513-884-1400
Marketing Leadership
As an instigator of innovation with a strong marketing background, my goal is to develop strong partnerships and effectively lead cross-functional teams in order to meet the organizational and financial goals for your company.
I have over 20 years of collective experience across several industries, including consumer package goods (CPG), healthcare, nonprofits, manufacturing, retail, SaaS / technology, and building materials.
My skills include identifying and assessing business opportunities as well as delivering innovative, high-value solutions from concept to implementation.
I look forward to hearing from you.
CASE STUDIES
END-TO-END PROJECT LEADERSHIP
I have proven success leading several complex projects from ideation to implementation.
Key Project: Directed the launch of a new technology product division, Intentek Wireless Charging Surfaces, which required new internal processes, selling methods, policies, and software.
STRATEGY FORMATION & IMPLEMENTATION
I have over 15 years of experience building strategic plans for non-profit and for-profit organizations.
Key Project: I built a 5-year strategic plan for the residential side of the Formica business. One pillar of the plan was to inspire homeowners to think about Formica in places outside of their kitchen.
INNOVATIONS
I directed product introductions ranging from simplistic line extensions or product upgrades to “never-been-done-before” innovations. This was accomplished through:
Analyzing qualitative and quantitative research and competitive and industry analyses
Collaborating with key project teams such as R&D and operations
Key Project: The development of Curel Itch Defense was based in human centric design principles. It helped bring Curel to the top 3 recommended brands by dermatologists.
CONSUMER INSIGHTS & MARKET RESEARCH
I utilized qualitative (in-home, in-store, virtual, and at focus group facilities) and quantitative research in order sharpen business decision making.
I also focused on continually monitoring macro and industry-specific trends and competitors.
Key Project: Used qualitative research in order to propose new Formica Writable Surfaces program. This program proved to be extremely successful, with 102MM PR impressions upon launch. The program remains an important part of the business strategy years later.
OMNI CHANNEL MARKETING
I created a seamless, “surround sound” sales and marketing experience for consumers.
Key Project #1: Garnered sponsorship for the Billboard Music Awards, resulting in 2x the value in television, print, digital and public relations impressions.
Key Project #2: Directed the marketing program for Sheer Blonde Entourage, resulting in a 90% increase in customers’ future purchase interest in the product line.
CONTENT & RELATIONSHIPS
I created engaging marketing content, increasing awareness, purchase interest and engagement.
I also fostered relationships with publishers and influencers in order to create compelling content relevant to the customer.
Key Project: One of my favorite projects was the collaboration with Leanne Ford - HGTV celebrity. As part of this program, I briefed the creative agency and was involved in every step of the production of a TV commercial and web content. The marketing resulted in a +7% awareness increase.
BRANDING
I have participated in several re-branding efforts.
Key Project: Recently, I led the refresh of the Promevo company and gPanel SaaS software. The re-brand included new visuals and communication pillars and helped expand Promevo's story beyond a Google reseller to a full-service consultative software and solution provider.
WEBSITE AND SEO
Competent with website build process and on-going monitoring. Yes, I built this website too. :)
Key Project: While it is typical to see a 10% decline in traffic when initially launching a website, the last website launch that I led saw 22% jump in organic traffic within about one month post launch. And within a matter of months, outpaced goals and brought in $1MM in opportunities from the website.
SALES COLLABORATION
Successful marketing must work hand in hand with the sales organization. At Formica, I won an award for Sales + Marketing Collaboration of Year for my work with key big box retailers.
Key Project: While I am skeptical of trade shows, I was a proponent of the KBIS industry show as it was an efficient way to reach family owned kitchen and bath stores and the media. In 2016, I generated 120MM in PR impressions due to efforts at this trade show.
Testimonials
Leah M.
Cincinnati, Ohio
"Kate is extremely passionate about her work and pours imagination into all of her output. She is a visionary when it comes to product development, always finding an inventive solve. Most importantly, Kate is an exemplary team member. She works well with cross functional partners and is able to lead at any level through influence or authority."
Mike B.
Scottsdale, Arizona
"Kate is one of the most talented marketers I have worked with in my 30+ years. Kate is highly skilled at developing a strategic plan and as I observed over the past year she also can lead a team in execution."
Lisa M.
Greenbelt, Maryland
"I have partnered with Kate on several consumer insights research projects. She is a dynamo, strategic thinker and I have always been impressed with her passion for executing creative and flexible approaches to unearth consumer insights and transforming insights into innovative solutions to grow business."
John G.
Columbus, Ohio
"One of Kate's greatest strengths is her ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. She has excellent communication skills, and she has a proven track record of successfully leading teams of marketers, Kate is highly adaptable and has an innate ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. She is a natural problem solver, and her ability to think on her feet is a valuable asset."
Gerri C.
Cincinnati, Ohio
"I had the pleasure of working with Kate for 4 years at Formica Group. During this time, Kate and I worked side by side on product introductions and customer development for the residential market. As her team member, I appreciated her ability to organize, plan ahead and juggle multiple projects. I was always impressed by Kate’s ability to take on complex and difficult challenges while keeping our team motivated and focused!"
Collin A.
Cincinnati, Ohio
"She has a great knack for looking at things from a different angle, asking the right questions, and analyzing the data to bring it all together to form a clear vision on how to move a company forward. She showed me time and time again how to find a new approach to a problem, or look at a situation differently to find better results."
Martin D.
Louisville, Kentucky
"Kate is a consummate business professional who productively engages a company’s internal stakeholders yet simultaneously represents the company skillfully and enthusiastically to external customers and partners. She is an inquisitive, results-focused contributor who constantly targets and achieves high-performance outcomes."
Ronke M.
San Francisco, California
"I had the opportunity to work with Kate Fortlage at Promevo. She was my marketing partner, and I learned so much from her, one of the things I cherished the most is her ability to collaborate, she was always open to hearing everyone’s viewpoints to be sure that we are covering all of our bases in a launch."