Laura Gottfried 

Creative Direction, Marketing and Graphic Design

Work History

Marketing Director and Assistant to the CEO
Sweeney’s Pool Service, Inc.
February 2024 – Present

Marketing Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate and enhance the current marketing strategy to drive business growth.
  • Optimize online lead generation profiles (e.g., Angi’s List, Home Advisor, Google My Business) to improve lead quantity and quality.
  • Execute marketing campaigns to increase awareness and sales, including:
      • Create and manage organic and paid content for Facebook and Instagram.
      • Design, program, and schedule email marketing campaigns.
      • Oversee print ads, including design, placement, and call tracking.
      • Script and produce engaging video content.
      • Revamp website content for better quality and user experience.
      • Collaborate with an agency on Google Ads for optimal results.
      • Analyze campaign performance and adjust strategies as needed for improved engagement.
  • Supply the sales team with effective tools and materials, such as email templates and print collateral, to boost conversion rates.
    Mentor and guide the marketing freelancer on priorities, budgets, and resource management.

Administrative Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the sales funnel and refine policies and procedures to improve conversion rates.
  • Collaborate with the owner on daily operations and systems management.
  • Engage in regular meetings with the business coach to implement best practices company-wide.
  • Provide training to ensure team performance consistently exceeds standards.
  • Support the accountant as required.
  • Assist team members with quote generation, data entry, and customer relations as needed.
  • Support customer success management to enhance customer loyalty and build long-term relationships.

Freelance Graphic Design and Creative Direction
2004 – Present

  • Provided graphic design services as a contractor for multiple marketing agencies, including Minuteman Press of East Northport, Jellyfish Advertising, and the UPS Store, delivering a range of design projects such as logos, print collateral, websites, and digital advertising.
  • Delivered freelance graphic design expertise to various clients, including Peace Of Mind Technologies, Elite Wireless, Dynamic Moms, K-Mac Electric, Vets “Out of the Rough,” The Hotaling Group, and Attorney David Antwork, producing tailored design solutions to meet each company’s needs.

Vice President, Creative Director, and Graphic Designer
The Public Relations and Marketing Group (PRMG)
DBA: Advocati Marketing, Digital Drive, PR4Lawyers, Dining Out LI
March 2011 – February 2024

  • Build and lead a cross-functional marketing team to develop and implement marketing plans aligned with client business goals, including setting objectives, defining roles, establishing milestones, and monitoring workflow for quality and productivity.
  • Define clear brand messages and visual identities for clients to enhance recognition and promote positive public perception and customer loyalty.
  • Execute integrated marketing strategies using both digital and traditional methods for a diverse clientele, including Gershow Recycling, Central Vets, and Charles Rutenberg Realty, Liberty Global Logistics, NYM Group, Rollstone Foundation, Ben’s Deli, and LI Game Farm.
  • Create engaging content and designs, including logos, signage, print collateral, websites, email campaigns, videos, digital ads, and social media posts.
  • Provide strategic insights for acquisition and lead generation campaigns to boost brand awareness and conversions.
  • Expand expertise in UX/UI design, video editing, web programming, and digital advertising.
  • Restructure operational processes to enhance efficiency, improve client and employee retention, and ensure sound business practices.
  • Manage employee hiring, training, delegation, proofing, troubleshooting, and delivering constructive feedback.

Senior Graphic Designer
CBC Media, Inc.
June 2008 – April 2011

  • Produced a weekly publication to connect the public with career opportunities, including spot color design, typesetting, proofreading, and production preparation.
    Created a bi-weekly real estate publication to highlight rental properties, managing design, typesetting, proofreading, and printing.
    Collaborated with the company president and Nassau and Suffolk Crime Stoppers to launch a monthly publication aimed at generating leads for criminal apprehension.
    Designed corporate ads for clients, including Sherwin Williams, Geico Direct, Salvation Army, Adecco, NBTY, Southwest Airlines, Paychex, and Best Yet Groceries, ensuring alignment with their branding and messaging.
    Developed and maintained websites for each publication, regularly updating content.
    Expanded the design department by hiring and managing a team of designers and technical staff, focusing on training, delegation, and quality control.
    Organized and executed print and web campaigns, including ads, mailers, web banners, and promotional materials to support publications and sales efforts.

Creative Director & Graphic Designer
D & S Advertising, Inc.
June 2005 – September 2007

  • Produced a weekly publication to connect the public with career opportunities, including spot color design, typesetting, proofreading, and production preparation.
  • Created a bi-weekly real estate publication to highlight rental properties, managing design, typesetting, proofreading, and printing.
  • Collaborated with the company president and Nassau and Suffolk Crime Stoppers to launch a monthly publication aimed at generating leads for criminal apprehension.
  • Designed corporate ads for clients, including Sherwin Williams, Geico Direct, Salvation Army, Adecco, NBTY, Southwest Airlines, Paychex, and Best Yet Groceries, ensuring alignment with their branding and messaging.
  • Developed and maintained websites for each publication, regularly updating content.
  • Expanded the design department by hiring and managing a team of designers and technical staff, focusing on training, delegation, and quality control.
  • Organized and executed print and web campaigns, including ads, mailers, web banners, and promotional materials to support publications and sales efforts.

