KIRK AHLQUIST

• Managed relationships with external vendors such as creative agencies or software providers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products/services at optimal costs.
• Led digital marketing initiatives and acted as main point of contact for leadership, technology, product management, analytics, finance and external vendors.
• Optimized paid advertising campaigns on Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and other platforms to maximize ROI while minimizing cost per acquisition.
• Optimized website UX/UI design through extensive A/B testing, leading to higher visitor retention rates and increased conversions.
• Utilized Google Analytics to set up, monitor and analyze content success and identify opportunities for content improvement.
• Established, initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company targets, product specifications, market data, and budget factors.
• Created landing pages and user funnels designed to capture leads, resulting in increased customer acquisition rates.

• Proven ability to drive exponential business growth through data-driven digital strategies and high-performing, cross-functional teams
• Expertise in ABM for marketing agencies
• Led an 8+ person Global team to achieve a 142% YoY increase in SaaS MRR and a 78% YoY rise in lead conversion
• Skilled at identifying market opportunities, forecasting trends, and building strong client relationships
• Inspired and lead design, development, and analytics teams to create cohesive and effective digital strategies for clients.
• Streamlined email marketing efforts by creating responsive templates and automating campaign processes, resulting in higher open rates and clickthroughs.
• Conducted market research to identify trends, competitor strategies, customer needs, and potential opportunities for growth in the digital landscape.
• Analyzed campaign performance using Google Analytics, identifying areas of opportunity for growth and improvement.
• Boosted organic search rankings through high-quality content creation informed by thorough SEO keyword research.
• Streamlined digital reporting processes by automating data collection from various sources into a centralized dashboard for easy access by clients.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:

• CRM & Marketing Automation: HighLevel Certified Level 2, HubSpot Partner Certification & Salesforce
• Campaign Management: Google Ads Certified, SEMrush, Microsoft Advertising, Meta Business Suite, Buffer, Hootsuite
• Email Platforms: MailChimp, LeadConnector MailGun, Constant Contact & OmniSend
• LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Campaign Manager, and Communities
• Website/E-commerce/Content Management: WordPress, Shopify, Marketo
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.

• Evaluate SEO and drive decision-making through digital analytics practice by clearly defining objectives, marketing metrics, and KPIs, generating reports, providing performance analysis, and developing recommendations for optimization
• Hands-on leadership, development and implementation of digital strategies across multiple digital channels
• Liaison between clients, technical and business operations in the project processes and solution design and development
• Developed strategic advertising and directed PPC Strategists, SEO Strategists, and Social Media Strategists to drive home-improvement and medical client growth
• Collaborated with clients, and media agencies and conducted hands-on development of paid and organic media placements meeting or exceeding client’s sales and lead generation goals
• Implemented conversion rate optimization techniques to drive sales and improve ROI on marketing spend.
• Assembled reports and presentations to share insights and recommendations with stakeholders.
• Researched and applied On-Page, Technical and Off-Page SEO techniques to increase online exposure by 212%
• Enhanced user experience on websites by conducting thorough audits and making data-driven improvements.

• Analyzed and reported consumer activities on social media, websites and self-serve registers
• Continuing to improve guest satisfaction and maximizing overall financial performance through best-practice execution of brands, marketing initiatives and catering
• Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
• Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
• Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
• Introduced new products successfully to the market through well-coordinated product launch events and targeted communications efforts.

• Developed innovative digital campaign strategies and website content to engage online presence; planned, executed, and optimized digital marketing programs including SEO, paid search advertising, landing pages, email development and social media networking
• Managed digital campaigns to support client's product roll-outs and advertising on Amazon, eBay, Walmart & Google Shopping marketplaces which grossed $15M in 2017
• Key clients include Paula Deen, Hampton Direct, Blackstone Grills, MoleSafe, Phillips, Fleischer & Wolf, TimeLife, Dr Amen, Ontel
• Managed $1.1M – $2.5M in Digital Advertising budgets in PPC, social media, and Amazon to an average ROAS of 425% (MER 4:1)
• Expanded a referral lead program to external and digital sources growing the referral lead generation by 57% in 2017.
• Leveraged technology to automate workflows and streamline processes, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings across the organization.
• Implemented advanced data analytics tools to drive data-driven decision-making across all levels of the organization, leading to better business outcomes.
• Implemented company-wide agile methodology, accelerating project delivery times and enhancing adaptability.
• Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.

• Create and implement digital project strategies with regional operations and sales/CRM teams for new business and rebid presentations
• Drove efficient and profitable operation of a $4.3MM unit including delivery of world-class customer service, quality assurance, team leadership and development, and maintaining high team morale
• Spearheaded all marketing promotions for multiple units and a catering department of $2M including marketing promo creation, implementation and tracking.
• Managed development of all graphic design and printed collateral, including menus/menu boards, LTOs, & digital signage using Photoshop, Illustrator and XD.
• Clients included: Shell Oil, Chevron, Intel, Conoco Phillips, Marathon Oil, & Exxon.
• Lead, develop, train, and mentor marketing champions (6) to maximize results of key initiatives as developed per client requirements.
• Launched successful digital marketing campaigns that achieved goals of 65% increased foot traffic in 6 months.
• Created compelling visual merchandising displays to showcase products effectively and attractively to customers, increasing sales revenue.
• Improved product positioning by conducting market research and analyzing consumer trends.
• Led cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive execution of marketing plans, resulting in increased sales performance.

• Completed professional development in Digital Marketing