Advance Local

Midwest Director of Marketing 

MLive Media Group

In a dynamic role at Michigan's Best, I specialized in weaving compelling narratives around travel destinations. By collaborating closely with clients, I crafted stories tailored to enhance visibility and engagement on multiple digital platforms. This position focused on driving key performance indicators such as room revenue, site visits, and broader brand awareness through strategic content creation and targeted social media dissemination.

Core Responsibilities & Achievements:

Engaged in in-depth consultations with clients to gain insights and nuances about their travel destinations, ensuring the content resonated with intended audiences.
Designed and delivered impactful presentations that encapsulated the vision and value proposition of various travel spots.
Authored, refined, and finalized scripts that served as the foundation for engaging and informative video content.
Oversaw holistic video production processes, from conceptualization to post-production, even stepping in front of the camera to lend a personal touch when required.
Demonstrated proficiency in video editing, enhancing visual storytelling by syncing footage with carefully curated musical scores.
Designed captivating thumbnails to grab viewer attention, increasing click-through rates and overall engagement across platforms.
Promoted content across multiple digital platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, optimizing strategies to cater to the unique audience demographics of each platform.

Technical Proficiencies:
Adobe Creative Suite
DaVinci Resolve
GoPro Splice
CapCut
Canva

Key Skills:
Content Strategy & Creation
Client Collaboration & Consultation
Scriptwriting & Narration
Video Production & Acting
Multi-Platform Social Media Promotion
Performance Analytics & Optimization

Executive Producer MI Best

(6 years 8 months)
Spearheaded the strategic development and sustainment of the MLive MI Best brand, coupled with expertly managing a versatile portfolio of clients across various industries. Specialized in helping small to medium businesses (SMBs) seamlessly transition into the evolving digital arena, tailoring brand identity to engage and convert their target audience.

Core Responsibilities:

Conducted in-depth research into the shifting digital ecosystem to stay ahead of emerging trends and market demands.
Conceptualized and executed distinctive branding and effective go-to-market strategies to enhance brand equity and market presence.
Produced compelling long-form video content complemented by targeted social media campaigns, specifically tailored for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Orchestrated cross-platform content deployment to ensure optimal alignment of message, medium, and audience.

Key Skills:
Brand Strategy
Strategic Communications
Content Strategy
Social Media Communications
Pedagogical Expertise
Business Development
Communication Prowess
Dynamic Presenter

Director of Brand Strategy + Social Media

Oversaw the comprehensive external and internal marketing dynamics for the MLive Media Group. Recognized for expertise in devising and rolling out impactful social media campaigns tailored for a diverse clientele. Beyond in-house roles, Eric's profound mastery of the digital milieu led him to traverse the state, delivering insightful keynotes to enlighten organizations about the imperative nature of understanding today's internet landscape.

Core Responsibilities:

Helmed the strategic design and execution of both external and internal marketing initiatives for MLive Media Group.
Developed and implemented bespoke social media campaigns catering to a diverse range of clients.
Positioned as a trusted expert, embarked on statewide tours to conduct keynote sessions, emphasizing the essence and impact of contemporary online ecosystems.
Key Skills:

Brand Strategy
Strategic Communications
Content Strategy
Social Media Communications
Pedagogical Expertise
Business Development
Effective Communication

Director of Marketing

Aquinas College

A dedicated educator in the realm of Mass Media and Communications, I delve deep into the intersections of traditional mass media and emerging digital trends. Passionate about understanding and shaping how the 'digital native' generation perceives and interacts with today's media spectrum. My curriculum emphasizes the evolution and potential trajectory of media communication, posing critical questions about its impact on interpersonal communication and the ethical dimensions in the digital age.

Core Responsibilities:

Designed and implemented a comprehensive course that explores the history and projected future of media, providing students with insights into its ever-evolving nature.
Engaged students in critical discussions about the future of communication, exploring the balance between face-to-face interactions and digital communications.
Shed light on the ethical considerations and rights individuals possess within the vast social media expanse.
Key Discussion Points:

The collision course of traditional media and new-age digital platforms.
Foreseeing the modes of communication in the future: Will direct interactions become a rarity?
Understanding one's rights and responsibilities in the expansive world of social media.

Adjunct Professor

iHeartMedia

Pioneered "Way of the Warrior", the Midwest's premier radio show dedicated to the pulse of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), including comprehensive coverage of the UFC. Airing on WMAX, the ESPN affiliate in Grand Rapids, the program stands out as an exclusive MMA beacon in a competitive Friday night slot, successfully expanding its reach across four markets: Grand Rapids, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Rochester, NY.

