Laura Gottfried
Creative Direction, Marketing and Graphic Design
Work History
Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Marketing Director
Sweeney’s Pool Service, Inc.
February 2024 – Present
Marketing Responsibilities:
- Evaluated and enhanced marketing strategy, doubling leads within one year while reducing spend by 50%
- Optimized sales funnel and processes, increasing conversion rates by 35% in 6 months
- Improved lead generation platforms (Angi, HomeAdvisor, Google Business Profile)
- Executed multi-channel campaigns:
- Creating and managing organic and paid content for Facebook and Instagram
- Designing, programming, and scheduling email marketing campaigns
- Overseeing print ads, including copy, design, placement, and call tracking
- Scripting and producing engaging video content
- Revamping website content and design for improved quality and user experience
- Collaborating with an agency to optimize Google Ads performance
- Analyzed performance and optimized campaigns for ROI
- Developed sales tools (email templates, collateral, 3D designs) to increase conversions
- Mentored marketing staff; managed budgets and resources
COO Responsibilities:
- Directed daily operations, improving workflows and service qualityDeveloped and implemented SOPs to increase efficiency and scalability
- Managed budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation
- Supported strategic planning and long-term growth
- Oversaw HR: recruiting, training, payroll, and compliance (OSHA, USCIS, Fire Marshal, DOT)
- Established a positive company culture to promote teamwork, accountability, and professional growth
- Strengthened customer success and retention initiativesManaged permitting across Nassau and Suffolk County
Vice President | Marketing Director
Late Knight Warriors
December 2024 – Present
- Co-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting community, environmental, and charitable initiatives
- Managed multi-channel marketing campaigns: social media (organic/paid), email, print, and web
- Led overall marketing strategy and brand positioning across social, email, PR, print, and web channels to drive awareness and engagement
- Wrote press releases and managed all public relations and media outreach efforts
- Planned and executed fundraising events and community outreach programs
- Collaborated with the board on strategic growth, operational sustainability, and community impact
Communications Committee Member | Social Media Ambassador
AFSP Long Island Chapter
February 2026 – Present
- Contributed to PR and marketing strategy through Communications Committee
- Helped drive social media growth through strategic content planning and organic/paid campaigns that boosted awareness and engagement
- Attend events as a volunteer
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 projects such as logos, print collateral, websites, and digital advertising
- Delivered ongoing freelance design services 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, creating tailored solutions to meet each company’s unique needs
Vice President, Creative Director, and Graphic & Web Designer
The Public Relations and Marketing Group (PRMG)
DBA: Advocati Marketing, Digital Drive, PR4Lawyers, Dining Out LI
March 2011 – February 2024
- Built and led cross-functional marketing team aligned with client goals, including setting objectives, defining roles, establishing milestones, and monitoring workflow for quality and productivity
- Developed branding, messaging, and visual identities to increase recognition and loyalty
- Executed integrated campaigns across digital and traditional channels for a diverse clientele, including Gershow Recycling, Central Vets, Charles Rutenberg Realty, Liberty Global Logistics, NYM Group, Rollstone Foundation, Ben’s Deli, and Long Island Game Farm
- Designed websites, ads, email campaigns, video, social media, and print collateral
- Drove lead generation and acquisition strategies to boost brand awareness and conversions
- Expanded expertise in UX/UI design, video editing, web programming, and digital advertising
- Improved operations to increase efficiency and retention of clients and employees
- Managed hiring, training, and team performance
Senior Graphic Designer
CBC Media, Inc.
June 2008 – April 2011
- Led creative team across design, web, and content production
- Managed multi-channel campaigns for diverse clients, including PC Richards, LPK Law, Lindenhurst Eye, Saf-T-Swim, NY Auto Giant, Dreamland Amusements, and Elmo USA
- Delivered print projects from conception to completion, including brochures, signage, and direct mail
- Designed and developed websites
- Executed successful, competitive web campaigns focused on creative strategy and precise targeting, encompassing e-newsletters, display banners, and email blasts
- Supported TV advertising production (conception, storyboarding, editing)
- Conducted market research to inform marketing strategies
North Babylon School District
Student and Substitute Teaching
January 2006 – June 2008
- Student Teacher: Grades 1, 4, 5 (ALC)
- Substitute Teacher: Grades 1–12
Creative Director & Graphic Designer
D & S Advertising, Inc.
June 2005 – September 2007
- Produced print publications (design, typesetting, production preparation)
- A spot color, weekly publication connecting the public with career opportunities
- A bi-weekly, 4 color real estate publication highlighting rental properties
- A monthly, 4 color newspaper aimed at generating leads for criminal apprehension.
- Designed, developed and maintained websites for each publication
- Designed corporate ads for clients including Sherwin Williams, Geico Direct, Salvation Army, Adecco, NBTY, Southwest Airlines, Paychex, and Best Yet Groceries, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and messaging
- Built and managed design team, improving output and quality
- Executed integrated print and digital campaigns to support publications reach and sales efforts
Education
Certified Modern Marketer
Modern Marketing Institute
In Progress
Focus Area:
- Focus: Paid Social, Strategy & Media Planning, Generative AI, Google Ads Paid Search, Analytics
Master of Science Degree — Childhood Education
NYS Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) Certification
Dowling College
2002-2006
Focus Area:
- Focus: curriculum planning, teaching strategies, and child development
- Participated in Dowling-Belmont Partnership Program
- Participated in 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:
- Focus: graphic design, web design, and print production with training in industry-standard software
- Emphasis on: typography, branding, color theory, photography and illustration
- Study abroad: Art History (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 & Creative Tools:
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Premiere Pro
- Canva
- Pool Studio
- XD
- Dreamweaver
- QuarkXPress
- Toonly
Graphic & Web Design Platforms:
- HTML
- CSS
- WordPress
- Wix
- Squarespace
Marketing & Digital Platforms:
- Meta Business Suite
- Google Business Profile
- Constant Contact
- Angi
Business & Operations Tools:
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Trello
- Monday
- Slack
- Zoom
- Jobber
- CompanyCam
- PayChex
- Quickbooks Online
- Zeffy
- Bill.com
- Whale
Marketing & Technical Skills:
- Paid & Organic Social Content
- Basic SEO
- Content Creation
- Review Growth
- Press Releases & Media Outreach
- Basic Programming
- Analytics
- Networking
Additional Qualifications:
- Hire to Fire Training
- Employment Eligibility Training
- Strong communication and client-management skills
- Collaborative, relationship-driven professional
- Thrives in fast-paced,
deadline-driven environments - Creative problem-solver; adaptable; quick learner
- Versatile across design styles and brand needs
- Willing to travel
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
- Vice President and Marketing Director, Late Knight Warriors, Inc.
- Communications Committee, AFSP Long Island Chapter
- 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
- Winter 2026: Japan
- 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
What’s Happening
Laura is honored by the Long Island Business News as a 40 Under 40 honoree
Laura is featured in the Long Island Business News
The International Society of Female Professionals Recognizes Laura Gottfried
Interesting Reads
Video Testimonials as a Powerful Marketing Tool
Both Direct Mail and Email Blasts Have Their Advantages
Both Print and Digital Newsletters Have Their Advantages
My Top 5 Marketing Highlights From the Barbie Campaign