Karen Bordner

Co Founder, Principal @KB Consulting Strategies LLC

🔥 Startup Founder💸 MarketingBusiness Owner📝 Influencer or Blogger💼 C-level Executive👍 Sales & BizDev🧨 Consulting🎥 Entertainment🧮 Education🏐 Sports✨ Business OwnerAffiliate MarketingBrand Marketing ManagerContent ManagerSMM ManagerEvent ProducerChanel ManagerAccount ManagerSales ManagerBusiness Development ManagerExecutive CoachAssociateAssociate PartnerPartnerMarketing DirectorCSOAdvisorFounderProduct ConsultantCBDO

Karen Bordner is a seasoned professional and the Co-Founder and Principal of KB Consulting Strategies LLC. With an extensive background in strategic planning and business development, she has established a successful career in helping businesses optimize their potential. Karen's strength in identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities has made her a sought-after consultant in various industries. She brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to her role at KB Consulting Strategies, a company she has helped to build from the ground up. With a keen eye for detail and a relentless focus on achieving measurable results, Karen continues to guide her clients towards their business goals.

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Work Background

HomeSmart Realty GroupReal Estate Consultant

May. 2020Boulder, Colorado, United States · RemoteAs a top 20% highest rated Pro+ Agent Nationally, my first priority is helping homeowners and investors achieve their real estate aspirations. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in residential or commercial real estate your time is valuable! I use a consultative approach learned from two decades as an award-winning sales and marketing professional at various Fortune 100 companies in the music & publishing industries working with some of the world’s most iconic bands, and selling to the world's largest retailers. Combining my corporate experience with market trends, data, technology & knowledge provides clients with a professional approach to real estate transactions. Every client and their goals are different therefore I give everyone individual attention and guidance to create a seamless experience. I make real estate easy! • Develop and implement client acquisition strategy, marketing processes, lead generation, sales pipeline, manage CRM, cold calling and emails, and client retention. Use of Hubspot, BombBomb, and Mailchimp. • Maintains knowledge of industry trends, concepts, practices, products, and customer databases. • Negotiating contracts for land, residential, and multi-family investment properties. • LinkedIn Creator writer, experience building and growing LinkedIn presence and growing leads. • Build and grow relationships and lead conversations through cold emails, calls, virtual and in person.

kB Consulting StrategiesPrincipal Consultant

May. 2009Greater Denver Area · RemoteDevelop integrated marketing and sales strategies for growth, entrepreneurial, and non-profit enterprises. • Developed and executed an international and domestic sales and marketing plan development for startup social enterprise solar products company to launch products into the consumer, mass, and specialty marketplace. Led sales organization prospecting, managing, and closing key accounts resulting in 150% increase in revenue within the first year. • Business, marketing, and sales analysis for a startup mobile game company, built and implemented partnership acquisition strategy for game app. Executive coach to the company's founder. Coached company founder to presentation finalist at Vator.tv “Amplify” Women in Tech Business plan contest. • Advised and guided multiple startup and growth companies on developing and implementing customized long-term sales processes and strategies resulting in 25% - 110% increase in yearly revenue. Developed and executed a comprehensive sales strategy to drive revenue growth and ensure successful execution. Set annual business plans and KPIs and led sales teams to achieve their goals.

The Special Needs Trust NetworkCo-Founder, Vice President Marketing & Business Development

Jan. 2009 - Jul. 2023Greater Denver Area · RemoteSNTN is a private non-profit 501c3 organization, permitted by federal regulation to operate pooled special needs trusts for people with disabilities. We provide financial oversight, guidance, and care management to people living with a diverse array of disabilities. • Co-founded the non-profit including business and operational structures, mission statement, bylaws, privacy & conflict of interest policies, choosing of investment/private banking partner,1023 filing, business & marketing plan. • Responsible for strategic planning and development of integrated marketing plan, brand strategy, content management plan, public relations, website traffic growth, SEO/SMM analytics, corporate blog, new client acquisition, and community outreach programs. • Created sales, marketing, and strategic plans, and provided executive leadership to the organization. • Directed and managed marketing agency and Google AdWords Grant awarded monthly funds. Managed analytics across the revenue sales funnels and reported relevant metrics to the executive team. • Introduced lead generation by identifying and reaching out to potential partners, non-profits, fiduciaries, and affiliates within the non-profit, legal, estate planning and financial sectors. • Authored and hosted webinars and educational events for current and potential partners. Maintained a high-level of knowledge of the industry. • Identified and attended trade events and conferences to expand network, and accelerated social media presence to build and maintain relationships. • Comprehensive database management and cloud-based ERP systems integration.

