Jim Garsow

About Jim Garsow

Known as a brand growth expert, I’m also an industry advocate within the premium specialty & natural food space. In all my career positions, I have served as a catalyst for successful market penetration and innovative product launches leveraging traditional/classical marketing in trending categories and emerging technologies.I have strong business acumen with 20+ years of sales and marketing expertise as well as proficiency in general business operations – profit/loss and budget leadership; human resources and team building; sales negotiations.Food chain awareness ~ I have a hands-on approach with personal understanding from family dairy farming to sophisticated ingredient awareness… strong knowledge and sensitivity to sustainability of ingredients and dynamics of nutrition.My record of achievements is growing branded portfolios, having perceptive presentation skills, and applying smart communication strategies. I bring fresh innovation and creative brand strategies along with sensible business development across multiple channels.Key differentiators…Approach innovation as the engine of business growth ~ I apply a cross-functional perspective to use marketing insights across the organization to create market-driven vision, drive growth, leverage technology, steer innovation, and rethink the customer experience and relationships. Implement Smarketing ~ to merge sales and marketing as a business process; for each standalone function to have a common integrated approach; I develop marketing strategy based on customer needs, company capabilities, and brand ambitions.Integrated digital ~ drive digital footprint and traffic through conscience appreciation of social media strategies as impactful tools that integrate advertising, trade/consumer promotion, and PR – as a mission to build brand equity.Strategic Planning • Brand Positioning • Breakthrough Innovation • Market Penetration • Market Data Analysis • New Product Launch • Digital Ad Campaigns • Go-To-Market Strategy • Team Building

Experience

1. Lead Consultant, Marketing Usa - Cizmeci Time

   Fresh Directions Marketing

   Aug 2023 — Present

   Researching opportunities to utilize CT competitive advantages to create new brand concepts.> Partnering with Global Brand Connect to introduce Cizmeci Time products to the U.S.> Developing consumer advertising and an e-commerce platform to drive awareness, trial & repeat.

Education

• Michigan State University

  MS, Agricultural Economics

• Michigan State University

  MBA, Marketing

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  BS, Agricultural Economics