Trent Summers
Cape Girardeau,MO
Summary
Enterprise marketing and operations executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership inside a $7-12M marketing and technology organization. Oversaw 90+ professionals across agency services, creative, web, and SaaS divisions while sharing P&L responsibility with CFO and leading enterprise financial monitoring and reporting. Directed acquisition integration, divisional divestiture, product-based financial modeling, and operational restructuring during periods of revenue volatility. Led national retail marketing initiatives exceeding $60M annually across 10,000+ dealer locations. Combines private-sector executive leadership with senior-level government affairs experience and elected public service. Recognized for disciplined financial oversight, strategic integration, and steady leadership through transition.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
23
23
years of post-secondary education
Work History
President
Red Letter Communications
Cape Girardeau, MO
08.2021 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for a multi-division marketing communications and technology enterprise operating in the $7-12M annual revenue range.
- Oversaw 90+ team members across agency, web services, creative, and SaaS divisions.
- Shared P&L responsibility with CFO, directly supervising financial reporting, forecasting, and performance monitoring.
- Implemented product-based fiscal performance tracking that improved revenue visibility, forecasting accuracy, and margin clarity across divisions.
- Guided organizational stability during major account transitions and revenue fluctuation.
- Instrumental in acquisition of a technology company and integration of two brands under unified enterprise structure.
- Aligned operational systems, financial reporting, team structures, and market positioning across marketing and SaaS divisions.
- Supported strategic enterprise pivot toward SaaS-based growth model.
- Led review and sale of web services department properties to streamline operational focus.
- Reallocated capital and leadership focus toward emerging SaaS product initiatives.
- Managed internal transition planning and risk mitigation during departmental restructuring.
- Oversaw national dealer-funded marketing programs exceeding $60M in annual spend.
- Supported communication ecosystems serving 10,000+ retail dealers nationwide.
- Scaled internal team capacity to support expanding needs of largest national client group.
- Led recruitment and procurement of two Creative Directors to strengthen strategic and creative capabilities.
Owner / Chief Operating Officer
Red Letter Communications
Cape Girardeau, MO
01.2020 - 08.2021
- Directed day-to-day enterprise operations during transitional growth and restructuring.
- Managed accounts ranging from $100K to $6M in annual billing.
- Strengthened cross-functional integration across strategy, creative, technology, and account services.
- Participated in acquisition planning and post-acquisition alignment.
- Contributed to financial modeling and operational modernization initiatives.
Director of Accounts
Red Letter Communications
Cape Girardeau, MO
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Led account services for a $10M marketing communications agency supporting national manufacturing and retail brands.
- Supervised senior account teams across multi-state client portfolios.
- Co-led strategic direction for national dealer-funded retail marketing programs.
- Directed brand positioning and channel marketing strategy initiatives.
Account Director
Red Letter Communications
Cape Girardeau, MO
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Advanced through progressive leadership roles in strategic planning, retail marketing execution, and executive client advisory.
Account Executive
Red Letter Communications
Cape Girardeau, MO
01.2010 - 01.2012
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, Missouri, MO 08.1997 - 12.2020
Skills
- Communication
- Presenting
- Account Management
- Client relations
- Marketing agency leadership
- Marketing agency operations
- Budgeting
- Branding and positioning
- Strategic planning
- Strategy and insights
- Mediation
- Converting complex to simple
- Empathetic leadership
- Goal oriented team development
- Leadership
Government And Public Affairs Experience
- Director of Government Affairs, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Led statewide legislative advocacy and regulatory engagement representing business interests before the Missouri General Assembly.
- Policy Advisor, Missouri Governor's Office, Advised executive leadership on policy development, legislative strategy, and intergovernmental coordination.
- Legislative Director, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Directed legislative affairs and agency-government relations.
- Elections Specialist, Missouri Secretary of State's Office, Supported statewide election administration and regulatory compliance oversight.
Elected Service
City Councilman, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Provided municipal governance, fiscal oversight, and community leadership.
Enterprise Executive Profile - Summary
Enterprise marketing and operations executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership inside a $7-12M marketing and technology organization. Oversaw 90+ professionals across agency services, creative, web, and SaaS divisions while sharing P&L responsibility with CFO and leading enterprise financial monitoring and reporting. Directed acquisition integration, divisional divestiture, product-based financial modeling, and operational restructuring during periods of revenue volatility. Led national retail marketing initiatives exceeding $60M annually across 10,000+ dealer locations. Combines private-sector executive leadership with senior-level government affairs experience and elected public service. Recognized for disciplined financial oversight, strategic integration, and steady leadership through transition.
Timeline
President
Red Letter Communications
08.2021 - Current
Owner / Chief Operating Officer
Red Letter Communications
01.2020 - 08.2021
Director of Accounts
Red Letter Communications
01.2017 - 01.2020
Account Director
Red Letter Communications
01.2011 - 01.2018
Account Executive
Red Letter Communications
01.2010 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - History
Rockhurst University
08.1997 - 12.2020