MARKETINGDIGITAL MARKETINGBRANDINGMARKETING AUTOMATIONECOMMERCEUI & UX

PROFESSIONAL

CHRIS TOWNSEND

About.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

Hello! I’m Chris Townsend, a dedicated Marketing Professional based in Knoxville, Tennessee. With over 15 years of experience in the marketing field, I’ve honed my skills to blend creativity with a sharp business acumen. My journey began with a desire to pursue something both creative and strategically business-oriented, leading me to a dynamic career that spans across various roles — from employee to executive, agency professional to freelance consultant.

My work has taken me through diverse landscapes, allowing me to craft unique marketing campaigns for both burgeoning startups and esteemed Fortune 500 companies. What truly sets me apart is my engineering approach to marketing. I believe in solving business problems with innovative and creative solutions, much like an engineer constructing a robust and functional design. This perspective has enabled me to design a myriad of successful campaigns, ranging from traditional media strategies to cutting-edge digital solutions.

My passion for marketing is deeply rooted in my childhood aspiration to become an artist. While my parents, supportive yet pragmatic, guided me towards engineering and architecture, I ultimately found my calling in marketing — a field where I can channel my artistic inclinations into impactful business strategies. Today, I proudly describe myself as an “engineer of creativity,” solving business challenges with inventive and effective marketing solutions.

Whether you’re a startup looking to make your mark or an established corporation seeking innovative marketing strategies, I’m here to offer my expertise and help your business thrive. Please feel free to download my resume or better yet contact me.

Work

A LITTLE MORE INSIGHT.

OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
WELL VERSED IN TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL MEDIA
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN MARKETING CAMPAIGN DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
HELD EXECUTIVE POSITIONS LEADING AND INSPIRING SUCCESSFUL MARKETING TEAMS

Experience.

WORK HISTORY.

MARKETING DIRECTOR

MedSuite, LLC | Knoxville, Tennessee | Dec 2022 – Present

Lead a comprehensive marketing program across a portfolio of SaaS companies, generating a 30% uptick in lead generation by harnessing SEO, SEM, and targeted social media strategies. Crafted content strategies focused on user pain points, driving enhanced digital engagement and customer journey experiences.

Championed data analytics and KPI tracking via HubSpot, optimizing campaign performance.
Executed successful geographical market expansion by analyzing market gaps and tailoring entry strategies.
Forged and managed pivotal relationships with outsourced firms to deliver high-quality marketing solutions aligned with internal objectives.
Innovated lead capture and nurturing tools, advancing the lead qualification process.
Cultivated a marketing team, promoting a culture of excellence and cross-departmental unity.

MARKETING DIRECTOR

SASE Company | Knoxville, Tennessee | April 2020 – October 2022

Crafted a digital-first marketing strategy, delivering a 90% surge in lead generation and a direct contribution to $12M in sales over two years. Managed a substantial budget and a diversified team, ensuring alignment with multi-channel sales efforts and brand objectives.

Spearheaded digital and traditional marketing initiatives, driving a significant increase in market share and customer base.
Coordinated and executed trade shows, producing $4M in trackable sales annually.

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Diamatic, Inc. | San Diego, California | March 2017 – January 2020

Developed a multi-faceted marketing strategy, propelling brand recognition and consumer education, thus fostering robust lead generation. Directed the launch of an e-commerce site, achieving a $2M revenue increase.

Orchestrated a lead generation-focused inbound marketing program, bolstering sales by $4M in its inaugural year.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

HTC, Inc. | Knoxville, Tennessee | February 2015 – January 2017

Formulated and deployed a marketing strategy for the North American sector, significantly lifting brand preference and supporting the largest product launch in company history, resulting in an $8M revenue increase.

Managed a dynamic marketing team and a $1M budget, leading substantial sales growth through innovative digital marketing tactics

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & DIGITAL INITIATIVES

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. | Oak Ridge, Tennessee | March 2013 – January 2015

Engineered and executed a turnaround marketing strategy, revitalizing the brand and amplifying agent appointments by 18%. Served as the lead web developer, enhancing online presence and sales infrastructure.

Ignited a 50% expansion in email marketing, significantly impacting the company’s sales trajectory.

VICE PRESIDENT OF DIGITAL PROGRAMS

MediaBlox | Knoxville, Tennessee | January 2011 – November 2013

Orchestrated the development and launch of a new division, guiding it to an impressive $8M in revenue within two years. Oversaw operational staff and developed innovative digital marketing campaigns for a diverse client base.

