Sales Marketing

JIM McKISSICK

*** ****** ******** ***** ? Mankato, MN 56001

Home 507-***-**** ? Cell 507-***-**** ? E-mail: abl2hy@r.postjobfree.com

MARKETING PROFESSIONAL

'Delivering Growth through Insight, Teamwork, and Leadership'

Dynamic leader with success in both B2B and B2C marketing. Adept at driving

profitable growth through sound analysis, strong planning, and outstanding

execution. Relentless brand champion committed to building high-performing

teams that deliver winning strategies. Strong communicator able to

influence, inspire, and lead effectively across the organization.

Core Competencies:

- Product / P & L Management - Project Management - New

Product Development

- Strategic Planning - Brand Equity Development -

Collaborative Leadership

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

AGSTAR FINANCIAL SERVICES, ACA, Mankato, MN

Vice President Brand Marketing & Communications

2000 - 2009

AgStar is a cooperative providing loans, mortgages, and insurance products,

as well as tax, accounting and consulting services. The company manages $8

billion in assets and employs over 600 team members.

Joined to establish equity in newly adopted AgStar brand and to provide

strategic marketing leadership. Developed and directed product management

function within matrixed company structure, overseeing successful

development efforts for existing and new products. Partnered closely with

Sales and contributed prominently in developing and implementing strategies

leading to an average growth rate of 15% per year since 2004.

Provided pro-active coaching to seven direct reports within Marketing,

Communications and E-business teams. Managed $4mm budget while directing

company-wide branding and marketing communications for several business

units. Leveraged opportunities to enhance brand equity through public,

media and client relations.

Key Accomplishments:

- Contributed to profit growth of 66% for 5 year period ending in 2008

(reaching $63mm). Key drivers were executing segment-specific

marketing plans, supporting sales activities with new products and

promotions, and building brand to dominant position in the market.

- Added $275mm in new volume to Machinery & Equipment sector over four

year period by developing 'Wheel Deal' promotion. Strategic re-entry

into this neglected sector required addressing internal and external

pricing perceptions, resulting in doubling of market share within

first two years.

- Generated incremental volume of $90mm, and retained multiple key

clients, by leading development of new Purchase Card and Real Estate

Revolving Line of Credit products.

- Tripled unaided brand awareness, from 25% in 2001 to 78% in 2008,

through integrated, targeted advertising campaigns utilizing

distinctive positioning. Dominance achieved in ag financing sector is

evidenced by top-of-mind awareness of 51% for AgStar brand - six times

that of closest competitor.

- Spearheaded adoption of Net Promoter Score to measure strength of

client relationships. Achieved score of 70%, indicating world-class

loyalty, by focusing entire team on importance of every client touch.

- Drove establishment of new name and identity platform for Lookout

Ridge Consulting division. Led to revenue growth of 24% for first year

utilizing new branding and marketing communications strategies.

- Captained re-design efforts for company website and intranet, in 2009.

Re-design included adoption of social media tools and delivered

enhanced functionality and a more personalized client experience.

LUIGINO'S, INC., Duluth, MN

1994 - 1999 Director of Marketing (1997-1999)

Charged with marketing flagship Michelina's brand of frozen entrees and

maximizing net income. Oversaw strategic planning, product/packaging

development, advertising, trade marketing, marketing research, and sales

tracking (IRI). Optimized trade marketing budget of $65mm (on revenue base

of $300mm), while maintaining

JIM McKISSICK

page 2

category-leading shelf velocity and achieving volume goals. Led ad agency

team that developed both television and FSI advertising but privately-held

company was reluctant to invest in building brand identity and awareness.

Key Accomplishments:

- Reduced trade spending 21% vs. prior year in 1997, leading to record

company profits. Accomplished by creating integrated trade promotion

planning system.

- Improved retail distribution spending efficiency by 25% by creating

retailer-specific budgets, plan-o-grams, and category management

presentations.

- Surpassed 40% distribution goal within three months for 'Lean 'N

Tasty' entrees. Led cross-functional team that designed, developed and

launched this line in a very crowded category.

Sales & Business Development Director (1996) Created and sold-in new items

that reached distribution goals at warehouse clubs and c-stores. Directed

Eastern Division sales on interim basis - exceeding growth targets.

Marketing Manager (1994-1995) Established marketing function and retail

strategies for high-growth company. Developed roles for four direct reports

and support staff. Established brand positioning platform for company

brands. Re-designed packaging to boost shelf prominence and better deliver

on brand promise.

- Grew volume by 17% vs. prior year by expanding distribution of 4 top-

selling sku's into 80% of all stores.

- Achieved #1 brand in category ranking while directing operations in

Canada. Later expanded International Division into several European

markets.

BORDEN, INC., Columbus, OH 1990 - 1994

Senior Product Manager Accountable for profitability of Sweetened Condensed

Milk business unit which contributed 25% of corporate profits.

- Managed $8mm advertising & promotion budget to achieve promotional

volume goals for consecutive years during key selling periods.

- Led cross-functional team that developed Low-Fat Eagle Brand -

securing a 10% share within six months.

- Provided marketing leadership for integrated, division-wide promotion

that surpassed revenue goals by 12%. Strong teamwork with Sales

resulted in achievement of display and pricing targets.

- Captained successful brand positioning and pricing initiatives,

coordinating advertising agency, brand consultants, and marketing

research resources.

Product Manager Orchestrated marketing efforts to revive declining Cracker

Jack brand.

- Drove a 30% increase in volume by re-establishing link to MLB through

miniature baseball card in-pack promotion. Teamed with public

relations agency for successful media pitch for this high-impact

program.

- Orchestrated successful 100th Anniversary public relations campaign

involving multiple events.

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY, Chicago, IL; graduated with Distinction

Bachelor of Science, Major in Business Management

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL; graduated with High Honors

Contact this candidate