Preston Oliver | Professional Leader | Creative Crusader

ABOUT ME

Hello! My name is Preston and I am a dynamic, creative, self-starting, data-driven, free-spirited, professional explorer. I have extensive experience in marketing, creative, design, brand development, and digital strategy. My eclectic path has also evolved into leadership, business growth strategy, influencer marketing, and product innovation.

I also happen to be a ...

Father of a little boy and girl
Husband of an awesome wife
Son to amazing parents
Brother of 10 siblings (not a typo)
Friend of a diverse group of inspiring pals
Mentor to several talented professionals
Lifelong learner in my professional and personal interests
Mildly funny and interesting person to be around
(can verify)

I would love to tell you more of my story!

About

Experience

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Head of Marketing

@ MIT's Engine Accelerator

The Engine Accelerator [built by MIT] supports deep tech and science by providing access to specialized workspace and equipment, curating comprehensive programs, and convening the ecosystem necessary to bring transformative technologies from idea to impact. I managed creative direction, guided marketing strategy, supported sales enablement and events, developed content and distribution, and helped build professional bridges across the academic, venture, and professional ecosystems.

2024

Creative Direction
Content Development
Sales Enablement
Partnerships & Business Development
Event Planning & Support
Social Media, Email, & PR
Digital Strategy

Head of Innovation

The Outloud Group is a Detroit-based, multi-dimensional marketing agency. At their core, they partner with influential creators of all prominence levels, to help some of the most reputable consumer brands in the world get their message out. I helped the team navigate a rapidly changing industry by identifying new opportunities, launching new business units, and developing industry-leading products and services. I also helped grow consumer brands owned by the agency.

@ Outloud Group

2021 - 2024

Influencer Marketing
Organic & Paid Social Media
Product Innovation
Organizational Strategy
Business Development
Startups to Global Brands
Consumer Brands, CPG, D2C, B2B

influencer

Fashion

Growth & Strategy

@ MuskOx

GoMuskOx.com is an outdoor men's apparel startup that supports wildlife conservation, employs ethical manufacturing, and develops some of the world's most durable and high-quality clothing. I helped lead their strategic growth journey and learned a thing or two about the fashion industry along the way.

Fashion & Textiles
Marketing Leadership
Budget Management
Growth & Startup Strategy
Planning & Advising

2021 - 2024

ecommerce

Head of Marketing

In three years as the Head of Marketing, and member of the Leadership Team at Rocket Innovations Inc. (Rocketbook), I led the Marketing practice and built a high-performing team of talented creative, communications, and brand experience professionals. In three years, we helped grow the business from $4m to $50m, including 370% website and 300% Amazon growth. In December 2020, Rocketbook was acquired by the BIC Corporation.

@ Rocketbook

2018 - 2021

Consumer Packaged Goods
Team Building & Mentorship
Marketing, PR & Agency Strategy
eCommerce & Digital Experience
Data Driven Startup Growth
Global Brand Development
Content & Creative Direction

Marketing Director

@ Travelers

As Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy at Travelers, I led a team that managed a variety of marketing, communications, and digital initiatives in the Claim organization. We developed and executed projects of all shapes and sizes that drove customer, agent, and employee engagement. As a member of the CMO’s Leadership Development elite class, I was given a wealth of leadership education and experience.

Marketing Manager

My first four years at Travelers was spent helping a 100+ year old agent-driven business launch their products directly to customers online. I designed, developed, and optimized web experiences that drove millions in new revenue everyday. I managed teams and projects that executed a variety of digital initiatives.

2013 - 2018

Executive & Leadership Training
Content & Digital Strategy
Internal Communications
Information Management
Reporting & Public Speaking
Innovation and IoT

2009 - 2013

Mobile & Digital Experience
Design, Usability, UI & UX
Project Management
Web Development
Traditional Communications
Direct to Consumer

Corporate

Creative

Art Director

@ Mintz & Hoke

I was a hands-on creative leader as an Art Director at Mintz & Hoke. Our talented team of designers, copywriters, and developers offered a broad variety of capabilities and expertise for our clients. All of which I was fortunate to participate in and help execute; including, but not limited to, traditional print and media, eCommerce, PR, TV & Radio, digital animation, web design and development, and brand innovation.