VP Roberts Group LLCReal Estate Developer & Advisor

May. 2018 - May. 2020Greater Denver Area · RemoteVP Roberts Group was founded as a boutique company on the principle that our clients should only work with knowledgeable, experienced, and highly motivated professionals with a strong work ethic. After working for several years with many Real Estate Brokers & Agents while negotiating hundreds of transactions, we came to realize a good agent is hard to find. With years of experience as an investor, real estate investing coach and national sales and marketing director I look forward to helping you understand the ins and outs of home buying, selling or investing process. Managed the purchase and development of 2 commercial apartment buildings for condo conversion by investors. • Purchase, project management, design, and sales of investor re-development properties. • Managed designers, architects, suppliers, and contractors to complete the developments. • Monitored market trends to understand customer opportunities and needs; recommended and implemented new strategies to drive revenue goals and stay competitive in the market. • Used an outside-the-box, proactive approach to generate new business through activity, referrals, and networks. • Create a proactive sales culture, mentored and developed teams to support various growth paths

Cabinet Solutions GroupCo-Founder - Vice President Sales & Design

Apr. 2014 - Apr. 2020Greater Denver Area · RemoteSpecialized in sales to remodelers, contractors, investors, and the general public to provide kitchen and bath design, high-quality cabinets, and affordable pricing. Services offered for single-family, multi-family, and projects. Represented Manufacturers: J&K Cabinets, JSI Cabinets, Ideal Cabinets, CNC Cabinetry, Nations Cabinetry, and Danver Brown Jordan Stainless Outdoor Kitchens.

Project: Return to Work, Inc.Advisor to the Board

Jan. 2001 - Jan. 2020Boulder, COAdvisor to the Board of Directors and Founder on traditional and new media marketing, brand & business strategies, and fundraising. Representative for R2W at various events, seminars, and workshops. Project: Return to Work, Inc. provides career counseling services to Americans with disabilities interested in returning to the workforce. R2W clients receive continuous support from our caring and personable employment counselors through a process of evaluation, training, and placement. R2W incorporates advanced technologies, methodologies, and a highly accurate online evaluation process to assist clients with finding the jobs they enjoy doing most.

FortuneBuildersNational Coach

Mar. 2015 - Aug. 2019Greater Denver Area · RemoteFortuneBuilders is an Inc500 top training company and recognized nationally as the top real estate and business development program. As a graduate of their advanced training program I am honored and excited to Coach students nationally on how to create, and grow their businesses and succeed as a real estate investor and entrepreneur. • Led weekly national training coaching webinars on real estate investing, entrepreneurship, business strategy and growth topics . • Weekly 1-1 personal coaching with real estate investors motivating, guiding, and developing their business growth. • Produced a regional monthly networking group focused on educational events that grew to 1000 members in one year. • Initiated moving clients through the subscription sales funnel increasing coaching time and revenue. • Responsible for maintaining company coaching, training, and performance standards; company consistently had a 70+ NPS score and 5 Star Trust Pilot rating. Used Salesforce, and GoToMeeting.

Front Range Investor NetworkCo Founder

Mar. 2015 - Dec. 2018Greater Denver AreaFront Range Investor Network serves the Real Estate Investment Community from Colorado Springs to Norther Colorado. We subscribe to the Fortune Builders code of: Ethics & Integrity, Inspire, Educate, Lead, Crush It! FRIN offers education, networking, and resources for the new to veteran real estate investor.

