Sabbatical

Working on my doctoral dissertation and spending more time with my wife and kids

Sabbatical break to work on my doctoral dissertation

ShareBuilder 401k

•	Led Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Product, Finance, HR, Accounting, IT Infrastructure, & Facilities

•	Crafted a $200M acquisition of a competitor that has generated more than $25 million in profit

•	Drove M&A event from Capital One with an on-time closing, final price 50% under budget, & $3M in year 1 profit

•	Achieved more than 4X EBITDA/Net Income goal for fiscal 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023

•	Grew assets at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 35%

•	Piloted sales increases of more than 20% annually

•	Created a customer success organization that saw FinTech SaaS renewals at a 99% rate

•	Constructed handbooks, manuals, & plan documents in house saving over $2 million at startup

•	Vetted & contracted all vendors (Insurance, HRIS, Payroll, VPN, Security, Salesforce, Five9, Jira, Meraki, etc.)

•	Oversaw modernization of all technological systems savings of more than $3 million annually while leading to greater efficiency, risk mitigation, & business continuity

•	Distilled brand partnership efforts to concentrate on affinity, ISV, strategic, and influencer efforts to dive a 12% increase in partner leads and 12 new national partner agreements

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Capital One

•	Collaborated with 8 Director teams across 6 sites to create the rhythm of the business (ROB), resulting in improved execution alignment for 850+ associate stakeholders including Sales, Presales, Sales Operations, Partners, Marketing, Services, & Customer Success, 52% Y/Y pipeline growth, & an 11% reduction in account whitespace within 9 months

•	Directed cross-functional teams, bringing together small & mid-size (SMB) business customer data, expanding whitespace customer interaction opportunities by 30%, & driving an increase in SMB product penetration by 23%

•	Public relations media spokesperson for radio, TV, & events (SXSW, GROWCO, Dreamforce, etc.)

•	Grew revenue by 32% compounded annual growth rates (CAGR) over 8 consecutive years

•	Increased assets under management (AUM) by 35% CAGR over 8 consecutive years

•	Boosted customer acquisition by 18% CAGR over 8 consecutive years

Vice President, Business Strategy, Acquisition & Retention

•	Saved over $100M in annual spending by moving Capital One from 26 instances of Salesforce to 2 (Business & Consumer) while also increasing whitespace business customer opportunities by 47%

•	Mentored startup founders on business fundamentals, financial discipline, & the FinTech landscape as an advisor in Capital One Lab’s startup accelerator. Three advised companies generated $300 million in profit for COF

•	Delivered on aggressive sales growth of $500M & $750M Y/Y

Senior Director, Business Development & Retention

•	Led a cross-functional cohort to craft Capital One's first diversity, inclusion, & belonging mission (later DE&I)

•	Expanded external sales team to 6 regions capturing $1.5B in mid-market and enterprise accounts over 3 years resulting in $10M in new recurring annual revenue

•	Initiated business banking referral program including crafting all messaging, training, & program details to increase customer whitespace opportunities by 78%

Director, Sales & Customer Services

•	Pushed external sales team to 3 regions & captured $180M in new SMB & enterprise sales in the first 12 months
 
•	Began managing call center customer service teams, quickly solving customer issues & driving an increase in Net Promoter Score (NPS) from +11 to +42 over 12 months

•	Created a Fee Fighters superhero campaign (piggybacking on the superhero movie craze) where employers & employees could receive social badges by uploading newly legislated fee disclosure documents increasing upmarket leads by 29

Senior Manager, Sales & Customer Service

•	Initiated & led a multi-year partnership with Costco resulting in a 57% annual increase in sales

•	Established external sales role to push "upmarket” resulting in the company's first $1M, $2M, $5M, & $10M sales

•	Segmented sales roles by customer type & associate experience creating 5 sales roles & 8 customer archetypes resulting in sales gains of 13% Y/Y & increased revenue of 26%

•	Led partnership acquisition strategy (affiliate, affinity, cross-marketing, distribution, influencer, ISV, strategic, referral, & white label) resulting in 47 agreements in the first 12 months and a 27% increase in qualified leads

•	Launched a reseller program, collaborating with external firms as authorized resellers to increase product reach resulting in a sales boost of 19%

Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing

•	Refined sales process & technique to increase sales by 234% in 12 months

•	Crafted dynamic customer journeys resulting in a 94% conversion increase & a 56% gain in sales Y/Y

•	Reformed product marketing messaging & voice driving a 187% increase in leads, 119% increase in opportunity creation, & a 62% increase in sales Y/Y

Manager, Sales & Marketing

AutoNation

•	Built, optimized, & refined sales processes & engagement framework for internet sales departments across multiple regions & then nationwide, reducing engagement time from days to minutes, resulting in sales increases of 387%

•	Designed & deployed Microsoft Dynamics, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), increasing revenue by 7% & earnings by 15%

•	Led product team that evaluated paper processes for digitization, eliminated $30M in annual spending, & increased on-time financial EOM close by 26%

•	Developed positioning, messaging, & campaign materials to propel AutoNation's $21 billion revenue, including messaging, pitch decks, creative, & datasheets.

