Fractional Chief Marketing Officer

Proven Fractional CMO Since **** Marketing Strategist Delivering Growth to Small & Medium-Sized Companies B2B Health & Wellness Expert

Have you analyzed the current or ongoing causes of your business issues? Do they look something like missing sales targets, losing a market segment to tough competitors, or seeing your growth slow? Maybe there is a bigger, more systemic problem at hand?

Whatever challenges are standing in the way of your company, there's one thing’s for sure: a trusted marketing advisor and provider is always the right place to start.

Clients turn to me for award-winning creative, game-changing business improvements and winning growth strategies. I operate as an integrated member of your leadership group, empowering you with a proven market-based perspective equally suited to helping you define direction and deliver outstanding tactical results. For more than 30 years, companies worldwide have relied upon my honest insights to help create their brands, launch new products, improve customer loyalty, and build better businesses.

I can help you grow without having to hire a full-time CMO or VP of Marketing. As a part-time marketing executive addition to your management team, I can offer you proven strategies, manage the implementation of your tactical projects, and/or provide coaching services.

If you are interested in learning more about how I can help you assess your situation and offer an informed perspective on how to approach your growth, request a 30-minute complimentary consultation today at: Q2Mark.com or email me at *****@******.***.

Specialties: B2B, B2C, Health and Wellness Sectors

Certified: DigitalMarketer’s Head of Marketing focuses on the four key skills of marketing leaders: strategy, execution, measurement, and optimization. Mastery of these skills is the difference between being a specialist in a specific marketing discipline and actually holistically understanding marketing strategy.

Head of Marketing, Business & Marketing Insights, Research, Analysis, Strategy Development, Planning & Business Coaching, Branding & Identity Development, Advertising, Promotions, Direct Mail, Email Marketing, SEO, Lead Generation, Social Media, Content Creation, Copywriting, Creative Services, Brochures, Custom Presentations, Photography, Illustrations, Sales Tools & Collateral, Tradeshows, Public Relations, Expert Positioning, Digital, Website Design & Development, Videos & Animation and Podcasts

EXPERIENCE

With more than 30 years of experience, Susie operates as an essential representative of executive leadership by utilizing her proficiencies in business strategy and operations to help each company identify its goals, develop plans to overcome obstacles and achieve measurable profitability and success. Susie passionately advocates customer-centricity and leverages competitive intelligence techniques. Securing prosperous brand awareness through powerful campaigns, effective lead generation tools, and surpassing corporate goals is nothing new for Susie and her firm, Q2Mark. Distinguished consulting initiatives and marketing communications have included work for HORN Animal Wellness, Solazyme Health Sciences, Folium Biosciences, Bledsoe Brace Systems, United Orthopedic Group, Viscent Orthopedic Solutions, KonaRed, Nutralliance, DRE Power & Cabling, Ethical Naturals, GoldenGate Nutritionals, AIDP, Bloom'en Nutrition, Absolute Trust Counsel, Mold Inspection Sciences, Mold Inspection Sciences Texas, Ombudsman Services Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda, Empowered Aging, Del Monte Group, Best Financial Life, SureCoat Systems, White Pony Express, Respite for All, Infield Market, and Geiger Law Office among other global accounts.

"Even though we have over a half-century of business experts and success, we thought we might benefit from somebody helping us build awareness and grow in a newer category for HORN. That’s when we met Susie Hays, and she answered our calling. Susie Hays with Q2Mark helped us look at our current practices and refine them to be more relatable and engaging. She helped us to understand where the opportunities were and reach our audience through an integrated marketing strategy. She communicated our expertise and values to the industry in a more unique and memorable way. The investment has been well worth it — not only from the extraordinary response we attained in incremental sales — but also from having the experience of broadening the way we think about adding values to our principals, clients, and industry. The results speak for themselves. It has been a really successful process.” - Lisa Alley-Zarkades, Vice President Commercial Development, HORN Animal Wellness

"We are forever changed. So glad I met Susie. She’s built a marketing firm with an outstanding reputation and track record for successful results. That’s why we wanted to work with her. When we hired Susie to help us with some marketing programs, I never knew how wonderful and valuable she’d become. She has business savvy well beyond just marketing expertise. I think she is one of the most talented, confident, and simultaneously sweet people I know. Her skill set seems to go on forever. I call on her to help me in so many ways. She’s always willing and able to help, and she does so enthusiastically. Susie is 100% committed to helping our company grow and help us all be better. I think about Susie a lot and how lucky we are that she works with us every day. I’ve said it a bunch, but she has added so much maturity and heft to our businesses. Looking back, our branding and marketing seems so thin and pale compared to where we are now. And, it just keeps building as your well of ideas seems endless.” - Michael Bains, President and CEO, Mold Inspection Sciences and Mold Inspection Sciences Texas

Q2Mark Key Achievements:

• Doubled annual revenue for Absolute Trust Counsel for the past eight years.