Steps Real Estate ColoradoReal Estate Consultant

Nov. 2017 - May. 2018Boulder · RemoteWithin one month of attaining real estate license, successfully listed, marketed and sold 3 properties worth over $1.7 million becoming brokerage sales leader by volume for Q1 2018. • Attained Senior Real Estate Specialist and Realtor Designation, with additional courses in Commercial (CCIM), Reverse Mortgages, Probate. • Member of online marketing team with several Denver and Boulder based agents in the top ranking Home Guide Denver website using online lead generation to develop buyer and seller client base.

Colorado State University Alumni AssociationBoard Member

Aug. 2011 - Aug. 2017Fort Collins, Colorado AreaThe Alumni Board of Directors represents the voice of Colorado State alumni and provides the University and the Alumni Association with distinguished volunteer leadership, advocacy, and advice. We support the University's strategic plan through the execution of the Alumni Association's strategic plan. Work is conducted through standing and task committees. Subcommittee: Professional Services.

Uhambo | USASecretary of the Board

Jan. 2012 - Dec. 2014

Simon & SchusterNational Account Manager

Jan. 2003 - Dec. 2009RemoteGenerated new business, developed specialty markets and opened new sales channels, managing Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Target, Borders, Best Buy, Sam’s Club, BJ's, and other Fortune 100 retailers. Managed $1.5M marketing co-op budget. Drove Double - Digit Territory Growth in First Year, Named Employee of the Year. Developed strategic sales plans and effective promotions, nurturing key account relationships and growing territory 63% with sales of $5 million. Created the first audio marketing campaign with Walmart. Developed Successful Promotion, Closing Year-End Revenue Gap. Created a first-of-its-kind Costco promotion, increasing revenues $1.3 million. Winner of Making the Year Contest. Improved Search Rankings, Boosting Sales. Expanded Pimsleur audio language learning sales at Amazon 200% or $2.3 million, including 207% or over $700,000 growth in the niche language learning market with a new branding campaign. Collaborated with Product Development, Marketing, and Amazon to redesign product line and online store, and developed and implemented effective sales strategies. • Planned and transformed long-term sales processes and strategy; identified market opportunities, created effective positioning with customers. Directed sales forecasting activities and set performance accordingly, expanded new product release, and backlist sales. • Liaised with audiobook Publisher and Acquisitions Director on potential acquisitions based on market opportunities. • Monitored market trends to understand customer opportunities and needs; recommended and implemented new strategies and acquisitions to drive revenue goals and stay competitive in the market. • Spearheaded download sales with national accounts and acted as SME and trainer for field staff on digital issues. Counseled accounts and internal teams on digital sales integration and knowledge. • Key account manager on cross-functional team in developing cloud-based sales forecasting and inventory system.

Sounds TrueSales & Marketing Director / Domestic & International Sales

Jan. 2000 - Dec. 2002Boulder, Colorado, United States · On-siteIncreased brand identity, broke into new markets, led distribution channel expansion, new product development, licensing, catalog sales, and line extensions, by leveraging partnerships and data analytics. Managed key national accounts like Virgin Music, Barnes & Noble, Whole Foods, Best Buy, Tower Records, national, and international wholesalers, distributors, and field sales. Improved Fulfillment Rates and Increased Sales. Reviewed orders, inventory, and supply chain operations. Working with the account and international supply chain, increased fill rates from 55% to 98% and sales by 120% in 5 months. • Identified critical areas of improvement in international supply chain operations, developed and executed consistent sales and marketing strategies, resulting in 120% sales growth within five months at a key international distributor • Coordinated with VP of Music Acquisitions on purchasing rights, established licensing for international releases based on market opportunities, and created sales strategies around these trends. Advised authors, musicians, management, and agents on market timing and conditions. • Pioneered acquisition and release strategy to cross over key audiobook titles into the music channel based on emerging business and market trends, data analysis, and opportunities. • Analyzed sales statistics to formulate strategies and assist distributors, wholesalers, and key accounts in promoting new release and backlist titles. • Revitalized sales at two national distributors and key specialty wholesalers 465%, 150%, and 1500%, respectively by effectively managing promotion strategies to maximize results by retailer, and wholesale accounts. • Collaborated with the product development and marketing departments to develop and implement effective new product launches and sales strategies. • Spearheaded differentiated marketing strategies, owned all marketing content and delivery mechanisms for sales impact across multiple channels.