Director, Sales Process & Operations

Younger Kitchens

Founder/Owner

People Leader | COO | CRO | CEO | Creating Efficiency | Accelerating Growth & Revenue | Satisfying Customers | Change Management | GTM Strategy | Fintech | Capital One | ING | AutoNation | Founder

An inclusive hands-on executive focused on finding talented people, optimizing processes, and disrupting markets with winning strategies. This is an approach that has equaled 20 years of explosive sales growth, brand-loving customers, and huge increases in revenue and earnings. Always examining challenges with a creative entrepreneurial approach while also applying business fundamentals through a rigorous financial lens. Utilizing Organizational Change and Leadership expertise acquired through doctoral studies at the University of Southern California to achieve impactful and lasting change!

Known for:

✓ Ability to Get Things Done
    • Always Meeting Deadlines & Quota
    • Providing Targeted Problem-Solving
    • Influencing Cross-Functionally Throughout Organizations

✓ Leading Initiatives that Spark Significant Gains in: 
    • Efficiency
    • Productivity
    • Operational Effectiveness

✓ Leveraging Interpersonal Acumen & Superior Communications Skills to Establish Relationships of Trust that Drive Growth & Exceed Objectives

✓ Bringing Extensive Enterprise SaaS sales, Go-To-Market, Product Marketing, Business Development, Customer Success, Finance, Accounting, & Partnering Expertise to Ignite Transformational Growth

✓ Being an Intellectually Curious Problem-Solver who is Successful in Identifying & Overcoming Business Obstacles

✓ Creating Diverse & Inclusive Cross-Functional Cultures that Empower and Instill a Shared Vision – Aligned with Aggressive Business Objectives & Goals

✓ Managing by the Numbers by Directing the Creation of Ambitions, Concrete, & Aligned OKRs/KPIs to Create Action-Oriented Achievement

✓ Being an Excited Father, Dedicated Husband, Early Adopting Technology Enthusiast, Sports Junkie, Whiskey Connoisseur, Indulgent Epicurean, & Flawed, but Ever-Evolving Man

Specialties: Revenue Growth | Strategy | Profit Optimization | Go-To-Market Leadership | Technology Solution Innovation | Account Management | Growth Strategy | Major Project Management | Sales and Marketing | B2B | B2C | Multichannel | Executive Vision | Organizational Development | Business Turnaround | Customer Acquisition | Customer Retention | Operations | Operational Excellence | P&L | Strategic Planning | Tactical Execution | Digital Transformation | Global Go-to-Market Planning | GTM Leadership | Continuous Improvement | Customer Success Management | Process Engineering | Digital Channels | Brand Strategy | Team Building | Analytics | Business Development | Client Relations

Robert Younger

TreeHouse Foods

Communications Manager, Social and Digital Engagement

Patina Solutions

Communications Consultant

Karen Nicholas Communications

Freelance Writer & Communications Professional

Millig Design Build

I recruited and onboarded new employees and created various communication pieces to increase employee engagement. I created a Human Resources department and established internal communications best practices. I helped plan events and contributed to our marketing communications efforts.

Director of Communications & Employee Relations

Willdan Performance Engineering 

I provided communication strategy, developed content for both internal and external audiences and recruited new employees for our division. 

I created targeted communications to ensure employee engagement. I identified new ways to improve and innovate our internal and external communication practices and channels, including monthly update meetings, a branded Medium.com site, video communications, etc. 

I also recruited, hired, and onboarded new employees. I focused on furthering initiatives around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, particularly in the hiring, recruiting, and onboarding process.

Communications & Talent Acquisition Manager

I designed presentations to share critical findings with clients, focusing on simplicity and client engagement. I also helped package our data into consumable content such as charts, graphs, etc.

University of Kansas

As the first communications person for the IT Department, I created and oversaw all communication efforts, including communications planning, crisis communications, and copywriting. I developed internal communication strategies and materials to support new launches, programs, and processes. 

I distilled complex, technical information into simple, digestible, and actional messages for diverse internal audiences, including students, faculty, and staff.  I also built relationships with other departments and team members to ensure seamless launches of new technologies and programs.

