KIPLING BERGER – GOTTSHALL

PH: 860-707-6494
garyandkipling@comcast.net
www.linkedin.com/kipling-berger-gottshall

SUMMARY

Energetic, enthusiastic Marketing, Communications and Media Specialist with substantial experience
managing commercial accounts, retail operations and overall client relations. Seasoned Professional
passionate about improving communications for clients and experienced entrepreneur and business
owner with strong organizational skills balanced with outstanding interpersonal skills.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Great Clips Franchisee

Marketing Communications Manager, Great Clips Wallingford December 2014-Present

 Develop targeted campaigns using specific postcode areas and demographic profiles to achieve
customer number targets.
 Implement a systematic and proactive Social Media plan including creating a Facebook Business
Page, the seeking out of partnerships and planned regular updates to Facebook; success
measured in the increase of likes and shares; measurement of online traffic using Google
Analytics.
 Cultivate relationships with Cosmetology Schools, increasing brand awareness and presenting
Great Clips Scholarships to students, a Corporate Scholarship Program that awards $100,000 in
Scholarships to cosmetology students nationwide.
 Oversee all Public Relations, including writing press releases, maintaining media relationships,
providing content for Facebook and local social media groups.
 Partner with Community organizations, schools and nonprofit organizations offering Fundraising
opportunities through our Great Clips Cut-a–thon Program – Organizations include: Masonicare
of Wallingford’s “New Haven Walk to End Alzheimer’s”, Wallingford YMCA Dolphins Swim Team,
Yalesville Little League and Coginchaug Girls Basketball.
 Participate in Community Events like “Celebrate Wallingford” and “The Daffodil Festival”
Responsible for creation of all promotional marketing at the event including visual displays, raffle
ideas, booth set-up, product give-aways and consumer engagement.

The Miracle League of CT, West Hartford, CT February 2014- June 2017
Program Director

 Oversaw the Miracle League of CT's Recreational and Educational programming

 Expanded the organization from a local level to a state wide level within a three year period.
 Collaborated with The Board of Directors while undergoing a six week Strategic Plan to create a
new mission statement and develop a comprehensive communications plan to establish and
achieve program goals.
 Handled all of the organization's Public Relations efforts, which included writing press releases,
placing media in all areas, scheduling interviews, pitching story ideas to editors and producers,
maintaining current media lists and developing a strategy that reinforces the organization’s
mission by securing media placements that reach our target audience.
 Developed and implemented new programs such as our “Buddy Program” for Volunteers and
Sensory Friendly Days and Performances that included partnerships with The Connecticut
 Science Center, Playhouse on Park, The Bushnell, Chapter 126, iCan Bike and The Mandell
Jewish Community Center.
 Maintained and expanded existing programming which included our Volunteer Program and the
Miracle League of CT’s Spring and Fall Baseball Leagues.
 Created and executed Social Media presence via Facebook and wrote and edited articles for
Organization’s Newsletter and Website.
 Established Outreach Program to engage community businesses, schools, local organizations
and individuals to volunteer for the organization.
 Interfaced with Advisory Board and Board Members that included Business owners, Presidents,
Vice Presidents, CEO’s COO’s and CFO’s.
 Chair of Organization’s Annual Halloween Event in 2015 and 2016

Better Giving by Kipling, Avon, CT March 2007- January 2014

Owner
 Managed all facets of running a Gift & Home décor Boutique including Buying, In-Store
Merchandising, Staffing, Marketing, Advertising, Web Sales and Web Development
 Recruited, interviewed, hired and mentored employees, leveraging their unique skills to deliver
the highest quality sales services to clients
 Created all In-Store Merchandising displays
 Buyer for all store merchandise including table top, wall art, general gift, furniture and home
accessories.
 Maintained Customer Lists and developed In-Store Incentives to cultivate business such as
Customer Wish Lists, VIP Buyer’s Programs, Bridal Registries, etc.
 Developed and maintained Social Media and Email Marketing campaigns
 Organized and hosted Fundraisers and In-Store Events for businesses, organizations and
charities.
 Negotiated contracts with vendors.

KG Photography February 2001-March 2007

Owner

 Professional photographer specializing in custom framed art and portraits

 Directed Advertising, Marketing and Sales Strategies
 Managed client relations and developed and cultivated new business

Cairns & Associates, New York, NY January 1999-February 2001

Senior Media Specialist

 Represented high-end luxury goods, entertainment and consumer goods clients and booked
media in all areas. Client List included Universal Studios, Swarovski Crystal, Waterman Pens,
Volvo, and Thymes LTD.
 Managed budgets and provided updates to agency account teams and clients
 Maintained and updated print, television and radio media lists.
 Trained Account Coordinators and Assistant Account Executives on pitching story ideas to
Editors and Producers in all areas of media.

Planned Television Arts, a Division of Ruder Finn, New York, NY January 1996-January 1999
Publicist

 Represented numerous authors, celebrities and organizations and placed media in all areas of
radio, print and broadcast.
 Responsible for writing press releases and creating and maintaining current media lists.
 Cultivated and maintained relationships with Publishing Houses.
  Managed client relations while running the day to day activities of account.
 Developed Media Campaigns

EDUCATION

BA Journalism, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 1988

International Center of Photography, New York, NY 2001

VOLUNTEER WORK

Simsbury Junior Women’s Club – Education Committee

Hartford Public Library – Revenue Enhancement Committee