F2 EntertainmentSales & Marketing Director / Domestic & International Sales

Jan. 1998 - Dec. 2000RemoteCreated sales operations processes, product launches, advertising budgets, and contracts, managed wholesaler and distributor relationships, licensing, and new media strategies. Managed a staff of 10. Increased sales by 25% in the first year, and added 15% additional revenue growth in year 2 by opening international markets while growing domestic sales by 20%. Opened International Revenue Stream with New Product Line. F2 Entertainment was plagued with a slow-paying distributor and poor cash flow. Devised a new product line for specialty markets, building rapport with international accounts. Signed licensing agreements in Japan, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the UK increasing revenues 15%. • Opened international markets by signing licensing deals in Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the UK. • CRM system setup, planning, and reporting optimization. • Prepared detailed annual sales budget and marketing plan for senior leadership approval. • Built strong relationships with key partners and customers, managed domestic and international wholesalers, brokers, distributors and national accounts, tastemaker retail, and specialty market accounts. • Directed domestic and international wholesalers, distributors, and key retail and specialty market relationships. • Devised a new product line by acquiring releases for specialty and lifestyle markets generating an additional 20% in revenue stream in non-traditional accounts, LOHAS, specialty retail, grocery, and gift store markets. • Revamped sales strategies for new releases and backlist titles introducing targeted campaigns leading to a 30% increase in market share within the first quarter. • Built and coached an internal team of 10 and external broker, distributor, and wholesaler teams, provided leadership, training, and mentorship.

Allegro Media GroupMidwest Regional Sales Director

Feb. 1997 - Dec. 1997Greater Chicago Area · RemotePlanned and managed all business development for a multi-genre growth-oriented independent music distributor. • Grew sales at key national wholesaler 1300% in six months by increasing operational efficiencies, database cleanups, and developing consistent marketing programs. • Managed key strategic and national accounts, distributor and wholesale accounts, libraries, key national grocery chains, and specialty distributors and retail.

Media PlayDistrict Promotions & Marketing Manager

Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1997Detroit Metropolitan Area · On-siteManaged merchandising, branding, and marketing efforts at startup book, music, video, software superstore. Responsible for store openings, training district promotion managers, grand openings, regional event management, selling retail positioning campaigns, and creating district marketing efforts & in-store events. • Established relationships with book, media, music, video, software sales and marketing representatives increasing opportunities for advertising, promotional activities and events. • Responsible for café management, district wide beverage and food distribution deals, monthly café food/beverage specials, café promotion & events and local pro and college sports team apparel licensing and sponsorships.

Capitol RecordsRegional Marketing Manager / Sales

Apr. 1988 - Apr. 1994Recruited to fast-paced, dynamic marketing position to re-build field and in-house marketing department for a $70 million sales region. Focused on hiring, training, development, and team building marketing department with sales team. Directed planning, staffing, budgeting, cost reductions, and B2B & B2C marketing campaigns. • Transitioned marketing team to sales and customer-driven business unit to drive growth and market expansion. • Developed retail store and event marketing, coordinated artist-in-store appearances, designed event and artist-related promotional items, and established regional and local marketing priorities. • Acted as liaison between home office, labels, artist management, regional field staff, in-house marketing team, sales representatives, venues, promoters, media, and industry trade associations. • Coached two employees to national awards as marketing representatives of the year managed and supported the marketing team supported their professional development, and understood what they needed to be successful. • Created and upheld a team environment that promotes great performance and positive morale. The region won the Region of the Year Award. • Re-organized B2B and B2C creative sales and marketing campaigns across multiple channels, and effectively managed promotion strategies to maximize results by retailer, mass merchants, distributors, wholesalers, and specialty accounts.