• Entering the animal nutrition category, HORN Animal Wellness became the fastest growing division in the company’s 50 year history.

• Absolute Trust Counsel rebranding and integrated marketing funnel system yielded a 400% profit from their investment.

• KonaRed Cold Brew Coffee package design - product launch recognized with three industry awards.

• Mold Inspection Sciences subject matter expert appearance on the Dr. Phil show in 2019 - a 5.2 + Million daily reach, non-paid public relations tactic.

• SureCoat Systems: Comprenhensive marketing programs with sales management resulted in doubling revenue of entire business.

• Marketing strategies and results recognized Nationally as finalist, marketer of the year for Geiger Law Office.

• Recognized by as a TrustedPeer Expert: B2B Health and Wellness Marketing Communications

B&D Nutritional Ingredients

A national leader in sales and marketing of science-based premier raw materials essential to the manufacturing of nutraceuticals, functional food and beverages and personal care markets. Global, valued principals included: ADM Nutrition [Decatur, IL]; Brassica Protection Products [Baltimore, MD]; DSM [Parsippany, NJ]; Embria Health Sciences [Ankeny, IA]; Enzo [New Zealand]; Hamari [Japan]; Hosoda

[Japan]; InnoBio [China]; Javaplant [Java, Indonesia]; Kalsec [Kalamazoo, MI]; Kemin Health [Desmoines, IA]; KonaRed [Kalaheo, HI]; Matsutani [Japan]; Polyphenolics [Madera, CA]; Sawasabi [New Zealand]; Solazyme Health Sciences [San Francisco, CA]; Triphase Pharmaceuticals [India], Unique Biotech [India] and Vitatene [Italy]

VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS 2011 – September 2014 SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR 2006 – 2011

While in Vista, CA directed corporate marketing strategies, tactics, and execution including product management, marketing, website digital assets, events and public relation services for over 21 global principals. Spearheads marketing initiatives for clinically-studied ingredients with responsibility for 140 international products including regulatory. Managed creative teams, outside vendors, and contractors. Lead non- disclosure, trademark license and sales agreements between B&D, principals and manufacturers. Reported to the CEO/Chairman and during his absence, represented CEO at industry committee executive board meetings in Washington D.C.

"Susie is very creative and, of course, knowledgeable about marketing, new technology, and the psychology of marketing. However, what really stands out is her strong planning and organization muscle. I work best when there is a system that I can understand, and she is very good at planning out processes and implementing them, so nothing is overlooked. It is a unique combination, I think, to be both creative and systematic. With Susie on board, we were able to implement so many new marketing platforms, including a full rebrand of the business from our name to our website. We could not have done this without Susie and her team. We have so many aspects of marketing happening now and we are seeing the results in revenue. We now have automated marketing through our sales funnel, we are using social media consistently, and we have a beautiful new website. She has changed my business and my life. Not only would I recommend Susie and her services, but I already have.” - Kirsten Howe, Founder and Managing Attorney, Absolute Trust Counsel

"As the President for Archer Daniels Midland’s Natural Health and Nutrition division, I had the opportunity to work with Susie through our sales and marketing partner B&D Nutritional Ingredients and during industry events. Susie has strategically positioned B&D in the marketplace with memorable marketing communication programs. She is tremendous in helping maximize brand potential and helped B&D and ADM reach our marketing goals. Without reservation, I would recommend Susie to anyone wanting to reach and exceed their marketing goals. She is extremely talented.” - Janice Binger, President, Archer Daniels Midland, Natural Health and Nutrition

"Susie constantly brings new and innovative ideas to our creative discussions, and is then able to correlate those to our marketing and sales strategies. Her ability to see the big picture, ask the right questions and then deliver amazing marketing pieces, strategies, and solutions is what makes her an amazing asset to any company.” - Kyle Redfield, President & Chief Operating Officer, KonaRed Corporation

"Susie is a knowledgeable and passionate consultant who really listens to the client to get to know all the available information before she helps formulates strategies and tactics on how to address the business questions at hand. Susie is reliable, great to work with, and at the same time is not afraid to be blunt about hard choices.” - Doug Reyes, Sales & Marketing Manager, Embria Health Sciences

B&D Nutritional Ingredients Key Achievements:

• Proposed ADM’s successful consumer outreach program and provided strategic, creative and implementation direction. Realized over 42,000 Facebook likes and engagements and trade support. Used as a sales tool for manufacturers and loyalty asset for clients.

