Nicole Fadden Resume
CREATIVE BRAND STRATEGIST | BUSINESS OPERATIONS LEADER
Driving growth through transformative brand strategy, creative innovation, and operational excellence.
SUMMARY
With over 20 years of experience in brand portfolio management, I bring a strategic and creative approach to building brands that connect, perform, and grow. I specialize in shaping brand architecture, crafting compelling stories, and leading digital and social campaigns that drive real market impact. My leadership style blends big-picture thinking with hands-on execution. I’m known for fostering talent, guiding product development, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver smart, innovative solutions. I’m driven by an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for progress—whether that means launching a brand, solving tough challenges, or jumping in wherever I’m needed to move things forward. Agile, collaborative, and relentlessly resourceful, I focus on results that fuel long-term growth and set brands apart in competitive markets.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
RESTORE NATURALS / KAPRA COSMETICS
Director of Business Operations and Brand Strategy
Brooklyn Park, MN
2020 – present
RESTORE NATURALS (Private Label for Kapra Cosmetics)
Brand Growth Leadership: Drove the strategic development and market penetration of the Restore Naturals brand, significantly enhancing brand visibility and market share through comprehensive management and innovative marketing strategies. Over the past four years, these efforts have resulted in a 192% increase in business growth.
Strategic Brand Execution: Revitalized and transformed a declining brand, infusing new life into its market presence. I ensured a cohesive and revitalized brand experience across all touchpoints [including: packaging, positioning, pricing, advertising, website, social media channels, digital marketing, copy writing, sales, sales materials, video production, events, photo shoots, operations, etc.]
Integrated Marketing Expertise: Crafted and implemented holistic marketing and branding strategies across diverse channels, achieving notable business growth and market expansion by tapping into new and effective business channels [wholesale, commercial, retail, e-commerce, social media platforms, digital media marketplaces, etc.].
Campaign Management Excellence: Directed impactful marketing campaigns with external agencies, leveraging data analytics to refine strategies and achieve a remarkable increase in sales [39%], demonstrating proficiency in driving consumer engagement and brand loyalty [PR, DRTV/BRTV, packaging development, Digital Media Campaigns, Website CRO and UX enhancements]
Brand Stewardship: Managed all facets of the brand including packaging, digital presence, and promotional materials, upholding brand values and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives for sustained growth.
Digital Trendsetter: Stayed at the forefront of marketing and digital trends, integrating the latest innovations into strategic planning to maintain competitive advantage and market relevance.
Leadership and Collaboration: Built and led a high-performing team, fostering collaboration across functions to achieve company objectives, while mentoring staff and enhancing team capabilities.
Operational Efficiency: Implemented new processes and efficiencies within the marketing department, streamlining operations to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
KAPRA COSMETICS
Executive Strategic Advisory: Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, providing strategic counsel on critical business decisions, operational challenges, and company growth initiatives.
Operational Leadership: Spearhead the development and implementation of company-wide processes and procedures, driving operational efficiency, workflow optimization, and cross-functional alignment.
Business Process Improvement: Lead process reengineering initiatives, including the successful deployment of a new MRP system to streamline manufacturing operations and improve resource planning.
Organizational Development: Manage talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management, including hiring, coaching, conflict resolution, and termination processes to foster a high-performance culture.
Project & Change Management: Oversee high-impact projects and ad hoc initiatives, acting as an executive project manager for strategic priorities that require leadership oversight and execution. wth.
Problem-Solving & Decision Support: Identify complex business challenges and develop innovative, strategic solutions to improve operational efficiency, resolve critical issues, and drive company growth. Leverage deep business insight and hands-on experience to implement practical and effective.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate communication between departments, mediating conflicts, and ensuring cohesive operations across business units.
CARIBOU COFFEE
Director of Creative Strategy
Brooklyn Park, MN
2018 – 2019
Strategic Brand Visionary: Led the strategic formulation and execution of Caribou's brand vision, orchestrating the efforts of both internal brand teams and external agencies to deliver compelling campaigns that resonated in the market.
Cost-Efficient Campaign Director: Conceptualized and implemented Caribou’s annual brand marketing and product campaigns, strategically reallocating creative efforts in-house for significant cost savings and budget optimization.
Marketing and Digital Strategist: Revolutionized Caribou’s marketing direction, shifting focus from traditional print to digital platforms, and forming strategic partnerships to bolster a digitally-led marketing approach.
Strategic Marketing Planner: Instrumental in formulating strategic marketing plans, empowering Brand teams to make informed investment decisions and align marketing initiatives with business objectives.
Media Strategy Developer: Collaborated with Brand and Media partners to pinpoint optimal media channels, developing comprehensive campaign strategies and maintaining industry-leading marketing practices.
Industry Trend Analyst: Remained at the forefront of marketing and digital trends, integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches into marketing plans to outpace competition.
Team Builder and Collaborative Leader: Rebuilt and led a multidisciplinary Creative Team of 5, fostering a collaborative environment that unified efforts across product development, retail, brand, creative, and sales teams for holistic success.
