Tim Knight
Marketer | Community Leader | Researcher | Writer
Email:
Address:
Minneapolis, MN
A Bit About Me
Once in a while, I look at the career path that I have taken and wonder, "How did I get here?" but when I look more closely at the trajectory I have taken, a few things resonate:
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The desire to help people become better leaders
The desire to try new things
And the desire to improve
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The desire to help people become better leaders has helped me become a better leader. I want to be a person that people not only look to but also help and guide people in their journey. I firmly believe that a team will rise and fall with their leadership and that great things can happen when great teams work together.
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The desire to try new things has kept me from falling into the status quo of life. Whether it is experimenting with a new marketing campaign or introducing a new partner to work with for the neighborhood council, I am always willing to try new things. This flexibility has led me to many diverse experiences, but it has also allowed me to continue to push myself to improve and break the mold of what success looks like.
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Which leads to my desire to improve. I desire to improve not only myself but also the organizations, the people, and the systems I operate in. I am not content when I am holding steady. I desire to continue pushing myself to see what I am capable of, both professionally and personally.
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Though, at times, my work, non-profit, and education experience may seem disjointed and disconnected, it has led to diverse experiences that makes me a compassionate, creative, and thoughtful leader.
Professional Experience
2021 - 2023
WorkJam
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Account-Based Marketing Specialist
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Business Development Representative
2018 - 2020
Schwan's Company
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Field Marketing Manager
2015 - 2016
Rhombus Guys Brewing Co.
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General Manager
2010 - 2018
Caribou Coffee &
Einstein Bagels
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Supervisor
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General Manager
I began my role at WorkJam on the sales team, researching and qualifying prospective leads, leading introduction calls, and generating new business through several mediums--emails, cold calls, and social media.
I then moved into a marketing role where I planned, organized, and executed targeted marketing campaigns for enterprise companies. While in this role, I also developed marketing collateral: Case Studies, Blog Posts, Webinars, and One-Pagers.
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It was in this role that I was able to focus solely on marketing. In my other roles, marketing has been a focus, but it was a focus along with operations, business development, customer & employee relations, and HR. It really allowed me to dive in headfirst and create success for the company.
At Schwan's, I led Front of House operations at Edward's Dessert Kitchen located in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood.
Edward's Dessert Kitchen was designed with a multi-pronged goal to increase the culinary credibility of Schwan's, improve marketing, and test trending flavors and customer buying patterns.
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As the manager, I oversaw a staff of 20+, ensuring that day-to-day operation needs were met and that customer expectations were exceeded.
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I also reported directly to the C-suite, presenting quarterly sales numbers, menu trends, and innovation data.
Directed the opening of the first brewery in Grand Forks. I recruited, trained, and supervised a staff of over 45 in front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
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As a member of the leadership team, my primary objective was to create customer loyalty and brand awareness.
Customer loyalty was achieved by creating dynamic and memorable dining experiences. This came through the day-to-day operations but also through events like Yoga in the Brewery (with New Love Yoga), Brewery Tours, Trivia Nights, and Industry Nights.
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We also achieved brand awareness through traditional media outlets (radio, TV), merchandise, collaborating with the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals, and a continued social media presence.
As the General Manager of Caribou Coffee, I oversaw operations and local marketing of the Grand Forks, North Dakota Caribou Coffee location. As the general manager, I boosted revenue by 6%+ annually through refocused inventory controls, decreased labor costs, and increased customer counts, average tickets, and overall customer satisfaction.
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After a brief stint opening Rhombus Guys Brewing Co., I returned to Caribou Coffee in a supervisor role and oversaw Caribou Coffee operations at the newly opened Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bagels co-branded location. I ensured that Caribou Coffee standards and procedures were being upheld. I also helped expand the catering service by building an ongoing business relationship with the University of North Dakota event planning staff.
Non-Profit Experience
2020 - Present
West Maka Ska
Neighborhood Council
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Chair of the Board
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Board Member
2010 - 2018
Grand Forks
Community Land Trust
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President
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Executive Committee
2015 - 2018
TEDxGrandForks
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Core Team Member
As the Chair of the Board (2021-present), I lead monthly neighborhood meetings per parliamentary procedure and serve as the neighborhood liaison to the city of Minneapolis. I oversee neighborhood marketing efforts, events, beautification, safety, and civic engagement.
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As part of our Marketing efforts, I oversaw the re-branding from the West Calhoun Neighborhood Association to the West Maka Ska Neighborhood Association; in collaboration with the Shinebox Ad Agency, we created a new logo, new social media standards, and the launch of a new website. The revamped website has seen an increase of 10X traffic, and our Instagram following has increased by over 700 followers. I also send out a monthly newsletter keeping the neighborhood aware of upcoming events and community changes--the newsletter has seen a 10X increase in subscribers and an open rate of approximately 40%.
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In addition to building the marketing plan, I also helped organize volunteer opportunities and plan neighborhood events.
I was a founding board member of the Grand Forks Community Land Trust. We launched an innovative approach to affordable housing in the region. As board president, I oversaw and managed a $1M portfolio.
Produced and curated multiple TEDx experiences. In this role, I recruited national and regional speakers, hired musicians and artists, and organized event day volunteers. Also handled marketing efforts through traditional and new media outlets.
Education
2023
Section
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Business Core Certificate
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Strategic Leader Certificate
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Marketing Strategist Certificate
2021
University of Minnesota
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Project Management Certificate
2017
altMBA
2006
North Park University
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Bachelor of Arts
