Jerry Suhrstedt

PROBLEM

- "First Products," a medical supply company in Tacoma, Washington, faced a branding issue. Despite being a family-owned business for 30 years, its generic name was not memorable to customers.

- As the marketing manager, I needed to develop a strategy to make the company's name and products more memorable, enhancing brand recognition and customer engagement.

ACTION

- I proposed creating two cartoon characters, "Judy & Trudy," to serve as the new faces of… Show more

PROBLEM

- "First Products," a medical supply company in Tacoma, Washington, faced a branding issue. Despite being a family-owned business for 30 years, its generic name was not memorable to customers.

- As the marketing manager, I needed to develop a strategy to make the company's name and products more memorable, enhancing brand recognition and customer engagement.

ACTION

- I proposed creating two cartoon characters, "Judy & Trudy," to serve as the new faces of "First Products." Judy was depicted as a Caucasian nurse, and Trudy as an African American nurse, designed to be friendly and engaging.

- Collaborating with a skilled illustrator, I brought these characters to life, ensuring they had a fun and professional vibe that would resonate with doctors and nurses.

- To further promote the characters, I commissioned the production of "Judy & Trudy" bobble-head dolls. These dolls were used as promotional giveaways at medical conferences, trade shows, and directly to hospitals and clinics.

RESULT

- I accomplished the creation of a memorable brand identity by introducing "Judy & Trudy" as the faces of "First Products." The cartoon characters and bobble-head dolls quickly gained popularity among the target audience.

- By increasing brand recognition, the company's name became synonymous with the friendly cartoon nurses, resulting in a significant increase in customer recall and engagement. Hospitals and clinics began to associate "First Products" with the memorable "Judy & Trudy" characters.

- This rebranding strategy led to a notable increase in customer loyalty and satisfaction. Feedback from hospital purchasing agents, nurses, and doctors.

- The physical presence of "Judy & Trudy" bobble-head dolls in nursing stations and administrative offices across hospitals served as a constant reminder of the company's products. This visibility translated into a steady rise in sales and new customer acquisitions, strengthening "First Products" position in the market. Show less

PROBLEM

- HiLine Homes, a semi-custom home builder with 14 offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California, faced declining sales.

- The company had minimal online presence beyond its website, with each office generating only 12-20 sales leads per week, mostly from referrals.

- Tasked with developing and executing a strategy to significantly boost lead generation and sales.

ACTION

- Devised an aggressive marketing plan focusing on lead generation… Show more

PROBLEM

- HiLine Homes, a semi-custom home builder with 14 offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California, faced declining sales.

- The company had minimal online presence beyond its website, with each office generating only 12-20 sales leads per week, mostly from referrals.

- Tasked with developing and executing a strategy to significantly boost lead generation and sales.

ACTION

- Devised an aggressive marketing plan focusing on lead generation, including direct mail campaigns, radio, television, email marketing, and a robust Google Ads PPC campaign with engaging landing pages for data collection.

- Partnered with "Point-It," a Seattle agency specializing in pay-per-click advertising, to drive our online efforts.

- Launched high-impact TV and radio ads featuring a catchy jingle, which became a memorable brand asset. The jingle's success was confirmed when a passenger sang it to the owner on a flight.

- Designed and distributed over 20,000 creative t-shirts at state fairs, home and garden shows, and local offices, increasing brand visibility.

- Conducted multiple direct mail campaigns and participated in local "Home & Garden" trade shows across all four states.

RESULT

- Achieved a significant increase in lead generation through a dynamic marketing strategy, combining traditional and digital methods, bolstered by the memorable jingle and widespread t-shirt distribution.

- Weekly sales leads per office rose from 12-20 to 150-200, showcasing the effectiveness of our approach.

- Within 18 months, sales soared, with annual home sales increasing from 60-70 units to over 800 units within three years.

- The strategic marketing initiatives not only enhanced HiLine Homes' online presence but also significantly boosted brand awareness and customer engagement, driving sustained growth and establishing HiLine Homes as a leading name in the semi-custom home building industry. Show less

Participated in a Business Process Mapping Project to address data and collaboration challenges.
• Implemented Salesforce and Slack for centralized data, reducing billing errors by 20% and SLA violations by 15%.
• Achieved a 30% increase in customer satisfaction by reducing double billing and errors.
• Streamlined processes, cutting reliance on analog tools by 25%.
• Enhanced cross-departmental collaboration by 20% with Slack.
• Improved data integrity by 40% through Salesforce… Show more