• Secured free editorial coverage from NutraIngredients for Javaplant with a reach of over 40,000.

• Produced 132% increase in sales by repositioning stagnate Betanat brand to a Natural Choice Beta-carotene and U.S. Product Innovation of the Year Award Campaign.

• Generated $14M+ in new product sales in 5 years by spearheading new product development and launches.

• Delivered 215% increase in unique hits in the first year through development and introduction of website acquisition strategy including SEO and email campaigns.

• Added a new profit center, increasing revenues and free reach. Conceptualized, proposed, developed and managed the marketing profit center. This strategy included additional insertions and reach without expenses to B&D.

• Improved customer retention through development of a CRM strategy.

• Achieved 150+% ROIs and two new product launches for developing marketing acquisition plan including prototyping, e-mail campaigns, events and promotional literature.

• Improved database by 48% and increased influencer sign-ups customer loyalty programs and webinar events.

• Recognized as ADM’s top sales and marketing team 7+ years

• Lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. helped finalize Good Manufacturing Practices for industry.

• Marketing strategy recognized by the Nutritional Business Journal: invented, developed and implemented B&D’s marketing tactics to connect with influential people in the industry.

Viscent, LLC

A better and entirely different nutrition-based wellness company, Viscent’s mission was to provide customers with products and services needed to improve their quality of life in a safe and simple way. The program supports a balanced approach to healthy living – one in which enlightenment plays a key role.

VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING 2004 - 2006 Investigated markets to determine profitability ratios and developed innovative marketing programs to solicit and build the business from fruition. Expanded business from initial regional focus to a national presence. Created the Viscent brand, packaging, web environment - including e-commerce system, collateral, tradeshows, public relations, print media, broadcast media and corporate communications. Managed all phases of product development and introduction to market. Secured regulatory process for packaging, communications and price point. Built business through direct marketing programs, events, alliances, corporate partnerships, representatives, agents, brokers, and retailers. Responsible for directing the overall administration and operations of the business with four direct reports, management of creative and production agencies, developing, preparing and implementing short-range and long-range business plans, which include sales/marketing, client/owner relations, purchasing, inventory, accounting and customer service to meet or exceed strategic, financial, corporate growth and profit objectives. Viscent Key Achievements:

• Secured over 110 agents, 30 retailers, four recruiters, a West Coast broker, and national distributor.

• Entered an alliance with Jazzercise, a multimillion-dollar fitness business, to provide Viscent products and services nationally.

• Developed customer base from zero to over 300 in the first year and then grew customer base by over 100% within the next seven months.

• Increased profit margin by 17% when reallocating fulfillment tasks.

• Pioneered company’s entry into e-commerce by leading formation of E-based capabilities including website, e-offers, e-tracking, e-orders and e-mail marketing.

"I had the pleasure of working with Susie in my role as Founder/Chairman of Viscent LLC. As a key member of our management team, Susie is a remarkable marketing communications and business development professional. Her mastery of branding expertise, new media, and solid comprehension of business processes brought our company to life and turned our concept into a viable organization. She is an exceptional talent. I’d enthusiastically recommend Susie to anyone seeking marketing advancements at the highest level.” - Kevin Ellis, Chief Medical Officer, Cigna Medical Group

United Ortho was a huge undertaking, I mean we were literally starting from scratch, Greg and I had a need for a marketing structure and platform for our start-up, not to mention the leadership to execute it. Thankfully, Greg had a secret weapon up his sleeve and her name was Susie Hays. Susie helped create an environment where anything seems possible. She is smart, methodical and has the skills and insight to drive your company in the right direction with her creative proven marketing and communications efforts. It was as though one day our business ideas were lifted to full steam ahead business growth. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Susie again.” - Joel Radtke, Chief Financial Officer/Co-Founder, United Orthopedic Group

Danhausen Group

An award-winning, full-service marketing/advertising/communications firm specializing in providing dynamic creative with a purpose – from in-depth strategic research to corporate branding to direct response. ACCOUNT MANAGER 1999 - 2004

Lead member of the management team responsible for seven direct reports, developing and maintaining relationships between the agency and clients along with account services and operational processes. Immersed in both the clients’ businesses and the agency business to market products and services analytically and tactically. Analyzed client input, together with background knowledge and research, to invent communication strategies. Effectively presented and sold concepts and media plans to clients. Managed budgets, timelines, tracked results and cultivated client relationships. Danhausen Group Key Achievements:

• Society Brass Collection, Kwikset: Defined a brand: by planning, developing and executing the core values and marketing position. Annualized revenues in excess of $19 million, exceeding sales projections by $7 million.