IT Communications & Media Relations Manager

David Evans and Associates, Inc.

As the first person in my role,  I created and executed a media relations program – including pitching media, writing press releases, ghostwriting bylines, and submitting applications for various awards. I ensured our external messages were consistent with our internal messages and focused my efforts on telling DEA’s brand story. 

I developed media pitches and articles to attract and engage with new talent through employee profiles in publications, company culture articles, and Best Places to Work awards. We were ranked on Fortune’s 100 Best Places to Work during my time in this role. 

I engaged with senior leadership and colleagues on media outreach opportunities and provided media training, including crisis communications guidance. 

I also assisted in various internal communications efforts, including contributions to internal newsletters and employee communication pieces.

Media Relations Manager

Edelman

Account Supervisor

Special Olympics Texas

Public Relations Coordinator

Corporate Communications | Writer | Employee & Internal Communications - Helping companies engage with their employees and clients

In our current remote/hybrid work environment, engaging and communicating with employees has never been more challenging – or essential. Creating an environment for employees to be the best versions of themselves is not only a cultural win – it’s also a business win.

A Gallup "State of the Workplace" report found that when employees are engaged at work, profitability increases by 21%. Yet, this same report shared that 65% of employees aren’t engaged at work.

We spend a lot of time talking “at” people – not necessarily “to” them. My goal isn’t just to communicate a message. My goal is to ensure those messages are delivered and digested by the audience. It’s also my responsibility to provide executive guidance and direction when messages aren’t the right voice and fit for the audience.

With a background in media relations, editorial content creation, internal communications and employee relations, I bring a range of creative skills and experience to any position. Communicating with employees and partners can be a company's greatest strength rather than its biggest weakness.

Karen Nicholas

I saw this funny question on Reddit: What other names do you call your cat? Like, the unhinged ones.

The responses did not disappoint:

My cat is named Maggie. I call her Magaluf, Magatha Christie, Marge and in Charge, Maggie Smalls, Beef Maggington, Maggington Hotel and Spa…

The cat is named Jaffa, but the alternative names are: Jafalfa, Jafalafagus, Jalfrezi.

My cat’s name is Oliver. He answers to Stinky, Sir-Sheds-A-Lot, and The Tiny Mayor of Chaos.

Cat Benatar – goes by Cat for short. The other is called “Karen from Accounting.” She goes by Kare-bear or Grumpy Face.

Mira goes by Calicofornia Miracle, Miracalicofornia, String Cheese, Linguine String Cheesey, and Terrorfang.

Here are some other things that made me laugh…Happy Friday!
#TGIF

Things that made me laugh 11.21.25

It's Friday; we made it! Here are some things that made me laugh this week... 

#TGIF

Things that made me laugh 12.5.25

I was reading a book on Sunday, and it was driving me bonkers. The characters struggled to communicate effectively with one another, and tragic events continued to occur due to miscommunications. 

One of my favorite parts of Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead” book is her section about “painting done.” Often, we aren’t clear or thorough when assigning a task or asking someone for help. We haven’t painted what done looks like. 

As a result, the deliverable isn’t what was expected, and the team is frustrated because they thought they did what was asked of them. It’s an obvious case of miscommunication.  

As a parent, I see this happen all the time. I ask my son to do something, but I mistakenly leave out important parts. So, of course, what he brings me is not what I was expecting. 

Many of our miscommunications in day-to-day life can be avoided if we take the time to clearly explain what we want and allow the other person to ask questions. There is so much value in getting on the same page! 

Have you done this before? Failed to give detailed directions for what you want done?

#CommunicationTips

Content creator Samuel Weidenhofer had a sobering conversation with 88-year-old Army Veteran Ed Bambas at a Detroit grocery store. Ed works eight-hour days, five days a week. He had a pension when he retired from General Motors in the late 90s, but when GM filed for bankruptcy, Ed opted to take a lump sum. That amount was quickly eaten up when Ed's wife got sick. 

Sadly, Ed's wife passed away, and he had significant medical debt from his wife’s illness. Not only had he lost her, but he had staggering bills. 

After meeting Ed, Samuel set up a GoFundMe, and it went viral. As of now, $1.8 million has been raised for Ed. There are thousands of comments and well-wishes from strangers, veterans, and people from all over the world. 

The money is being placed in a trust for Ed; he can finally retire. 

While I have many opinions (and anger) about medical insurance in the US, I want to focus on the kindness of others. It may not seem like it, but most people are kind and generous. When Ed was presented with this incredible gift, he couldn’t stop his tears. He was overwhelmed by the kindness of others. 

