Darla Hollowood

** **** ******* ****. *. St. Peters, MO 63376

I am a versatile professional in media, marketing and public relations, experienced in crisis communication and issues management. I have proven success in improving underperforming product groups and marketing/sales functions, collaborating at all levels. I learn business processes, build customer/client relationships, take ownership and believe in the value of mentoring. I possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to a positive, results-oriented work environment.

OBJECTIVE:

Director or VP of Marketing/Corporate Communications

EXPERTISE AND SKILL PROFILE:

Executive Level Management

Marketing / Sales

Product / Brand Management

Managing Budgets / Conduct ROI Analysis

Website Development

Market Research / Analysis

Event Planning

Creative Direction / Graphic Design

Press Conferences / Public Speaking

Crisis Management Planning / Implementation

Achieves/Exceeds Business Objectives

EDUCATION:

Masters in Business Administration / Corporate Communications

Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Minors in Business and Music

Northwest Missouri State University

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Nordyne, Inc. - O'Fallon, MO 2006 - Present

Marketing Manager

Key contributor to building new parts business unit in the hvac industry. Responsible for: P&L / ROI, Sales and Budget. Parts brand manager, created identity: logo, packaging, collaterals, store merchandising. Developed sales materials: b2b, business to consumer, sales sheets, and technical literature. Collaborated with vendors, conducted sales and technical training for sales team and customers. Developed direct mail campaigns, sales promotions, and new product launches, using multi media venues: mail, e-mail, web, fax, on-site, and sales team. Managed inside sales team: implemented use of CRM program, improved methods/tracking; developed performance measurements.

Sales growth of 157% in 2 years.

Integral contributor in blue printing, testing, and development of training processes of new company software program.

Champion, Power User and Trainer for CRM program.

Broste Public Relations - MO 1998-2008

Owner/President

Consulting Services, business development and planning, marketing plan, crisis management plan, campaign strategy, media and public relations, promotions, event planning, fundraising/development, design and edit: websites, newsletters, pamphlets and brochures.

Hollowood page 2

Parkside Meadows Retirement Community - St. Charles, MO 2003 - 2005

Director of Marketing & Community Relations

Responsible for business development, community network, sales, customer relations, chief executive of marketing: advertising, public relations, build/manage website, market research, outsource some creative needs. Spokesperson/Subject Expert at community events and organizations. Conduct resident and prospect interviews, tours, lifestyle needs analysis.

Develop marketing / business plan, maintain budget, ROI Analysis.

Achieved average occupancy of 94% the first year, more than a 5% increase from prior year; maintained an average of 92% thereafter.

Concordia Publishing House - St. Louis, MO 1999-2003

Marketing Manager / Product Manager

Direct creative team: product development, design, marketing/promotion and merchandising, direct mail, e-commerce and media buying targeted to consumers, and consumer groups. Manage multiple product groups from concept to sale: Cost of Development, P&L / ROI, Pricing, Forecasting sales. Manage budgets, including Cost of Goods, Advertising & Promotion and Cost Center. Conduct market research / surveys, use CRM program. Develop business plan and marketing plan. Attend and speak at trade shows, conferences and conventions.

Increased net income of product group by 170% in one fiscal year; $1.2M increase.

Increased net income of a single product by more than 260% in one fiscal year.

Reduced COGS by 16% in one fiscal year.

Six Flags Theme Parks - Eureka, MO & Gurnee, IL 1995-1998

Media Relations Specialist, Midwest Division

Public relations liaison to TV, radio, newspapers and magazines in 22 outer market areas around the Chicago and St. Louis parks. Coordinated video, audio, film, information needs. Planned media events; conducted market research; tracked penetration; coordinated satellite/live feeds for on-site broadcasts; solicited and gave live/taped interviews; traveled extensively.

Reduced annual event cost by 15%.

Achieved front-page coverage for first time with dominant photo in outer market newspaper.

Specialty Sales Coordinator - St. Louis

Planned group and special attraction events. Responsible for direct mail, scheduled entertainment, obtained speakers. Successfully made sales calls and attended trade shows. Created and developed educational workbook and birthday programs.

Guest Relations Manager - St. Louis

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Campaign Manager for County Government, State Representative and State Senate positions.

Community Relations Chairman: Rotary Club, Park Charles South, St. Louis Aviation Museum.

Host Family Chairman for River City Rascals minor league baseball team for three years.

Teacher, Public Relations Chairman and Education Chairman for church Board of Directors and Sunday School Program.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Professional Women Mentoring Summit

Integrity Selling

Senior LifeSTEPS Certification

Managing Conflict And Difficult People

Conceptual Selling

29.5 Biggest Mistakes Sales People Make

Getting to the Decision Maker

Overcoming Objectives and Information Gathering

Media and The Law

abo3ax@r.postjobfree.com 636-***-****

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