Susan Kolbe

Consultant for Action Plans linked to media, marketing, sales and operational challenges.

By becoming their own client, Vertical Measures quickly attained #1 on Google SERP and a reputation for link building services to improve organic search results.  Leads generated were mined for link building clients seeking similar achievement for their keywords.  The firm has since evolved in tandem with search algorithms to a content marketing model and owner Arnie Kuenn authored his first printed book Accelerate: the convergence of social, search and content.

Heidi Scott purchased and transformed the former Production Masters Inc (PMI) into Great Scott!!! Productions and became established as a leading location and studio production house in the Southwest.  For over 15 years callers have been greeted with the signature Grreeeaat!!!! Scott Productions welcome.  In my seven years I sold and produced Grreeeaat!!! communication solutions ranging from broadcast commercials, to training and recruitment products, trade-show exhibit videos, website content, political campaign feeds, and local and national television shows. 

Prop 303 was a statewide AZ initiative to raise the tobacco tax to fund health care, trauma centers, and research; while also restoring and protecting funds for the State's tobacco prevention program. I was recruited to direct statewide outreach to secure endorsements that contributed to successfully passing Proposition 303 by a 65% yes vote. 

Stepping in to the newly launched Tobacco Education and Prevention Program, I managed a $10+ million annual statewide Public Health media campaign promoting commercial tobacco prevention ("Tobacco. Tumor causing teeth staining smelly puking habit."), cessation (Arizona Smokers' Helpline) and reduction of second hand smoke exposure among schools, communities, healthcare and worksite environments. 

Integrated sports marketing promotions with all college and professional teams in Arizona was a pillar of the prevention campaign strategy and became a "Best Practices" model for the Centers for Disease Control for whom I was an invited presenter at their National Conference on Health.

I managed the Lottery's corporate sales and marketing relationships with major retail chains and developed a performance based retail commission bonus campaign.   A subsequent promotion transfer within State Government took me to the newly established Tobacco Education and Prevention Program.

In my 1st  five-year post within Arizona State Government, I managed the advertising agency contracts for statewide mass media bi-lingual advertising and public relations campaigns in support of Lottery sales and "where the money goes" awareness.  Supervising research on attitudes, awareness and self-reported behavior intentions with regards to Lottery purchases, new product designs and campaign development, our team was also tasked with the launch of Powerball in Arizona. 

KNIX 102.5 FM which later sold to Clear Channel for $85 million commanded a 20 share of the Phoenix ADI radio market and equally impressive revenue from advertising and sponsorship sales.  Launching the Retail Marketing Director position, I brought local manufacturer, wholesale/distributor and co-op advertising revenue to the mix through multi-media, multi-partnered promotions designed to increase case sales. 

Notary Public credentialed I was responsible for submitting cooperative advertising fund claims and was an active member of the Retail Marketing Association (now Arizona Food Marketing Alliance).  An invitation to interview for the client position as the Arizona Lottery advertising manager lead to my next career move.

As Executive Assistant to founder Phil Motta (including the year he was the Fiesta Bowl President), and Office Manager for the Advertising Agency I learned the full range of operational concerns including preparing new business presentations, equipment maintenance and training contracts and office supply purchasing.  After Phil departed the agency, growth stalled.  Seeking career advancement I pursued alternate employment landing the newly created position as KNIX Retail Marketing Director.

Then newly remodeled Scottsdale Radisson Camelview Inn featured 300 rooms and 14 tennis courts and was the original host property for the Scottsdale Open Tennis Tournament when John McEnroe still ruled the courts and dancing with Mr. T was cool.  (Live long enough and some trends return.)  I called on the Chicago and New York corporate and association meeting markets in addition to the local business, association and social markets.  One of my favorite memories was hosting all of my Chicago account calls to a private performance at Second City.  A job offer to join an ad agency and apply my college degree lured me away. The Radisson property was later redeveloped into residential units.

Attracting corporate and association business from San Francisco and Denver, this quaint 150 room hotel property served the high tech corridor in the NW Valley.  I was recruited away by the soon to be remodeled Camelview Radisson Resort.

Student Advertising Agency Association board member.