Participated in a Business Process Mapping Project to address data and collaboration challenges.
• Implemented Salesforce and Slack for centralized data, reducing billing errors by 20% and SLA violations by 15%.
• Achieved a 30% increase in customer satisfaction by reducing double billing and errors.
• Streamlined processes, cutting reliance on analog tools by 25%.
• Enhanced cross-departmental collaboration by 20% with Slack.
• Improved data integrity by 40% through Salesforce and Slack integration.
• Optimized KPI tracking by 30% using Salesforce for structured data and reporting.
• Reduced customer wait times and errors by 20% through SLA monitoring.
• Introduced qualitative metrics for better resource allocation.
• Transformed processes, improving reporting, performance tracking, and communication.
• Reduced process handling time by 15% and enhanced customer feedback utilization within Salesforce.
• Employed a structured Business Process Mapping approach to identify pain points and opportunities.
• Conducted in-depth analysis of existing tools and workflows to pinpoint inefficiencies.
• Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and insights.
• Designed and implemented Salesforce as a centralized data repository for improved data integrity.
• Integrated Slack for seamless cross-departmental communication and collaboration.
• Developed/delivered comprehensive training programs to address team fears and ensure successful tool adoption.
• Established Salesforce workflows to streamline processes, automate service requests.
• Created structured data models in Salesforce to facilitate accurate KPI tracking and reporting.
• Monitored SLAs closely and implemented Salesforce workflows to enhance SLA adherence.
• Introduced qualitative metrics frameworks to supplement traditional quantitative KPIs.
• Oversaw the entire transformation process from the current state to the desired future state, ensuring smooth transition. Show less

PROBLEM

- A Salesforce client needed to transition from their existing Marketo marketing automation platform to Salesforce Account Engagement, focusing on Pardot.

- The client required a solution that aligned with their immediate marketing needs and long-term goals while ensuring minimal disruption to their operations.

ACTION

- As part of the Salesforce client team, I led the discovery phase, conducting an in-depth exploration of the client's existing systems… Show more

PROBLEM

- A Salesforce client needed to transition from their existing Marketo marketing automation platform to Salesforce Account Engagement, focusing on Pardot.

- The client required a solution that aligned with their immediate marketing needs and long-term goals while ensuring minimal disruption to their operations.

ACTION

- As part of the Salesforce client team, I led the discovery phase, conducting an in-depth exploration of the client's existing systems, business processes, and unique requirements.

- Developed a strategic roadmap for the transition, ensuring a smooth migration from Marketo to Pardot.

- Collaborated on the meticulous scoping of the project, outlining the scope of work, defining project milestones, and providing a clear, transparent blueprint for the migration process.

- Created a detailed and persuasive proposal tailored to the client's specific needs and objectives, designed to secure client approval and guide the migration process.

RESULT

- I facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the client's current marketing operations through thorough exploration, enabling us to tailor a solution that met both immediate and long-term goals.

- Crafted a strategic roadmap that ensured a seamless transition from Marketo to Pardot, minimizing disruptions and aligning with the client's vision.

- Provided a meticulously scoped project plan, offering clear milestones and a transparent migration process, which enhanced client confidence and clarity.

- Delivered a well-informed proposal that secured client approval and served as a guiding document, ensuring alignment and successful execution throughout the transition.

- The client's marketing operations experienced a smooth and efficient transition, resulting in improved marketing automation and alignment with their strategic objectives.P Show less

PROBLEM

- Altair Global, a Dallas-based mobility provider, faced challenges in conveying quarterly and year-to-date metrics to its Board of Directors.

- The Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing experienced a stressful rush two weeks before each meeting to gather, compile, and present the necessary data.

- This chaotic process hindered efficient communication and decision-making for the Board.

ACTION

- As the Salesforce Administrator and Business… Show more

PROBLEM

- Altair Global, a Dallas-based mobility provider, faced challenges in conveying quarterly and year-to-date metrics to its Board of Directors.

- The Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing experienced a stressful rush two weeks before each meeting to gather, compile, and present the necessary data.

- This chaotic process hindered efficient communication and decision-making for the Board.

ACTION

- As the Salesforce Administrator and Business Analyst, I initiated a solution by collaborating with key stakeholders to understand the specific requirements and expectations for the Board's metrics.

- Conducted a thorough assessment to identify the critical data and metrics needed for effective presentations.

- Developed a custom Salesforce dashboard tailored to Altair Global's needs, featuring multiple charts and graphs that showcased real-time metrics and aligned with the Board's interests.

- Ensured the dashboard provided an on-demand, dynamic resource for up-to-date information, eliminating the need for last-minute data compilation.

RESULT

- I accomplished a significant improvement in Altair Global's reporting efficiency by implementing a custom Salesforce dashboard that streamlined the data presentation process.

- By the measure of time saved, the frantic two-week period before each Board meeting was virtually eliminated, transforming the preparation into a stress-free and efficient task.

- This resulted in a more efficient reporting process, with the dashboard providing real-time data and insights, enabling informed decision-making by the leadership team.

- The Board of Directors gained a clear and comprehensive view of the company's performance, improving the quality and clarity of communication.

