Mark L. Olson
10701 S. Eastern Avenue, #1126
Henderson, NV 89052
702 353 6540
marklolson@hotmail.com
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Blog: Marketing|Truth
POSITION SOUGHT
CEO / Chief Marketing Officer / Vice President of Marketing
FOUR REASONS TO HIRE ME
Results-driven Leader – 20+ years of multi-national experience taking companies amidst change and making them leaders. Proven expertise in strategic planning, branding, positioning, media relations, sales, advertising, business development, publications, internal communications, websites, direct and online marketing, emerging web technologies, social media, community affairs, events, crisis communications, market analysis, measurement, and CRM systems.
Visionary Challenge-solver – Specialist in tackling new positions, companies, and challenges. Track record of developing and implementing comprehensive, integrated marketing, communications and business development solutions for startups as well as Fortune 500 leaders including branding and reputation management across diverse organizations and geographies. Considerable work experience in Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, and across all major U.S. markets.
Award-winning Communicator – Exceptional writer, creative director, and public speaker who is cool under fire in front of media, board members, and diverse constituencies. Achieved cover stories in Fortune, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Created numerous publications and collateral materials. Well-rounded background as journalist, agency executive and corporate officer.
Experienced, Respected Manager and Mentor – Built teams of 35 professionals across multiple U.S. locations and eight countries. Managed agencies and contractors. Overseen budgets of $10+ million. Outstanding interpersonal skills. Hands-on self-starter adept at multi-tasking and managing parallel projects under tight deadlines in dynamic entrepreneurial environments.
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Created $1.5 billion order backlog for IBM Thinkpad 700C laptop in first six months of availability as lead product for the re-branding and re-launch of all IBM PC business worldwide under a single division.
Saved more than $1 billion in potential damages and achieved unprecedented access to IBM technology for Fujitsu, Ltd. in multi-national intellectual property dispute arbitration market influencer campaign run covertly over two year period.
More than tripled assets under management from $275 to $962 million in just 21 months for USA Capital while reducing marketing budget by 33%; achieved ROI of $650,000 in new assets per $1,000 spent.
Grew revenues from zero to $2 million and achieved profitability in three years for VegasHotSpots.com LLC. Built database of 30,000+ prospects and customers. Doubled revenue and inventory by acquiring largest competitor.
Generated 14,000+ new sales leads and $2+ million in revenues from two trade shows used as launch pad for Constellar Corporation re-branding. Raised $18 million in private equity placement.
EXPERIENCE
Principal – LTO Ventures / Henderson, NV (2007-Present)
Strategic marketing, communications and branding consultancy. Developed plans recently for companies in: online education; online vacation rental property management; and, online data collaboration.
USA Capital and USA Investment Partners / Las Vegas, NV (2002-2007)
Chief Operating Officer / Director of Marketing of USA Capital, the parent company, one of the largest U.S. private lenders for commercial real estate developers. More than tripled assets under management from $275 to $962 million in just 21 months while achieving a marketing ROI of 650:1. Supervised staff of 32. Led reorganization and sale of company.
Director of Marketing and Sales of VegasHotSpots.com, LLC, a subsidiary company that pioneered Internet-based VIP nightlife entertainment in Las Vegas. Grew annual revenues from zero to $2+ million in three years, and reached profitability. Developed branding and built database of 30,000+ prospects and customers. Doubled revenues and inventory by acquiring main competitor. Built 8-person sales team. Created 7 websites.
President – Olson|Ballard Communications / Las Vegas, NV (2001-2002)
One of the largest public relations agencies in Las Vegas. Won the firm’s two largest accounts at $10,000/month each while restructuring the firm’s business focus. Supervised eight professionals.
Vice President of Marketing & Sales – iMonitoring.com / Mountain View, CA (1999-2001)
Pre-sales Internet startup targeting online distribution of closed-circuit television (CCTV) security video. Joined as employee #5. Generated 4,000+ business leads and signed 300+ resellers at trade show for company launch based on a presentation and pre-beta product demo only. Developed brand and company image. Brokered acquisition of company.
Vice President of Marketing – Constellar Corporation / Redwood Shores, CA (1997-1999)
Company developed, sold, and maintained enterprise software product. Generated 14,000+ sales leads and $2+ million in new sales at two trade shows for company re-launch built around re-branding I developed. Supervised nine professionals. Raised $18 million in private equity offering.
Vice President of Marketing – Red Brick Systems / Los Gatos, CA (1995-1997)
Startup that pioneered the data warehousing RDBMS market. Grew company to $20+ million in revenues and achieved profitability with sales leads, analyst recommendations and media coverage. Supervised nine professionals. Raised $36+ million in hugely successful IPO.
Senior Vice President – GCI Jennings / San Francisco, CA (1991-1995)
Market development and marketing communications agency. Led multi-million dollar IBM Personal Computer Company launch account. Founded and managed New York office of 30 professionals.
EDUCATION
University of Kansas, William Allen White School of Journalism; B.S. Journalism