Eric Gertsman
Renewable energy/clean tech professional with focus in marketing and strategy
| Headline: | Entrepreneur |
| Skills: | Business, Design, English, Entrepreneurship, Graphic design, Languages, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Sales, Spanish, Writing |
| Groups: | University Of Washington Entrepreneurship Network |
| Interested in: | Brainstorming, Finding business partners, Finding cofounders, Finding team mates, Meeting new people, Professional opportunities, Promoting my startups, Recruiting for my startup |
| Schools: | University of California System - Los Angeles, University of Washington - Seattle |
WORK EXPERIENCE
| Employer: | New Earth Renewable Energy Inc. |
| Position: | Marketing Manager |
| Time period: | January 2009 - Present |
| Description: | Produces biomass energy fuels and sustainable energy solutions for the electric power generation industry
• Crafted marketing messaging for prospective utility industry customers, focusing on cost, performance and environmental benefits • Generated business development target matrix of electric utility companies, identifying heavy emitters of CO2 & SOX • Directly contacted utility company decision-makers to sell them NewEarth’s solution |
| Employer: | Precor Inc. |
| Position: | Sustainability Project Manager (internship) |
| Time period: | January 2008 - December 2008 |
| Description: | Manufacturer of high-end fitness equipment
• During contract position, developed a three-year sustainability program that recommended strategic programs and projects in the areas of manufacturing, product development, sourcing, shipping, facilities management, employee policies, information systems, marketing and communications • Supervised surveys of commercial customers to identify purchase motivations and help demonstrate the potential marketing ROI from sustainability initiatives • Analyzed the quantitative impacts of potential sustainability projects from operational and marketing perspectives |
| Employer: | Bioalgene |
| Position: | Project Manager (part-time) |
| Time period: | January 2008 - December 2008 |
| Description: | Cultivator of algae for biofuel production
• Created valuation matrix that forecasts costs and revenues at algae growth sites, investment required, and production of bio-oil, biomass and carbon credits • Conducted competitive intelligence research for the algae-to-biofuel sector • Managed the installation of a monitoring system at City of Everett Water Pollution Control Facility • Helped provide edits and new content for the company’s second-generation website |
| Employer: | Global Fluency |
| Position: | Director, Clean Tech |
| Time period: | January 2006 - December 2007 |
| Description: | International marketing firm
• Formulated strategy, generated written content, executed in-depth market research and acted as primary contact for clients within the energy, environmental, technology, biotech and non-profit sectors, which yielded valuable B2B and B2C market awareness for many companies and products • Identified market need and established Clean Tech practice, developing new business and managing client accounts • Founded and operated the Global Renewable Energy and Environmental Network (GREEN) as an affinity platform to introduce topical research studies and promote industry networking • Managed team of three employees and was seen as a trusted collaborator with executive-management • Developed targeted marketing and publicity campaigns for cutting-edge industries such as clean energy, environmental products, new pharmaceuticals, regulatory compliance management, and digital security • Launched cyber safety awareness campaign with the National Crime Prevention Council (McGruff the Crime Dog), which resulted in over 40 million media impressions, more than $10 million in publicity value |
| Employer: | Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP |
| Position: | Communications Manager |
| Time period: | January 2003 - December 2006 |
| Description: | Major U.S. law firm
• Supervised strategic communications and external perception management for offices in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Houston, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia • Increased media placements by 143% in San Francisco (2003-2005) and over 1200% in Houston (2004-2005) • Generated many millions of dollars worth of targeted articles and segments in the business, trade and general press, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Associated Press, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post, Business Week, The Deal, localized business journals, and the ABC, CBS, NBC and NPR networks • Expanded into pioneering markets such as renewable energy, stem cell research & development, nanotechnology, and the People’s Republic of China through marketing and public relations campaigns • Oversaw the activities of three teams of external public relations consultants and a number of independent vendors • Managed team of three employees and acted as Deputy Director, taking the department helm on multiple occasions • Conducted media training for spokespeople such as the firm’s chairperson, managing partner and practice leaders • Awarded firm-wide Certificate of Appreciation for work during high-profile firm merger in 2005 |
| Employer: | Neale-May & Partners |
| Position: | Account Manager; Associate; Junior Associate |
| Time period: | January 1999 - December 2003 |
| Description: | High-tech public relations agency San Francisco, CA
Account Manager (2001-2003) • Handled account management, media and analyst relations, content development, strategy, creative services, event planning, speaking opportunities, award submissions, and competitive market research • Managed client relationships in technology industry sub-sectors, including wireless, online services, e-business, biotechnology, computer hardware, digital security, consumer electronics, and nanotechnology, helping to achieve greater market visibility that translated into increased customers and revenues for clients Associate (2000-2001) / Junior Associate (1999-2000) • Achieved media exposure in outlets such as CNN, Oprah Winfrey Show, Reuters, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Business 2.0, Chicago Tribune, InfoWorld, and other print and broadcast outlets • Promoted twice and given “Creativity Award” in 2001 |
EDUCATION
| University: | University of Washington - Seattle |
| Time period: | 2009 |
| Degree: | MBA |
| University: | University of California System - Los Angeles |
| Time period: | 1998 |
| Degree: | Philosophy & Business Administration , BA |
PUBLICATIONS
| Articles: | • Published articles in Environmental Design & Construction and PRWeek. |
| Papers: | • Researched and wrote comprehensive reports about 1) the management of biodegradable waste in the commercial and institutional sectors, 2) the environmental benefits of cogeneration technology, and 3) the relatively undefined topic of executive-level decision making. |
INFORMATION
| Hobbies: | • Experienced in graphic design, photography, and music.
• Attained silver sash in Mantis-Style Kung Fu and PADI scuba diving certification. |
| Clubs: | • Active in the Net Impact Club, Marketing Club, Entrepreneurship Network, and BizComm, University of Washington. |
| Memberships: | • Involved as board member of the Global Renewable Energy & Environmental Network (GREEN).
• Active as member or recent member of the American Marketing Association, Northern California Solar Energy Association, BPM Forum, Chief Marketing Officer Council, and Legal Marketing Association. |
| Awards: | • Won Best Clean Tech Award in 2008 UW Business Plan Competition for Voltan Biofuel, now funded & renamed AXI |