Core Responsibilities & Achievements:

Conceptualized, launched, and helmed the unique MMA program, positioning it as a trailblazer in the Midwest radio landscape.
Regularly curate and deliver a compelling one-hour weekly show, ensuring content relevance and listener engagement.
A respected voting member of the exclusive UFC-sanctioned fighter rankings system.
Successfully garnered a substantial following with 100,000+ subscribers on iTunes.
Conducted in-depth interviews with a vast majority of the UFC roster, offering listeners insider perspectives and exclusive content.
Provide comprehensive analyses and insights on mainstream MMA events, ensuring viewers are well-informed and engaged.
Actively host and promote local MMA events, further establishing the show's credibility and influence in the community.
Break MMA news and updates on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, ensuring a continuous and updated engagement with fans.
Maintain a hands-on approach by training weekly in MMA disciplines, enriching on-air discussions with practical insights.
Ensure timely and efficient broadcasting by managing end-to-end content export to the network.
The show's impact and excellence were acknowledged with a nomination for an MAB in 2009.

Key Skills:
Create a one-hour weekly program
A voting member of the only UFC sanctioned fighter rankings system
Has 100,000 + subscribers on iTunes
Watch, analyze, digests, and present information on every mainstream MMA event.
Host local MMA events
Break news on facebook and twitter
The show was nominated for an MAB in 2009.

Host - Way of the Warrior

As WOOD Radio's principal voice on technology, I bridged the gap between intricate tech developments and the everyday listener. My weekly 10-minute segment distilled the latest tech industry news, transforming complex concepts into relatable insights that not only demystified the subject but also showcased its applicability to daily life.

Core Responsibilities & Achievements:

Conducted in-depth research to stay abreast of emerging trends and developments in the technology sector.
Simplified and translated intricate tech jargon into easily digestible content, fostering a deeper understanding among listeners.
Crafted engaging narratives around the latest tech breakthroughs, emphasizing their real-world applications and benefits.
Consistently received positive feedback for making technology more accessible and relevant to a broader audience.
Key Skills:

Effective Communication
Technology Analysis & Interpretation
Dynamic Presentation
Audience Engagement
Content Simplification

Lead Tech Contributor WOOD AM 1300

Innovatively conceptualized and spearheaded the development of a program from ideation to successful launch in 2010. Demonstrated consistent excellence in executing digital strategies, consistently surpassing performance metrics, and achieving remarkable milestones in content creation for clients on a grand scale.

Core Responsibilities & Achievements:
Successfully outperformed all budgetary expectations in 2012 and 2013, with an outstanding 28% performance rate in 2013.
Recognized as the Digital Market of the Month in February 2012 and secured the title of Digital Market of the Quarter for both Q2 and Q3 in 2012.
Consistently surpassed all set digital metrics in 2012 and 2013, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication.
Offered strategic coaching and guidance to brands in the digital space, enhancing their visibility, reach, and overall brand awareness.
Crafted consumer-centric content and campaigns tailored to resonate with target audiences and drive tangible results.
Demonstrated adept strategic planning and budgeting capabilities, managing resources across multiple teams, regions, and departments efficiently.
Held a noteworthy Klout score of 71, underlining a significant social influence, and a Social Pull of +275 as per PeekAnalytics.

Technical Proficiencies:
Adobe Creative Suite
HTML coding
Exact Target
Sprout Social
Vitrue Social Media Scheduling
Hootsuite
Photoshop
Sony Vegas
Prezi

Key Skills:
Brand Strategy
Content Strategy
Social Media Communications
Coaching & Mentorship
Business Development
Effective Communication

Digital Content Strategist

At the helm of WSNX, I steered the station to be the top-rated one in West Michigan's 18-34 demographic for a significant 31 out of 49 rating periods. Beyond maintaining our dominant ratings position, I was pivotal in orchestrating "Party in the Park" - a yearly concert series at the 5/3 ballpark that played host to future global pop icons like Justin Bieber, LMFAO, and Flo Rida.

