Cofounder of Chubbies + Loop Returns | Now, Marathon: A managed technology platform + bespoke services offering helping you exit the short-term direct-response hamster wheel to find your balance of Brand and performance

Chubbies and Loop Returns co founder. Now, applying those lessons and mistakes to help consumer brands transition to a balance of Brand and performance with software that measures the future rev impact of brand, incrementality studies to validate; and the media management and creative production to actually execute on the vision. MarathonDataCo.com

Classic AI software + services combo. 

This is all informed by our firsthand experience and a desire to help brands go through the transition that transformed our business and helped us get acquired for a massive number and continue to grow super profitably today...but without all the pain and heartache we had to go through...

You see, Chubbies almost went out of business because of the exact problem we're trying to solve at Marathon.

In the early days at Chubbies we built Brand because we had to. We had no money. We were scrappy, creative, dynamic. 

And we built an awesome Brand.

Then we monetized that Brand with performance DR. 

We convinced ourselves that that was the source of our growth. 

We almost went out of business.

We righted the ship and built, brick by brick, to a >$100m exit, culminating in a >$1B IPO, and now, doing well over $100M / year at nearly a 30% EBITDA margin, but to do that we had to overcome the overwhelming pressure to take a short–termist approach.

As we've seen this direct–to–consumer brand market evolve over the years, we've seen the same cycle happen to nearly every other business out there: Starting hot, pushing performance marketing, then stalling out and never getting to long-term sustainable growth.

This was the problem we felt absolutely compelled to solve because we felt for these brand builders and entrepreneurs. We were in their shoes. And but for a whole lotta luck and a gritty–a** team, it would have sunk us.

Then we looked around and realized there just isn't anything on the market that helps companies do this — this most important thing imaginable.

So that's what we're working towards, would love your feedback.

Preston 🩳 Rutherford

Stiles Machinery

Marketing Manager

bBIG Communications

As Vice President of Sales and Development, I oversee the creation and development of strategic new client endeavors for bBIG Communications and their communities. I work with prospects to build customized, strategic roadmaps aimed to achieve their individual goals through enhanced marketing efforts. In this role I work closely with the bBIG production team to develop initiatives to enhance existing client programs by increasing efficiencies and improving client ROI.

bBIG Communications helps brands maximize engagement and sales through integrated marketing campaigns that encompass all elements of the marketing mix from strategy and innovation to consumer activation. 

Combined with full-service creative, media, print and digital measurement services, bBIG enables clients to surround consumers with 360-degree marketing from awareness to pre-shop to product sell through. Our proven track record and best-in-class services benefit top global brands like Kraft Heinz, Kellogg’s, Del Monte Foods, Diageo, Pepsi, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé Purina, BIC, Hershey's, and more.

Our customized business consulting and marketing campaign solutions are rooted in the foundation of helping our clients win! By keeping a pulse on the latest marketing trends and technology for products and services spanning multiple industries, we are able to share a diverse, fresh perspective with our clientele. Coupled with our love of optimization, via our best-in-class ALL CHANNELS ON™ approach, analytics and reporting, we continually evolve our suite of services available.

bBIG Communities:
My Military Savings
My Hockey Live
My Home Base
Military Wives Saving
Military Pet Club
Hawaii Savings Club
Baby and Beauty Club

Vice President of Sales & Development

Essentra

As Marketing and Operations Manager I was responsible for leading an internal team, as well as a team of external marketing partners, in the strategic implementation of marketing initiatives to drive sales for Essentra Industrial Supply/Reid Supply, an international distributor of industrial supplies. These marketing initiatives included a full rebrand of the organization led by the development of the company's standalone e-commerce website. It also included a complex mix of digital advertising for customer acquisition and overall e-commerce growth.

While in this role I worked with key department leaders to streamline the sales process and enhance customer relationships through the implementation of Salesforce as the firm's CRM platform. I also worked with Supply Chain and Product Management to develop a third party e-commerce platform to sell off excess and dead inventory. This website created an ROI of 567% in its first 3 months.

