Andrew Ballenthin

Current

Founder at Community Marketing Blog
President at Sol Solutions An Integrated Marketing Consultancy

Past

Marketing Director at Enhanced Marketing Solutions
Vice President, Business Solutions at Cash Conveters
Vice President Marketing and Operations at WineSmart

Business Planning Director; Brand & Product Director; Direct Sales and Call Center Manager at Thorn EMI

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Education

Toronto School of Business
Chartered Institute of Marketing
The Marketing Society

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Recommended

13 people have recommended Andrew

Connections

500+ connections

Industry

Marketing and Advertising

Websites

Andrew Ballenthin’s Summary

2009 Highlights - Practical social media from a marketing perspective.
- 2 interviews with the Wall Street Journal This Morning
- Presented at Microsoft Headquarters Canada
- Presented to the Milton Chamber of Commerce
- Presented to The Executive Mentors Group
- Presented to Strickland Associates' client base
- Guest presenter at Leesa Barnes Podcasting breakfast
- Interviewed on Rogers television
- 3 online TV/Radio interviews with ThatChannel.com
- Co-authored articles with Ecademy co-founder Penny Power
- Interviewed Charlene Li, David Tokheim, Penny Power
- Gained 11 new writers for his Community Marketing Blog

Over his 18 years in marketing Andrew has worked in marketing and specialized in branding, growth strategy, product management, campaign creation and implementation. He has worked with the likes of Molson, Labatt, Volvo Group, Sharp Electronics, UPS, Texaco, Quebecor Media, Canadian Tire, Rothmans Benson and Hedges, Pearson and Thorn EMI either as an employee, client, partner or supplier. Professional experience includes living in the UK for 7 years and working with over 15 countries for a B2C and B2B wine import/export online and supply chain company.

Andrew's passion is blending innovation, practical application and results orientation. Having worked with international, national and entrepreneurial businesses it's easy to scale for the vision and budget of the organization.

Andrew is presently researching and writing a book on monetizing social media from a marketing perspective.

In 2009 blogging has replaced his website as he has moved into interactive relationships. Some of the blog's successes include up to 8,000 page views in one week; Google first page results on total returns of 10 million to 1.5 billion; readership from over 30 countries. All of this was achieved without spending a dollar. The basis of results were achieved by applying marketing principle while learning the nuances of social media.

Andrew Ballenthin’s Specialties:

- Branding to create highly competitive, creative, and relevant advertising.
- Offline marketing starts by focusing on all elements of the brand and it's how it is or needs to be communicated through various media.
- Online marketing including social media campaigns, website development, blogging, podcasting, html email, article syndication, press releases and more.

Andrew Ballenthin’s Experience

Founder

Community Marketing Blog

(Privately Held; Marketing and Advertising industry)

May 2008 — Present (1 year 7 months)

A growing blog dedicated to sharing traditional marketing and the latest best practices in a variety of social media and web 2.0 arenas. We assist businesses in making practical sense of how to apply marketing, communications and social media with a long term perspective while staying clear of hype and fads.

We presently have 11 writers who are also strategic growth partners: collectively we reach over 2 million LinkedIn Group members and several thousand twitter followers. We are on a growth goal and looking for new writers and alliances who will contribute to building our brand's visibility and audience reach. Our mission is to assist professionals in the application of effective marketing and social media practices clear of hype and short term thinking.
President

Sol Solutions An Integrated Marketing Consultancy

(Privately Held; Marketing and Advertising industry)

August 2005 — Present (4 years 4 months)

As President I am responsible for the growth and client management of Sol Solutions an integrated marketing consultancy. Larger clients have included the Volvo Group (Arrow Truck Sales), Molson, Labatts, and Premier Fitness. Smaller business have included realtors, health practitioners, specialty manufacturer of goods in China, consultants, interior design and home improvements.

