Business Development Managing Director

Carrie Ek

**** * ******** **** *****, Mound, MN *5364. 612-***-****

**************@*****.***

I specialize in sales strategy, business development, and high-impact relationship-building. With deep experience identifying the right markets, stakeholders, and timing, I help organizations focus on who to sell to and why. I'm also a natural connector—my passion is connecting great people with great people and watching/experiencing the benefits of these connections.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Founding Partner, Chief Growth Officer – Soto Digital (2023-2025)

•Responsible for new business development, community development, and brand awareness in digital product development, technology, startups and C-suite decision makers within SMB

•Gained new agency clients within manufacturing, healthcare, media, and more

•As part of leadership team, helped guide the overall strategy of the business

Regional Director of Operations – Creative Circle (2022-2023)

Managed Denver, San Francisco and Portland markets for contract and full-time staffing and consulting services

Directly managed three Directors/Managers who in turn managed 20+ producers in both sales and recruiting

Managed multimillion dollar budgets, projections and results

Developed strategies and operational best practices for multifaceted teams

Worked daily with executive leadership on growth and personnel management

Managing Director/Producing City Manager, Minneapolis – Creative Circle (2013–2021, Minneapolis)

Responsible for the revenue growth of multiple producers and the overall growth of Minneapolis office in all industries including healthcare, financial services, retail, manufacturing, creative agencies, insurance and more

Additionally acted as interim Managing Director for Denver office in 2021

Built the Minneapolis office of Creative Circle over 8+ years from under $1K in annual revenue to $14M+

Built a high performing team of 10 producers with little turnover

Consistently hit and/or exceeded projected annual and quarterly revenue goals

2019 office winner of Let’s Make Something Award (annual company award that recognizes culture, team success and financials)

Winner of Presidents Club 2013, 2014, 2019

VP Strategic Alliances/Sr. Sales Executive - Fusion Room (2009-2012, Minneapolis)

Developed all brand, marketing and business development strategy for Fusion Room from its inception; worked with owners to determine and implement business strategy

Developed all new business for Fusion Room for the first two years, approximately $2M+; when team grew, I remained the #1 salesperson

Grew Fusion Room's largest client from $25K to $1M in a 12-month period

Solely account managed all Fusion Room clients and projects, until team grew in late 2011

Director, Business Development - space150 (2009, Minneapolis)

Led new business efforts as the first business development role in Minneapolis

Increased new business with revenue of $1M+ in eight months over six new clients

Sought out, built and nurtured national new business relationships through networking, social media and cold calling

Created, organized, managed and educated agency on prospect and strategic partnership database, resulting in a streamlined process and internal recognition

Partnered with leadership team to determine overall goals and strategies for the agency

Manager, New Business Development - Go East (2006-2009, Minneapolis)

Increased new business by 130% over three years

Authored and implemented the first new business process for the agency

Directed strategic development of website, marketing materials, case studies, etc.

Wrote and implemented annual agency-wide marketing and new business plans

Director, Business Development - Yamamoto Moss (2005-2006, Minneapolis)

Increased new business by $1M+ in one year

Led all new business proposals and presentations, cold calls and networking

Helped spearhead new agency brand initiative

Participated in brand strategy sessions and prospect brand development work

Wrote and implemented annual agency-wide marketing and new business plans

Brand Marketing Communications Specialist - Andersen Windows, Inc. (2005, Minneapolis)

Managed Andersen Windows' communications initiatives for The Home Depot account

Worked with internal creative department to help maintain industry leadership, resulting in increased revenue, market share and customer preference, supporting an overall 5.5% annual company-wide growth

Partnered with Marketing Directors on research, strategic planning and execution of marketing materials to ensure consistent alignment and consistency over multiple consumer touch points within the retail environment

Manager, Business Development and Marketing - Little & Company (2002-2005, Minneapolis)

Worked with Director of New Business and Marketing to develop new business leads through association memberships, networking and cold calling

Tracked all new business initiatives and managed agency database of prospects and partners

Wrote all new business proposals and developed new business presentations

Implemented agency-wide marketing including website, collateral and case studies

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Member of Minnestar through Soto, 2023-present

Moderator at Twin Cities Startup Week 2024

Speaker at Minnesota Marketing Conference 2019

MIMA (member 2009-2015)

AMA (member 2005- 2014) Annual Conference committee for three years

AdFed of MN (member 2003-2008)

AIGA (member 2002-2005)

EDUCATION

eCornell Management Program 2021-2022

Carlson School of Management, 2004, Marketing Management secondary education

Drake University, 1993-1997, graduated B.A. Political Science, Minor: Business Administration

Richmond College, 1996, London England

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