MARKETING MANAGER

The Rush Fitness | Knoxville, Tennessee | January 2009– January 2011

Developed a marketing strategy to drive new enrollments and supported sales efforts for individual clubs.
Designed and implemented brand identity and marketing campaign for new supplement line that resulted in over $300K in revenue in the first month of launch.
Managed an annual advertising budget of $1.4M.
Launched 3 club opening successfully on-time and under budget.
Developed and launched programs ranging from print advertising design, outdoor billboard advertising, point-of-sale design, promotional items, print collateral, product packaging design, web design and management, event planning, and media buying.

VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

MQ Enterprises | Knoxville, Tennessee | January 2006– October 2008

Developed a marketing strategy to drive new enrollments, increase brand awareness and establish the company’s identity.

Drove consultant enrollment to over 3,000 consultants resulting in sales of $10M annually.
Successfully launched over 100 different products across 6 different lines.
Developed the company’s ecommerce ordering system with 3-tier affiliate tracking capabilities in under 2 months and under budget.
Managed a team of two direct reports and numerous third-party vendors.
Responsible for digital marketing activities that included ecommerce website development and design, video production, and email marketing
Responsible for traditional marketing activities that included catalog design, product packaging design, and brand and identity design.

Skill

EDUCATION.

University of Tennessee | Knoxville, Tennessee | 1995 – 1999

AFFILIATIONS.

BNI (Business Networking International)
Regional Director | 2006

CERTIFICATIONS.

CIW
Certified Webmaster

Skills.

HARD SKILLS.

Marketing Strategy Development: Expertise in developing comprehensive marketing strategies that align with business objectives and target specific market segments.
Digital Marketing: Proficiency in digital marketing tactics such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM (Search Engine Marketing), content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing.
Data Analysis and Analytics: Skills in using data analytics tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data to inform marketing strategies and measure campaign effectiveness.
Market Research: Ability to conduct thorough market research to understand market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape.
Branding and Positioning: Knowledge of building and maintaining a brand, including brand positioning and messaging strategies.
Budget Management: Experience in creating and managing marketing budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
Product Marketing: Understanding of product marketing principles, including product launch strategies, product messaging, and target market identification.
Campaign Management: Skills in planning, executing, and monitoring marketing campaigns across various channels.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Proficiency in using CRM software to manage customer data, improve customer interactions, and enhance customer loyalty.
Project Management: Ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Advertising: Knowledge of various advertising platforms and techniques, including digital advertising, print media, and broadcast media.
Content Creation and Management: Skills in creating compelling marketing content and managing content across different platforms.
Marketing Automation: Familiarity with marketing automation tools to streamline marketing processes and personalize customer communication.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with relevant software and tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, marketing automation software, and social media management tools.
Sales Enablement: Understanding the alignment between marketing strategies and sales objectives, and developing tools and content to support the sales team.

Clients

SOFT SKILLS.

Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide teams and departments towards achieving the company’s marketing goals.
Strategic Thinking: Capability to develop long-term marketing strategies and foresee market trends, consumer needs, and potential business opportunities.
Communication Skills: Proficiency in clearly and effectively communicating ideas, plans, and feedback, both internally within the organization and externally with stakeholders and the public.
Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and develop innovative marketing campaigns and strategies that stand out in a competitive market.
Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying challenges within marketing campaigns or in team dynamics and finding effective solutions quickly and efficiently.
Team Management: Skills in managing diverse teams, motivating staff, and fostering a positive work environment that encourages productivity and collaboration.
Adaptability: The capacity to adjust strategies and tactics in response to changing market conditions, consumer trends, and new technologies.
Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiating with partners, vendors, and other external entities to achieve favorable terms for the company.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one’s own emotions, as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of others, particularly in high-stress situations or when dealing with conflicts.
Analytical Thinking: The ability to analyze market data, consumer insights, and campaign results to inform decisions and adjust strategies.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring that marketing campaigns, materials, and messages are error-free, consistent, and aligned with the brand’s values and objectives.
Time Management: Skill in managing time effectively, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines, especially when handling multiple projects simultaneously.
Resilience: The capacity to remain focused and productive in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment, maintaining a positive attitude in the face of setbacks or failures.
Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with industry professionals, media, influencers, and other external parties that can be beneficial for the company.