Ian Runyon

Ian Runyon

Business Owner · Afton Shoes

San Diego, CA

In My Own Words

I am a marketing professional with a background in advertising and promotions looking to advance my career to a Director level in any industry. I excel in brand promotion, product launches, and budget administration to support corporate growth.

I am excellent at fostering and maintaining positive partnerships with sponsors, clients, executives, and stakeholders. I can successfully create engaging social media content, develop effective marketing plans, and follow brand guidelines to promote athletes and companies.

Some of my career achievements include:

- Increasing social media following and email list 800%+ in less than one year for up and coming company Afton Shoes.

- Raising global awareness of the 100% brand through multi-year international partnerships with The Crankworx World Tour, The Sea Otter Classic as well as securing brand as The Official Eyewear of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships.

- Facilitating licensing agreements with Rockstar energy drink resulting in a cobranding apparel project for One Industries as well as a renewed sponsorship contract with Geico Honda Motocross/Supercross Team and implementation of Honda licensed team apparel.

Connect with me if you are looking for a successful and effective Marketing Director, or simply looking to connect with other industry professionals. You can also contact me at Ian@foundationops.com with any thoughts, comments, or questions about my work—I’m always interested in making new professional acquaintances!

Work Experience

Marketing Consultant

Afton Shoes

2018 – Present

I've supported the company in building the brand from its first year including assisting with set up of distribution, building product lines, developing products, warehouse management, shipping procedures, brand direction, market position, and staffing. I've created and executed an effective advertising program following an allocated budget. I've developed an entire marketing strategy from securing assets, GTM planning, alignment of product arrival with retailers and distributors, product placement on athletes, release dates of ads, and launch of a digital campaign. I partner with the creative team to ensure all marketing and advertising materials aligned with the brand's identity and vision. I secure athlete and event sponsorships as well as foster and maintain positive relationships with international distributors, retail stores, athletes, event promoters, and brand ambassadors. I've built and coordinated the event schedule, attend events, and assisted with event activation. Key Accomplishments: - Significantly increased global awareness and exposure of brand through social media, advertising, and athletes and ambassadors. - Increased social followings and email list 800%+ in less than one year. - Reduced advertising costs 15%+ through strategic negotiations. - Signed top athletes and ambassadors such as the 2018 U.S. National Downhill Mountain Bike Champion, Neko Mullaly, and X-Games gold medalist, James Foster.

Marketing Director

100%

2015 – 2018

I led a team of ten employees in advertising projects for Moto and MTB encompassing schedule of ads, pricing negotiations, and development/delivery of content. I partnered with Product & Branding Director to ensure media and publicity followed branding guidelines and company vision. I secured the athlete and event sponsorships. I developed social media content to boost online presence for brand and riders. I built and maintained positive relationships with athletes, key accounts, and sponsorship partners. I collaborated with company executives to secure global sponsorships and licensing opportunities. I tracked the marketing budget and forecasted athlete salaries and bonuses. I oversaw the vehicle fleet for customization, maintenance, and branding. Attended events and assisted with event activation. Key Accomplishments: - Led contract negotiations to sponsor athletes who earned multiple motocross championships. - Grew social media following 250%+ through strategic partnerships and cross promotion. - Increased global awareness and exposure of brand through multi-year international partnerships with The Crankworx World Tour, The Sea Otter Classic. Also served as The Official Eyewear of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships. - Signed top moto and Mountain bike athletes such as Cooper Webb, Marvin Musquin, Glenn Coldenhoff, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 Team, Giant Factory Off-Road, and Trek Development Racing. - Built grassroots Mountain bike program from the ground up. - Secured renewal of Geico Honda Motocross/Supercross Team Sponsorship and developed strategy and implementation of Honda Licensed team apparel. - Promoted from Sports Marketing Manager to Marketing Director after less than a year at the company.

Sports Marketing Manager

100%

2014 – 2015

Sponsorship & Brand Relations Manager

ONE Industries

2012 – 2014

I oversaw team athletes at professional and amateur events. I managed rider contracts, agreements of base fees, product allotments, salaries, and contingencies. I developed strategies for vendor space, event layouts, and customer service to increase brand presence and sales. I completed publicity projects for media relations including press releases, interviews, promo videos, and rider profiles. I managed public relations for athletes and company such as mitigating negative stories and promoting business developments. I posted engaging and relevant social media content to promote brand and riders as well as build rapport with fans. Key Accomplishments: - Over two years built and spearheaded amateur motocross program which rivaled leading brands with decades of success. - A key player in negotiating a licensing agreement with Rockstar energy drink and led cobranding apparel project. - Recruited and signed successful athletes which represented the brand in first 450 Supercross win. - Promoted from Amateur Athlete Manager to Sponsorship & Brand Relations Manager due to branding acumen and promotional skills.

Amateur Athlete Manager

ONE Industries

2010 – 2012

Answer/MSR/ProTaper Team Manager

Tucker Rocky

2007 – 2009

I completed negotiations for athlete contracts, salaries, and contingencies as well as provided rider support. I planned events for amateur promotions, races, and appearances, including coordinating parking lot sales and open houses. I created digital content for blogs and social media platforms to engage followers and promote athletes/events. I directed brand guidelines and ensured correct placement and usage of company logo on athlete gear, signage, and displays. Key Accomplishments: - Secured lucrative partnerships and led cobranding projects with brands such as Volcom, Skull Candy, and Rockstar. - Created and directed the amateur program to support up and coming rider such as Ryan Dungey, Colt Nichols, and Kyle Peters. - Led launch of social media presence across all platforms. - Increased standard exposure for trackside support brands in motocross which produced greater brand awareness.

Amateur Team Manager

Thor Motocross

2003 – 2005

negotiated amateur rider contracts, salaries, and contingencies. I led brand management campaigns and product development/design projects. I monitored the amateur rider support budget. I coordinated media activities, races and photo shoots to boost team publicity. I served as company spokesperson at media events and liaison between riders and company. Key Accomplishments: - Created a successful amateur team including riders such as Ryan Villopoto, Broc Tickle, and Dean Wilson. - Established company’s amateur trackside support program. - Developed and led the promotional program with regional rider ambassadors partnering with dealers to promote sales in specific regions.

Factory Outside Sales Rep

Acerbis USA

2002 – 2003

Rider Support / Race Event Coordinator

Acerbis USA

2001 – 2002

Inside Sales / Technical Support

Acerbis USA

2000 – 2001

Industries

BikeLifestyleMoto & PowersportsOutdoorRunSkateSnowStreetwearSurfTriathlonHealth & Fitness

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