Marketing services include specializing in branding, advertising and online media. As the founder of Sol Solutions, I assist businesses in growing by communicating their Unique Selling Points and strategic difference that are relevant to the target customer's point of view. The result is marketing spend goes to not only growing sales and market share but investing in the company's future and increased client loyalty.
Marketing Director

Enhanced Marketing Solutions

(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Marketing and Advertising industry)

March 2004 — August 2006 (2 years 6 months)

Responsible for turning around a national loyalty and cross marketing program with fantastic success. Achieved 11% response rate and created an industry leading position that was copied by competition. By revitalizing the brand position and moving to solution offers, sales went from negative to a several 100% increase.

The target market was hospitality and convenience stores across Canada.

Marcoms execution included a catalogue, collateral for over 100+ national sales reps, and sell sheets. In addition I managed several staff in customer service/sales call centre which I standardized operations and set targets for to significantly increase closing rates.

The companies involved in this program included Canada's best in class products and services which included; Sharp Electronics, Sharp Retail Services, Direct Cash ATMs, Dagendor Security Fences, Rothmans Benson and Hedges, TFI Frozen & Hot Food Supplies, Robert's Awnings, Pasabache Glassware, Collective POS, and many more.
Vice President, Business Solutions

Cash Conveters

(Retail industry)

2001 — 2002 (1 year )

Reviewed technology portfolio and determined the best enterprise solution for ERP and CMR. Presented to franchisees and gained an exceptional level of buy-in for implementing an extensive systems change-over.
Vice President Marketing and Operations

WineSmart

(International Trade and Development industry)

1999 — 2002 (3 years )

Created an online and offline business specialzing in importing wines from countries such as Chile, U.S., Argentina, Australia etc and exporting to over 15 countries in Europe. Achieved sales through web marketing, print advertising and call centre based in the Netherlands.

Pioneered an online program for consumers to buy and select a drop-off station with Texaco and UPS in Benelux.

Created and implemented international supply chain management ASP technology to deliver transparency for B2B clients who accessed our European logistics and customs management.
Business Planning Director; Brand & Product Director; Direct Sales and Call Center Manager

Thorn EMI

(Public Company; Defense & Space industry)

July 1993 — July 1999 (6 years 1 month)

Employed by Thorn EMI on their home goods retail business for 6 years and worked with Canada, US and the UK.

Business Planning Director - Crazy George's/Thorn EMI UK
- Responsible for working with CEO and executive team on strategic initiatives that maximized profitability and growth.
- Lead restructuring plans for a hub and spoke company configuration of 800 employess and gross revenue of $120+ million.
- Participated in implementation of Balance ScoreCard program.
- Lead implementation of stock balancing programs which streamlined over 1,000 product lines and reduced costs by 15%.

Brand & Product Director - UK
- Responsible for setting product management strategies, buying plans and operational campaigns for over 1,000 products.
- Created cross company reporting that enabled logistics, operations, advertising and buying to see weekly stock levels and buying positions. Stock management was significantly improved.
- Implemented new category and promotional strategies which decreased spend by $9 million and raised sales in poor performing categories from 20%-500%.

Direct Sales and Call Center Manager - Canada / US
- Created, implemented and managed the company's first direct sales and call center operation.
- Achieved a net profitability of 18%.
- Wrote best practice guide for Canadian and US operations covering 4 call centers.

Andrew Ballenthin’s Education

Toronto School of Business

Business Administration 1991 — 1992
Chartered Institute of Marketing
The Marketing Society

Activities and Societies:

The Marketing Society

Additional Information

Andrew Ballenthin’s Websites:

Andrew Ballenthin’s Interests:

Strategic Planning, Branding, Off Line Marketing, Advertising, Event Promotions, Social Media, Online News Releases, Online Marketing, Email/Newsletter Campaigns

Andrew Ballenthin’s Groups:

eMarketing Association Network
Social Media Marketing
Toronto Digital Marketing Professionals
Open Networkers
Toronto Digital Marketing Professionals
AMORC