2007 - 2009

Digital & Multimedia Design
Branding
Email & Social Media Marketing
Traditional Creative
Copywriting & Concepting
Code Development
Photo, Video & Animation

Assoc. Art Director

@ Cashman + Katz

Cashman + Katz is an integrated marketing & advertising agency with a focus group center of excellence. While supporting creative requests for clients, and managing PR and media, I was fortunate to participate in product focus group testing and surveying. I also helped launch the first digital capabilities at the agency.

2006 - 2007

Graphic Design
Traditional Media
Focus Group Testing
Print Design & Layout
Copy & Script Writing

Education

EDUCATION & MISC.

Bachelor in Fine Arts

@ The University of Connecticut

In 2006 I graduated from UConn with a BFA in Graphic Design and Communication. I minored in Photography and Art History. I was also individually focused in web development and digital animation. While there, I also started my creative career as a Junior Graphic Designer at the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research.

@ CT Alliance of Foster & Adoptive Families

Board of Directors

It is with great honor that I was voted to serve on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families (CAFAF). CAFAF provides support, training, and advocacy for children and their caregivers. The Alliance works in partnership with child welfare professionals and the entire community to nurture child safety, well being, and stability.

Foster & Adoptive Parent

@ CT Dept. of Children & Families

After growing up with seven adopted siblings and countless foster brothers and sisters, it was an honor when my wife and I completed training and earned our DCF Parenting License in 2015. I continue to advocate for the organization and its partners, and provide guidance and advice for new and prospective parents.

Board of Advisors

@ Waku Tea

Did I say I love helping startups grow?! Especially companies with great products, a meaningful purpose, and most important of all, exceptional people. I met Juan and Nico a couple of years ago and have had the pleasure of helping the Waku team on their amazing journey.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS SUMMARY

Strategy

Consumer Packaged Goods

Data Analysis & Storytelling

Internal Communications

Brand Development

Information Management

Project Management

My most recent conquest.

I say numbers can be insightful AND great fun!

I've been known to write a tight corporate memo.

Let's grow and expand with something worth sharing.

Taxonomy. Auto-tagging. Info Architecture. Let's do this.

Been at it since before they gave out black belts for it.

Team Building

Leadership

Development & Mentorship

Talent Acquisition

Public Speaking

Collaboration & Inclusivity

I lead with courage and compassion. It usually works.

I like to hire Rock Stars so all boats shall rock (rise).

Always judge a book by its enthusiasm, curiosity, and uniqueness.

Scary. Challenging. Important. I must always improve.

I live to find eclectic parts that make one amazing sum.

Marketing

PR & Agency Strategy

Social Media & Content

eComm, AMZ & e-Tail

Paid Digital Strategy

Direct to Consumer

Email & Earned Comms

Crowdfunding

I've worked FOR and WITH agencies. I speak the lingo.

Gary V is kinda my spirit animal.

Just coming off a 3 year crash course in eComm super growth.

I've spent millions (efficiently). Let's get wild.

I'd prefer a customer-to-business approach.

IMO, some tried and true platforms are here to stay.

One of the most unique brand storytelling platforms I've seen.

Creative

Creative Direction

Brand & Logo Design

Digital & Print Design

Copywriting & Concepting

Mobile & Digital UI / UX

Web Development

My unique experience can drive a creative team to greatness.

I'm a tad removed from hands-on, but know it when I see it.

Love to get back in the weeds every now and again.

Pure creativity that never gets rusty.

I prefer to keep it simple. Test and constantly innovate.

So many dang languages now. But I can still view-source.

Skills

LET'S CONNECT!

Something catch your eye? Want to talk shop? Interested in my hopes, wishes and dreams? Have questions about life in general? Or just want to share hilarious dog videos and viral memes? Holler at me below!

Hello@PrestonOliver.com

Contact