- Overall, the innovative solution enhanced Altair Global's ability to deliver timely, insightful data, significantly improving the company's operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. Show less

I was enlisted to assume leadership of the comprehensive marketing initiative for the startup home builder. In close collaboration with the ownership team, I spearheaded the development of a brand identity from its inception, encompassing the creation of logos, corporate identity, website, and sales collateral. The birth of the company became Diggs Custom Homes.

Additionally, I orchestrated the design and execution of a lead generation campaign, leveraging marketing automation… Show more

I was enlisted to assume leadership of the comprehensive marketing initiative for the startup home builder. In close collaboration with the ownership team, I spearheaded the development of a brand identity from its inception, encompassing the creation of logos, corporate identity, website, and sales collateral. The birth of the company became Diggs Custom Homes.

Additionally, I orchestrated the design and execution of a lead generation campaign, leveraging marketing automation, resulting in an immediate surge in qualified sales leads from zero to over 1,300.

I also oversaw the identification and integration of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, namely ActiveCampaign to streamline the processing of sales team leads and the management of all marketing automation and digital campaigns. Show less

A StartupWeekend project. PitchBank is an iPhone app for investors which presents startup pitches in fun and creative ways. Developed UI and UX team that oversaw entire front-end user experience.

PROBLEM

- Stanbrooke Custom Homes, a Northwest-based custom home builder, faced a severe shortage of framing contractors.

- The shortage resulted in the company being unable to start framing after pouring foundations, causing a halt in operations and financial stress as they couldn't bill for incomplete work.

- The inability to progress on projects impacted customer bank loans, leading to operational standstills and dissatisfied clients.

ACTION

- As the… Show more

PROBLEM

- Stanbrooke Custom Homes, a Northwest-based custom home builder, faced a severe shortage of framing contractors.

- The shortage resulted in the company being unable to start framing after pouring foundations, causing a halt in operations and financial stress as they couldn't bill for incomplete work.

- The inability to progress on projects impacted customer bank loans, leading to operational standstills and dissatisfied clients.

ACTION

- As the Salesforce Administrator and Business Analyst, I collaborated with the construction department and stakeholders to gather crucial information and devise a strategic plan to attract framing contractors.

- Inspired by the marketing department's lead acquisition tactics, I launched a creative campaign highlighting the company’s status as the "preferred General Contractor to work for."

- Developed a compelling marketing flier: "Looking for quality framing contractors to work with the Northwest's #1 Home Builder. Free nails included with every job, and pizza delivered by our project superintendents on Friday." Sent this flier via email to all framing contractors in the service area.

RESULT

- Accomplished a significant increase in contractor engagement through a targeted and creative marketing campaign.

- By the measure of contractor response, the campaign received an overwhelming positive reaction, with many framing contractors eager to work with Stanbrooke Custom Homes.

- This resulted in the rapid mobilization of framing crews, with all jobs having lumber delivered and framing labor in progress within 45 days.

- The initiative effectively overcame the operational standstill, ensuring all projects were back on track and customer satisfaction was restored.

- The strategic approach not only resolved the immediate shortage but also positioned Stanbrooke Custom Homes as a preferred employer, enhancing long-term contractor relationships and operational stability. Show less

PROBLEM

- Stanbrooke Custom Homes faced challenges with extended sales cycles and disorganized sales processes.

- The sales team used post-it notes, Excel spreadsheets, and Outlook to manage leads, causing inefficiencies.

- To compete effectively in the Seattle and Tacoma market, they needed a streamlined sales process.

ACTION

- Jerry Suhrstedt, Director of Marketing and Sales, implemented Salesforce Sales Cloud to overhaul internal procedures.

-… Show more

PROBLEM

- Stanbrooke Custom Homes faced challenges with extended sales cycles and disorganized sales processes.

- The sales team used post-it notes, Excel spreadsheets, and Outlook to manage leads, causing inefficiencies.

- To compete effectively in the Seattle and Tacoma market, they needed a streamlined sales process.

ACTION

- Jerry Suhrstedt, Director of Marketing and Sales, implemented Salesforce Sales Cloud to overhaul internal procedures.

- Comprehensive training ensured the sales team effectively utilized Salesforce.

- Salesforce enabled real-time prospect tracking, automated follow-ups, and provided accurate sales and revenue forecasts through customized reports.

RESULT

- The integration of Salesforce transformed the sales process, significantly improving efficiency and organization.

- Sales grew over 50% year-over-year, driven by data-driven strategies.
- Real-time tracking and automation improved pipeline visibility and follow-up consistency.
- Accurate forecasting supported informed decision-making, aiding strategic planning.
- Annual sales grew from $3 million to $11 million in under three years.

- Stanbrooke Custom Homes ranked 6th in Washington State's Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies, validating their strategic use of Salesforce.

- This transformation solidified their position as a leading home builder in Seattle and Tacoma, demonstrating the power of technology in a competitive industry. Show less