Overview
Driving revenue & relavnce for iconic brands
Austin's journey began in Omaha, Nebraska, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the American Dream. Inspired by the stories of entrepreneurs who built empires from humble beginnings, Austin developed a relentless drive to succeed.
After graduating from North Carolina State Poole College of Management, Florida A&M University, and North Carolina Central University, Austin embarked on a career in strategic marketing and business development. His analytical mind, coupled with his passion for storytelling, has enabled him to navigate complex organizations and deliver exceptional results for iconic brands across multiple industries.
As a seasoned marketing professional, Austin thrives in fast-paced environments and is known for his ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. He is driven by a growth mindset and believes that the most effective brands are those that connect with consumers on a deep emotional level.
With a focus on culture, content, and product, Austin is committed to delivering commercial success while making a positive impact on the world. His journey from America’s breadbasket to the forefront of the marketing industry is a testament to his unwavering dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and belief in the power of storytelling.
résumé
Champion - Sr. Product Mgr. - Marketing Champion North America Collaborations, Partnerships, & Energy
April 2022 - Present
In this role I navigate a dynamic partnerships landscape, from global titans like Disney & Marvel to emerging cultural forces like Dreamville Records & Supreme. My job is to orchestrate these collaborations, ensuring they resonated with our target audience and ensure we capture tangible results.
One of my proudest achievements was spearheading the Champion x Dreamville partnership. We turned this collaboration into a cultural phenomenon, generating buzz across platforms and achieved immediate positive consumer sentiment. The impact was undeniable: product sell-through rates soared, organic media coverage skyrocketed, and online engagement reached unprecedented levels.
Beyond these high-profile partnerships, I also focus on our custom quick-strike initiatives, empowering our team to rapidly create tailored products for specific consumer moments and trends. This agility allowed us to capitalize on emerging opportunities and exceed our revenue targets.
Throughout my tenure, I've collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our partnerships aligned with our brand's vision and strategic goals. From concept development to go-to-market execution, I've played a central role in bringing innovative product partnerships to life.
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Reynolds American Tobacco - Sr. Consumer Experience Mgr. – Integrated Makreting & Planning
February 2020 - February 2022
In this role I lead cross-functional teams in planning and executing marketing strategies for a $6 billion total nicotine portfolio. I successfully coordinated the launch of new products, drove consumer engagement, and outmaneuvered competitors. The highlight of my time with Reynolds was Implementing global best marketing planning practices and leading winning through regulatory disruption marketing initiatives for key battle ground states.
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Champion - Senior Customer Development Analyst – Champion Strategic Accounts
November 2017 - February 2020
In this role, I owned Champions strategic wholesale partnership with Foot Locker Inc., driving significant growth in wholesale sales and athletic specialty channel penetration. I worked closely with cross-functional teams to develop compelling product assortments, execute targeted marketing campaigns, and optimize sales performance.
One of my proudest accomplishments was establishing Champion's quick-strike partnership with Foot Locker. This initiative allowed us to introduce exclusive, limited-edition products that generated buzz and drove substantial revenue. By leveraging my expertise in product management, marketing, and sales, I played a key role in enhancing Champion's brand visibility and market share.
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Creative Allies - Senior Marketing Strategist & Contracted Consultant
October 2016 - October 2017
At Creative Allies, I led a team that helped brands of all sizes, from tech startups to established consumer giants in the entertainment space create effective marketing campaigns. We used data and technology to understand our clients' customers and develop targeted strategies.
I also worked with clients on their e-commerce businesses, helping them improve their websites and marketing materials to drive more sales. My work helped us attract new clients and grow revenue, ultimately positioning us for a significant exit opportunity.
Key Capabilities
Interest
Global Fashion Collaborations
Music Lifestyle Partnerships
Creative Team Leadership
Product Development & Design
Entrepreneurship
LifE KiT Lifestyle Co. - Lifestyle Inspired Apparel & Accessories
Stunt Digital - Brand Development & Content Marketing Firm
Education
North Carolina State School oF MAnagment, Raleigh
M.B.A - MARKETING & INNOVATION MANAGEMENT
Graduated May 2016
fLORIDAY a&m UNIVERSITY, tALLAHASSEE
M.A.S.S. - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Graduated August 2011
North Carolina Central University, Durham
B.S. - Criminal Justice
Graduated December 2008