Russ Le Blanc
**** *. **** ****** ****** TX ***** 512-***-**** ***********@*****.***
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Marketing and advertising executive with a history of growing, evolving and redefining companies and agencies. I turn products into brands and turn small brands into big ones. I transform weak client relationships into strong partnerships and I coach and mentor order-takers into strategic leaders. I align disparate groups making strong armies out of groups of individuals. I help float sinking ships. I am a free thinker, excited by thoughtful insights, passionate about new ideas – big ideas ... and am shamelessly devoted to my team and partners. EXPERIENCE
97o West Austin TX 2012 to 2018
Managing Director
• Lead the strategic marketing, digital and media development for all clients.
• Lead the marketing, positioning and brand development for start-ups including strategic business consulting, identity development, buyer personas, social media strategy and content.
• Oversee teams of UX designers, visual designers, developers and content writers as agency lead for all website and app projects.
• Assist in all new business development.
Proof Advertising Austin TX 2010 to 2012
Director of Account Management
• Led the strategic, creative and digital marketing development for specific accounts including Extraco Banks, 3M, Honeywell Aerospace, Cargill Meats and Austin Tourism.
• Led online marketing efforts utilizing search, targeted display, social media, mobile, keyword management and online ad networks for key accounts.
• Managed optimization of all internal procedures to improve team and department interaction. Harry Norman, Realtors Atlanta GA 2003 to 2010
Realtor/Senior Marketing Consultant
• Realtor - Achieved Lifetime Million Dollar status in first three years. Member Harry Norman Five Million Dollar Council.
• Achieved over $3 million in sales in Year I - increased that 66% to over $5 million in Year II.
• Managed a highly successful real estate investment and sales business which included all aspects of business start-up as well as all ongoing financial and marketing management. Specialized in global transfers from South Africa, Great Britain, United Arab Emirates and Singapore. McCann-Erickson/Fitzgerald+Company Atlanta GA 2000 to 2003 Senior Vice President, Group Account Director
The Coca-Cola Company
• Hired to help re-establish client relationships and retain the endangered North America Local Advertising account.
• Strengthened the partnership with Coca-Cola and bottlers, increased revenue +46% and grew the agency staff commensurately. Handled all aspects of budget management and annual financials.
• Mentored a team of 25 producing over 400 print, video and broadcast ads and sales materials annually.
• Successfully translated the national brand strategies and creative campaigns for all Coca-Cola brands to the local level throughout North America.
• Management of all client local advertising was eventually outsourced to my agency group. Other accounts within my group included Cryovac Food Packaging; Georgia Pacific Building Products and Johnston & Murphy Shoes
R. Le Blanc
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Sawyer Riley Compton Atlanta GA 1996 to 2000
Vice President, Director of Account Management
Gold Kist Farms Chicken; The Ritz-Carlton Hotels; Mitsubishi Wireless; James Hardie
• Increased agency income by creating an identity of strategic leadership, business responsibility and executional excellence for Account Management.
• Increased Account Management efficiency and profitability by eliminating staff turnover.
• Learned the value of account retention and built upon the strength of a loyal, turnover-free team.
• Increased agency profitability by driving organic growth of the agency’s accounts. WorkingDesign (strategic alliance partner with Sawyer Riley Compton) Atlanta GA Director of Account Management
• Led a digital, internet web and print design start-up business. Touched everything: administration, new business, strategic development, financials, staffing, morale, etc.
• Reduced costs/overhead, rationalized payroll and drove new business.
• Made payroll, rent and then some every month!
Cole Henderson Drake Atlanta GA 1995 to 1996
Account Supervisor
Bush’s Baked Beans; Georgia Pacific; Masland Carpet; Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Led all marketing and creative strategic development.
• Anchored the Bush’s Baked Bean business.
• Positioned and led the successful introduction of the new managed care products from Blue Cross. Ogilvy & Mather Atlanta GA 1989 to 1994
Management Supervisor
American Express, Bryan Foods, Martha White Foods, Lake Lanier Islands
• Led the marketing, advertising, PR and sales promotion initiatives for all accounts. Oversaw account compensation, staffing and profit and loss issues.
• Never thought I would work anywhere else. I learned the power of a strong culture and a supportive agency environment.
THE START
• Grew up in the business at BBDO Chicago and Tatham Laird & Kudner/Euro RSCG on Proctor
& Gamble’s Head & Shoulders shampoo, Wrigley’s Spearmint and Wrigley International.
• Worked in brand management corporately as Brand Manager of New Products for LEAF Inc. which included all aspects of new product positioning, pricing, packaging, advertising and market research and testing.
• Learned a lot.
EDUCATION
Notre Dame Graduate School of Business South Bend IN MBA in Finance and International Business
P&J Reilly Scholarship Recipient
Graduated with Honors
London School of Business London, England
International Finance and Marketing Studies
Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Graduated fourth in class, minor in Architecture & Art History ACHIEVEMENTS
Ogilvy & Mather Brand Steward Master Class Graduate BBDO President’s Achievement Award
Serve on the Board of Director, PAWS Shelter of Central Texas, a no-kill animal shelter Served on Board of Directors, Project Read, an adult literacy non-profit organization Eagle Scout
HubSpot certified