Education

Master of Science Degree — Childhood Education
NYS Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) Certification

Dowling College
2002-2006

Focus Area:

  • Specialized in child development with a focus on curriculum planning and teaching strategies.
  • Trained to teach multiple subjects, including mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies.
  • Participated in the Dowling-Belmont Partnership Program.
  • Involved in the American-Slovenian Collaborative Action Research Program.

Accomplishments:

  • President’s List / Dean’s List
  • Who’s Who Among Female Professionals

Bachelor of Science Degree — Visual Communication
Farmingdale State College
2002-2006

Focus Area:

  • Focused on graphic design, website design, and print design, emphasizing color theory, typography, pre-press production, branding, and photography.
  • Studied art history and fine art principles.
  • Proficient in industry-standard software applications, including InDesign, QuarkXPress, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Flash.
  • Completed an Art History course abroad in Greece.

Accomplishments:

  • President’s List / Dean’s List
  • Alpha Beta Gamma International Business Honor Society
  • Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges

Continuing Education and Certifications

  • Google Business Profile: Marketing Strategy by Sam Dey
    LinkedIn Learning (2024)
    View Certificate
  • Photoshop 2023 Essential Training by Julieanne Kost
    LinkedIn Learning (2023)
    View Certificate
  • Adobe XD for Designers by Paul Trani
    LinkedIn Learning (2023)
    View Certificate
  • Prototyping a WordPress Project in Adobe XD by Emily Kay
    LinkedIn Learning (2023)
    View Certificate
  • Design Powered by Data: UX Web Analytics by Lachezar Arabadzhiev
    LinkedIn Learning (2023)
    View Certificate
  • Brand Design Foundations by Sean Adams
    LinkedIn Learning (2023)
    View Certificate
  • User Experience for Web Design by Chris Nodder
    LinkedIn Learning (2023)
    View Certificate
  • Google My Business Certification (2019)
    View Certificate
  • Google Ads Fundamentals Certification (2019)
  • Web Development 100
    The NY Code and Design Academy (2017)
    Focus Areas: HTML, CSS, Javascript, JQuery, Command Line, Git, Github
  • HTML5 and CSS3 – Level 2
    The Career Center (2015)
    Focus Area: Creating web page layouts with HTML and managing CSS
  • HTML5 and CSS3 – Level 1
    The Career Center (2015)
    Focus Area: Creating web page layouts with HTML and managing CSS
  • Web Design With HTML
    Suffolk County Community College (2015)
    Focus Area: Creating web page layouts with HTML and applying styles using CSS

Technical Proficiency

Design Programs:

  • InDesign
  • Illustrator
  • Photoshop
  • Dreamweaver
  • Premiere Pro
  • XD
  • Toonly
  • Canva
  • QuarkXPress

Technical Skills:

  • HTML
  • CSS
  • WordPress
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • Constant Contact

Admin Applications:

  • Microsoft Office
  • Google Workspace
  • Trello
  • Monday
  • Slack
  • Zoom
  • Jobber
  • CompanyCam

Additional Qualifications:

  • Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, fostering effective partnerships with vendors and clients.
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain trust-based relationships.
  • Highly efficient in fast-paced environments, consistently meeting deadlines.
  • Quick learner, adept at adapting to evolving programs and industry trends.
  • Versatile in adapting design styles to suit diverse tastes and functional requirements.
  • Regularly acknowledged for delivering fresh, innovative ideas and applications.
  • Travels

Certifications & Degrees

Marketing & Design:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree: Visual Communications
  • The New York Code and Design Academy Web Development 100 Certification
  • Google My Business Certification

Education:

  • Masters of Science Degree: Childhood Education
  • NYS Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) Teaching Certification
  • Certification: Project Wet
  • Certification: Project Wild

Honors & Awards

  • 40 Under 40 Award by Long Island Business News (2023)
  • Excellence in Communication Award (PRMG) from Long Island Business News(2016)
  • Alpha Beta Gamma International Business Honor Society
  • World Wide Who’s Who
  • Who’s Who Among Female Professionals
  • Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges
  • #1 Top Rated Graphic Designers in Lindenhurst Thumbtack.com (2011)

Memberships

  • Member, International Society of Female Professionals (ISFP) 
  • Member, National Parks Conservation Association
  • Member, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
  • Member, National Wildlife Federation
  • Member, The Sierra Club

Volunteer Work

    • Volunteer as Vice President and Marketing Director, Late Knight Warriors, Inc.
    • Volunteer with Animal Rescue Centers on Long Island
    • Volunteer, Queens Baseball Convention (QBC):
      — 2024 Convention
      — 2023 Lunch With Howie Rose
      — 2023 Convention
      — 2022 Convention
      — VIP Lunch With Keith Hernandez
    • 2024 Volunteer, Judging Panel for LIBN‘s 40 Under 40 

Travels & Studies Abroad

  • Summer 2024: London, Austria and Germany
  • Summer 2023: Aruba
  • Spring 2023: Japan
  • Fall 2019: Italy and England
  • Fall 2018: Dominican Republic
  • Summer 2018: Iceland
  • Winter 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011: Costa Rica
  • Winter 2010: Mexico
  • Summer 2006: England, Ireland and France
  • Winter 2005: Greece

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Site designed and developed by Laura Gottfried.