest EBIDTA in the company's history.

Leading provider of outsourced services to professional Associations across North America. Naylor monetizes and produces full turnkey media products, event management services & SaaS business solutions

Executive leader working directly with CEO & CFO to fulfill North American organizational & financial goals. Direct management of 200 employees in cross-functional teams: Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Editorial & Production Departments across 3 office locations (Florida, Georgia, Canada). Successfully maintained sustainable revenue growth by maximizing market penetration

• Participation in board meetings with private equity ownership and PE transaction process
• Involvement in acquisition pre-purchase due diligence & post-acquisition integration activities
• P&L responsibility for $60 million annual revenue and $25 million gross profit
• Achieved record-breaking new business growth in 2018 and a 50% YoY increase in existing client new product adoption
• Pioneered the launch of the programmatic advertising department with estimated 2019 revenues of $10 million.

Established a specialized sales and marketing division generating $30 million in annual revenue. Hired and provided leadership to a team of exceptionally proficient sales & marketing managers, while concurrently cultivating a highly skilled sales team with a singular market focus. Responsibilities encompassed building a proficient sales leadership team and building a successful sales force. Actively engaged in new business development, establishing direct communication with key customers to promote the adoption of new products.

• Drove a 67% increase in corporate online advertising revenues
• Propelled newly established event sales to $13.2 million in 2011

Selected by the CEO to direct the opening of a branch in Atlanta, GA. Participated in all aspects of branch start up from site selection, hiring management, shared services staff, marketing & sales teams. Facilitated the integration of a newly acquired trade show management company

Managed branch operations and drove branch revenue.

• Surpassed corporate sales goals by 20% in year one and doubled growth and retention expectations in year two
• Progressively grew revenue & profitability and expanded to 80+ employees by year 3
• Grew sales revenue in a time of significant industry and economic challenge, delivering $4.5M in 2007, $5.9M in 2008, $7.6M in 2009, and $8.8M in 2010.

Relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to restructure management and sales teams, achieving a 73% growth in branch sales and boosting sell-through rates. Assessed and re-engineered sales/marketing strategies, operations/customer service procedures, compensation plans, and communications. Analyzed operating costs and identified opportunities for savings; reviewed annual budgets and developed an accurate budgeting process. Delivered practical sales management leadership training.

• Doubled monthly average sales from $400K to $1M+ and dramatically elevated employee morale
• Overcame the introduction of a major competitive force in the Winnipeg market in 2002, retaining market share.

Responsible for leading sales teams to achieve monthly sales quotas. Provided ales training and coaching. Conducted market research to identify sales opportunities and supported contract negotiations through direct customer communication. Developed and executed effective sales strategies, managed client relationships, and fostered high-performance, motivated sales teams with strong team morale.