THE BUFFALO WORKS
Director of Brand Marketing and Creative Services
Plymouth, MN
2014 – 2018
Strategic Executive Team Member: As a pivotal addition to the executive team of a privately-owned company collaborating with artists, TV personalities, photographers, brands, and companies, I played a critical role in the strategic planning and execution that drove rapid and substantial company growth.
Holistic Brand Strategy Development: Spearheaded the creation of comprehensive marketing and brand strategies, including positioning, style guides, customer segmentation, visual identity, external communication plans, product assortment, and licensing opportunities, identifying and filling strategic gaps to provide a holistic approach to brand development.
Data-Driven Digital Marketing Innovator: Led the development and execution of digital marketing campaigns and social media strategies based on data analysis, driving brand presence, engagement, market influence, and sales growth. Regularly reviewed business performance to adapt strategies and deliver tangible results.
E-Commerce and Product Line Expansion: Instrumental in expanding client brands through the development of diverse product lines and establishing robust online presences, leveraging drop shipping models to minimize inventory while maximizing strategic flexibility.
Cross-Division Marketing and Branding Leadership: Devised, oversaw, and implemented marketing and branding strategies in partnership with external teams across diverse sectors, such as retail, manufacturing, and licensing. This cross-industry collaboration bolstered brand awareness and amplified sales, driven by precise and targeted communication strategies
Strategic Client and Vendor Relationship Building: Excelled in identifying, acquiring, and strategizing with new clients while fostering strong relationships with vendor partners, design agencies, manufacturers, and the sales organization. Led a core team of 7 towards achieving shared goals.
BEST BUY
Brand Marketing and Packaging Manager
Richfield, MN
2007 – 2014
Strategic Brand Leadership: Oversaw Best Buy’s $2.2B Exclusive Brands portfolio, aligning Private Label offerings with the overarching Best Buy brand and ensuring consistency across external and internal communications.
Innovative Brand Development: Guided the global restructuring of the Exclusive Brand portfolio, determined the strategic market positioning, and drove the narrative for brand extensions to resonate with targeted consumer segments.
Rapid Brand Execution: Managed an urgent rebuild of Best Buy’s flagship private label, developing brand guides and implementing over 700 SKUs within a stringent four-month timeframe in collaboration with global teams.
Cross-Functional Brand Stewardship: Fostered cross-functional teamwork, partnering with Product and Category Managers and engineers to ensure brand consistency through the commercialization process with both local and international teams.
Brand Communication Architect: Communicated new brand strategies, messaging, and visual identities effectively to both internal teams and external service providers, enhancing brand understanding and cohesion.
Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Strategist: Crafted and executed branded digital campaigns, amplifying brand presence and engagement through paid and owned media channels alongside supporting Best Buy partners.
Promotion and Recognition: Elevated from Packaging and Creative Services Project Manager to Brand Marketing and Packaging Manager, a testament to my strategic influence and leadership in brand growth and innovation.
BANTA/RR DONNELLEY
Creative Services Manager
Chanhassen, MN
2005 – 2007
Strategic Department Architect: Spearheaded Creative Services division from conceptualization to execution, including hiring key talent, defining service offerings, and establishing processes for scalability in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated excellence in articulating and presenting creative concepts to retain and acquire clients, ensuring profitable expansion.
Creative Leadership Director: Directed the Creative Department, overseeing creative visual development, copywriting, and photo studio operations. Cultivated a dynamic team composed of 3 core team members and up to 15 contractors, tailored to meet project demands. Instrumental in fostering an innovative environment that encouraged creative solutions and high-quality outputs.
Project Excellence Manager: Championed project excellence, managing the review and approval of art and copy materials. Ensured seamless coordination of internal and external creative resources, maintaining strict oversight on timelines, deliverables, staffing, and budget allocations for design and media production projects.
Strategic Operations Leader: Recognized as one of six General Managers, entrusted with comprehensive oversight of business strategies, facility operations, and employee development. Excelled in adopting and training in diverse leadership styles, significantly enhancing leadership capabilities and contributing to the department's strategic achievements and operational excellence.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Bachelor’s Degree Marketing and Innovation Management [2013] at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN
Associate’s Degree Advertising Art and Design [1998] at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, MN
Management Training 5S, Gung Ho, Human Resources, Situational Leadership, Supervisor I & II, Strengths Finder
Software Knowledge Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office Suite, Shopify, Netsuite, Basic HTML, Trello, HubSpot
About me I have a strong entrepreneurial mindset. I’m someone who can take a big-picture view to strategize where a company is headed—and then shift gears to roll up my sleeves and pack orders if that’s what needs to be done. I don’t operate with ego; I’m focused on results and progress. I’m resourceful, creative, and solutions-oriented, and I don’t give up easily. Whether it’s building a brand, solving a challenge, or filling in the gaps, I take ownership and do whatever it takes to move things forward.