Core Responsibilities & Achievements:

Consistently achieved the #1 spot in the highly competitive 18-34 demographic in West Michigan for a majority of the rating periods, testament to our innovative programming and strategic positioning.
Conducted meticulous monthly analysis of Arbitron ratings to fine-tune our strategy, ensuring our leading market position.
Pioneered and executed "Party in the Park", a landmark concert series that not only bolstered our brand reputation but also launched future global pop sensations.
Formulated an accelerated training regimen, enabling new hires to become operational and aligned with the brand's values in under 4 days.
Analyzed song data and industry trends for optimal song placement, ensuring peak listener engagement.
Fostered and maintained key relationships as the primary liaison between WSNX and the record industry, ensuring a seamless flow of premier music content.
Spearheaded the design and launch of three versions of the WSNX website, which consistently ranked 2nd in performance within our cluster.
Led the creative direction, designing all graphic elements synonymous with the WSNX brand.
Managed and curated content for WSNX's Facebook and Twitter accounts, ensuring consistent brand voice and engagement.
Key Skills:

Brand Strategy & Positioning
Event Production & Management
Strategic Communication & Presentation
Content Strategy & Curation
Digital Design & Web Development
Social Media Management
Music & Industry Analysis
Stakeholder Relationship Management

Program Director WSNX 104.5

As a key figure at WBFX, I embraced the strategic use of the station as a flanking brand, designed to bolster the performance of more prominent brands in our portfolio. I applied principles familiar in 'loss leader' tactics, effectively using the station as a means to undercut competition and strategically position our other brands for success.

Core Responsibilities & Achievements:

Drafted and presented comprehensive sales proposals that aligned with our overarching strategic goals.
Devised a unique broadcasting strategy that ensured seamless listener experience even when all airshifts were pre-recorded, a move that proved crucial in maintaining engagement and audience numbers.
Conducted thorough analysis of song data to determine their optimal placement within the programming grid, ensuring consistent listener engagement.
Regularly reviewed Arbitron ratings data, extracting key insights to either reaffirm our strategy or make necessary course corrections to ensure desired market positioning.
Key Skills:

Strategic Brand Positioning
Sales Proposal Development
Data-Driven Programming
Ratings Analysis & Strategy Adjustment
Effective Communication

Program Director WBFX-FM

In an era of fierce competition, I played a pivotal role in positioning WVTI (then known as I-96) against its direct competitor, WSNX-FM. Our strategies and programming finesse allowed us to match, and eventually surpass, WSNX-FM in ratings. By August 1999, not only did we achieve parity with WSNX-FM, but we also successfully acquired them. My journey then transitioned to WSNX-FM where I introduced "The EOB Show".

Core Responsibilities & Achievements:

Undertook meticulous analysis of song data to optimize song play frequencies, ensuring we kept listeners engaged and loyal.
Actively listened to emerging music tracks, vetting them for playlist suitability and backing up selections with reasoned arguments.
Strategically identified and capitalized on WSNX's weak spots to outmaneuver them in Arbitron ratings and sales.
Pioneered the digital front by launching and populating the station's website with fresh content, well ahead of the rise of social media giants like Facebook and Twitter.
Brought energy, charisma, and content as the host of the afternoon radio show, further solidifying our station's presence in the market.
Key Skills:

Strategic Communication
Content Curation & Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Digital Content Strategy
Radio Show Hosting & Presentation




Regenerate

I-96 (WVTI) Assistant Program Director

TEDxGrand Rapids

TED is a speaker series that occurs twice a year bringing together some of the brightest minds in technology, education, and design together to share ideas, a TEDx event is one that takes place under the TED brand anywhere in the world.  After two years the event in Grand Rapids as stood out in the TED community as one of the best.

•	Managing and host the event
•	Reading and understanding all materials associated with the 16 speakers in order to transfer into a scripted format.  
•	In between sessions, networking as one of the faces of the event

On Stage Curator

As an innovative market leader, I specialize in leveraging current technologies to foster authentic human connections. With an extensive background ranging from radio and digital media strategy to mixed martial arts commentary, my unique perspective is built on the belief that "everything is marketing." This isn't just a mantra; it's a holistic lens through which I interpret the evolving digital landscape.

My passion for understanding and capitalizing on the nuances of human behavior has enabled me to successfully navigate diverse sectors such as mass media, tech analysis, and digital content strategy. Throughout my journey, I've consistently championed the intersection of technology and culture, always with an eye towards how they shape human relationships. Whether it's breaking down complex tech news for the everyday listener or strategizing brand campaigns for impactful reach, my mission remains consistent: to make the complexities of our digital world accessible and actionable.

Specialties:

Digital Marketing & Brand Strategy
Human-centric Tech Communication
Mixed Martial Arts & Pop Culture Commentary
Music & Radio Programming Analysis
Social Media & Digital Content Creation
Emerging Technologies & Trends
Event Production & Management

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