• Shea Financial Services: Comprehensive brand identity, marketing initiatives and promotions to cross-sell additional businesses to Shea Homes clients. Recognized by MAME as an industry marketing success for 2003.

• Won Best of Show at Macworld. New product launch received Macworld’s highest honor: Best of Show. Product launch resulted in over 2,000 units purchased during Macworld.

• Designed and developed a how-to interactive CD-ROM for Hewlett-Packard as an OEM product for MGE UPS Systems.

• H&R Block Mortgage: Regional promotions (postcards, flyers, recruitment inserts and advertising).

• John Wayne Airport: “Close to Home. Close to Perfect.” campaign and web site development. Deluxe Color Printers, Inc.,

A high-quality commercial printing company serving the advertising and marketing community. Bringing knowledge of the digital age and offset printing, along with marketing expertise, to provide complete solutions for customers.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING 1997 - 1999

Analyzed, planned and executed marketing activities in order to build sales and profitability. Deluxe Color Printers Key Achievements:

• Garnered top industry awards, including a Best of Show issued by the Printing Industry Association and a national BENNY award.

• Surpassed annual sales goals each year.

Choice Lithographics, Inc.

One of the leading full-service commercial printers in Orange County specializing in offset printing of brochures, artist prints, literature and government communications. MARKETING DIRECTOR/CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER 1995 - 1997 Responsible for renovation of corporate facility, new corporate identity, and marketing program. Supervised and controlled all aspects of account service with five direct reports, including new business development, customer relations, production management, scheduling, estimating, and purchasing. Page 4 SENIOR MARKETING

“Susie came to our HORN Animal Wellness Group highly recommended by one of our principal suppliers as having talented B2B marketing skill in human nutrition, but no background in the pet food & treat market. Well, I’m here to tell you that Susie is the proof in the pudding that a lack of industry background doesn’t mean a thing. Susie really did her research and applied her proven methodologies, strategies, tactics and creativity to bring about swift and immediate growth. She fundamentally changed the way we work both within and outside of HORN. Susie wasn’t just an investment she was instrumental in making HORN Animal Wellness what it is today.” - Dave Preszler, Technical Director & Senior Account Manager, HORN Animal Wellness

Computer Image Systems, Inc.

An industry leader in large format printing, outdoor advertising graphics, billboard printing, and interior graphics. Revolutionized visual display upon launching its patented digital print technology, changing the way outdoor advertising was executed worldwide. MARKETING DIRECTOR 1993 - 1995

Lead objectives and programs for sales and marketing initiatives of the company. Conceptualized and over- saw production of promotions and events. Accountable for daily production schedule or entire printing facility and human resource management.

ASSISTANT NATIONAL SALES MANAGER 1991 - 1993

Accountable for achievement of annual revenue through management of eight account executives. Estab- lished and supervised traffic/customer service department. Key Achievements:

• Awarded production of the largest outdoor buy in history for McDonald’s.

• Exceeded annual corporate goals each year.

• Accountable for production of the most expensive billboard in the world for Kenar.

EDUCATION

University of California, Irvine – Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art 1991

• Honors: Dean’s Honor List - 1987 - 1991

• Golden Key Honorary Society

• UCI Diamond Honor Recipient

Print Production Courses

• Brooks & Frank – 1996

• Barry Brooks, DDB Needham, Los Angeles – 1992

Social Media Success Summit 2012 - 2013 & Social Media Marketing World 2013 - 2019 Social Media Examiner Certifications & Digital Marketer: Social Media, Facebook, Writing & Blogging

Head of Marketing, Digital Marketer - 2023

CAREER & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Society Media Marketing Society, Founding Member 2014 - Present

Volunteer, Carlsbad Softball Association - Creative Director 2009 - Present

Communications & Media Outreach Committee Member, Council for Responsible Nutrition 2006 - Sept. 2014 Member

National Association of Professional Women 2011 - 2013

Volunteer, Meet the Masters Instructor - Pacific Rim Elementary, Carlsbad School District 2004 -2009 Member,

Advertising Production Association of Orange County 1995 - 2004 Board of Directors – Advisor

The AdClub of Orange County 1998 Board of Directors – Advisor

Advertising Production Association of OC 1997 - 1998

Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Various Offices Held 1988 - 1991

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