Marketing and Operations Manager

D&D Building Inc.

D&D Building has been providing skilled tradesmen for commercial construction projects throughout the Midwest since 1968. Our crews have experience in some of the largest commercial construction projects located within West Michigan. We have become the first choice of construction managers when the project requires highly skilled tradesmen. D&D Building maintains the best possible level of finish detail on a tight and accelerated project schedule. No project is out of our reach.

As Director of Marketing I am responsible for overseeing all marketing efforts for D&D Building and their 9 divisions. Each divisions operates as it's own entity, requiring it's own marketing strategy and budget. Marketing efforts for these companies include brand management, advertising, social media, SEO, SEM, web development, e-commerce, public relations, photography, videography, graphic design, recruitment, and overall business development. I manage the corporate marketing team as well our team of third party agencies.

Director of Marketing

As a marketing consultant I am responsible for all marketing efforts for D&D Building Inc and each of their divisions. These marketing efforts include web development, web marketing, content marketing, social media, SEO, SEM, branding, and public relations.

Marketing Consultant

Beer City Metal Works & Construction

BCMW&C is your one-stop-shop for any incoming or existing firm in the craft beer/spirit industry. Whether your business is moving to a new building, renovating an existing space, adding to your existing space, or building a new facility from scratch, we can do it all. Not only can we build your space, we can create custom furniture, light fixtures, wall-art, signage, craft beer/spirit products and more. No longer do you have to bring in 6 or 8 different companies to complete your project, Beer City Metal Works & Construction can do it all. (Division of D&D Building Inc.)

Freelance

Regal Home Group - RE/MAX of Grand Rapids

As marketing director I was responsible for any and all marketing efforts through branding our team as a whole, as well as on an individual agent basis. By maintaining all online platforms, I created content with the purpose of increasing client acquisition and client retention, and implement it through social media, industry related sites such as Zillow and Trulia, and through blogging. After creating and implementing a new company website, I then focused heavily on search engine optimization and industry relevant content to help generate leads for our agents. I maintained and analyzed data from farming and target zones to assist in our teams efforts of acquiring more clients. My responsibilities also included general CRM database maintenance and organization as well as graphic design. I also coordinated an annual community event, Afternoon in the Park. This is a free charity event for local community members to meet and interact with representatives of local businesses and enjoy free food, games, and fun.

When I started with Regal Home Group our net sales totaled $13 million. During my second year with the team, after aggressive marketing and branding campaigns, the company grossed $35 million.

Marketing Director

DTN Management

As a Leasing Agent I was able to carry an emphasis in marketing while I acquired my degree at GVSU. I worked closely with other members of the leasing staff to coordinate resident functions and create incentives for residents through connecting them with our social media pages.  This sales position required me to meet with potential prospects and introduce them to our community.  I was responsible for following up with prospects and it required a high level of communication and organizational skills. As a service technician at Alpine Slopes Apartment Community, I was responsible for the general maintenance of the facilities including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and construction repair and installation. Above all, I held an exceedingly high standard for customer service.

Leasing Agent/Service Technician

Grifhorst Construction

As a crew leader, I worked alongside and supervised a group of individuals in maintaining and repairing foreclosed homes in the greater Grand Rapids area.  I specialized in inspections, winterizations, and basic home maintenance.  Being a crew leader requires strong logistical skills as well as adequate leadership and problem solving skills.

Crew Leader

Champion Properties

As a crew leader I assisted other workers in removing debris and other materials from foreclosed homes in the greater Grand Rapids area.  I utilized my strong problem solving skills to remove all existing debris from each home in a safe and time-efficient manor.  I was responsible for making sure each home met a strict standard of cleanliness as well as proper safety requirements of United States Housing and Urban Development.

I have a passion for marketing, specifically a strong interest in analytics and consumer behavior. I find myself fascinated with understanding what drives the always-evolving consumer in today's content-driven world.

taplio

The Battle

Preston 🩳 Rutherford

Kameron Wildfong

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