May we all find ways to help and support those in our community. The world is filled with wonderful people. Wishing Ed nothing but good health and comfort.

If you hop on TikTok right now, you will see lovely videos of people shopping for Angel Tree recipients. Angel Tree recipients create Christmas wish lists that are written on tags. Then, people select a tag and shop for the items. 

TikTok user @laurel_lyn was talking about the videos with her daughter, who wanted to get an Angel Tree tag. @Laurel_lyn shared that she wanted to make sure they had the money to do it right! For many, these were the only gifts they’d receive during the holidays. 

Hours later, the daughter returned with $230. She had been saving up to buy a guitar, but she wanted instead to use the money for an Angel Tree recipient. 💛

A follow-up video was posted, and the creator shared that she had enough money in her budget to do an Angel Tree gift (and her daughter’s guitar money was not touched)! But, people in the comments wanted to help, and donations poured in. So, this woman and her daughter were able to adopt a few more individuals on the Angel Tree! 

💛💛💛

I recently had a friend say she thought the world was becoming more cruel. But, I disagree. I think the world is still filled with generous, kind people like this thoughtful girl. 

May we all follow her lead and generously spread kindness where we can. #KindnessMatters

Today is one of my favorite days of the year – Giving Tuesday. Many people generously donate time, money, or other resources to help nonprofits. 

This past weekend, a friend and I decided to forgo exchanging Christmas gifts and instead created birthday kits for the local food bank. We bought cake mixes, frosting, pans, soda/pop, balloons, birthday plates, and candles, grouping them together in a kit. We set up an assembly line, and our kids put the kits together in record time! 

(There is a fabulous nonprofit called The Birthday Cake Project that was founded by twin sisters who believed every child should have a birthday cake. The organization’s site will give you instructions and information if you want to do this!)

There are lots of ways we can give back to our communities. While financial donations are always welcome, volunteers are needed, too. And, people who spread awareness. As we celebrate Giving Tuesday, I encourage you to find a small way you can give back if you are so inclined. 

#GivingTuesday

Where did the phrase “pass with flying colors” come from?

𝘏𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘴!

In the 1600s, boats flew a variety of flags when sailing. The flags were referred to as “colors.” When a ship was defeated at sea, it would be forced to take down its colors. So, if a ship pulled into port with flying colors, it probably experienced a great success at sea!

If you like topics like this, I invite you to check out my newsletter, Drama Dots! It’s full of quirky grammar tips, communication advice, and stories to make you laugh/cry! I’m linking to the latest issue in the comments!

Do you ever use the phrase “pass with flying colors”?

#CommunicationTips

I have several sticky notes taped on the wall by my computer. This is one of my favorites:

Be brief.
Be brilliant.
Be gone.

We can all benefit from this helpful reminder. Whether you are writing an email or giving a presentation, less is more. 

Do you have any quotes or sayings you frequently look at? 

#CommunicationTips

My best friend asked for a pair of hand-knit socks for Christmas. I’ve made her a pair before, but that was 11+ years ago! I stopped knitting when my son was young, and it seemed impossible to pick it back up.

Fast forward to this summer. I signed up for a class at our local yarn store because I needed a refresher. I did not realize how hard it would be to relearn what I used to know! And, there was a new, easier(?) method we were using.  

I STRUGGLED at the beginning. Three trips to the yarn store. Two different occasions of ripping them out. One unfortunate incident with the cats and the ball of yarn. Sigh. I eventually got the hang of it, and last night I stopped with just a few rows left to knit on the second sock. 🩷

It was a great reminder that there is always a new way to do a task. When I was first starting my career, I was aggressively trying to master everything. Then, I’d know how to do it all, right? 😂 Wrong.

In Adam Grant’s book, “Think Again,” he talks about the value in learning new ways to do things – and having the openness to evolve. 

“We laugh at people who still use Windows 95, yet we still cling to opinions that we formed in 1995.” – Adam Grant, author of “Think Again” 

I had no idea that trying to learn how to knit a pair of socks – again – would be such an aha moment for me. Growth involves discomfort, yet it also offers the opportunity to learn something new! (Karen in July did not want to learn this lesson, but Karen in December is grateful for the growth!) 

What’s something you had to relearn how to do? Did you change how you did it? 

#Growth #CommunicationTips
Image of almost finished sock. Not sure about the pink toe, but it's too late to fix it now! 😂

It's Friday! We made it! Wishing everyone a relaxing, calm weekend! Here are some things that made me laugh this week…

#TGIF

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Robert Younger

Karen Nicholas

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