Steve Gradman
Testimonials
Services
Experience

Testimonials

Experience

Company logo
Crews & co.
Growth Consultant / fCMO
Oct 2024 - Present
At Crews Consulting Group, we specialize in helping business owners unlock growth by increasing revenue, profitability, and the salable asset value of their companies. As part of a team of entrepreneurs, we bring real-world expertise and actionable strategies to every client engagement. Leveraging our proprietary GROWTH METHOD, we work with companies to implement tailored solutions that drive measurable results. Our curated partner network also connects entrepreneurs with the essential resources they need to accelerate their success. Whether it's scaling operations, optimizing processes, executive coaching, fractional CMO services, or building for long-term value, we empower small businesses to thrive.
Company logo
Airspace Data
CMO/COO
Jan 2024 - Present
Leading content, marketing, business development, sustainability initiatives, and strategic partnerships at Airspace Data, a cutting-edge software and technology company revolutionizing aviation by optimizing airspace usage to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Leveraging blockchain and other strategies to reshape carbon credit strategies.
SG
Steve Gradman
Marketing, Operations, Strategy, Revenue, Sales, Diligence and Growth Executive
Jan 2023 - Present
As a hands-on leader, I specialize in accelerating growth for startups and brands across sectors like education, Web3/Blockchain, fintech, and casino/gaming (HHR, Charitable, Route, and Skill). Projects include: Diligence for Blockchain, ZKEVM, Casino, EdTech, and Services businesses for PE and Family Offices GTM for a new Casino gaming project GTM for Blockchain trading bot project Turnaround plan for an EdTech company Sales and customer acceleration strategy for fintech company I excel at building and leading teams to thrive in dynamic markets. I'm ready to leverage my expertise to drive your business's growth. Let’s explore how we can make that happen together.
Company logo
CoinFlip
Chief Marketing Officer
undefined NaN - Aug 2023
- Global Marketing leader for the world’s largest global crypto kiosk company by volume, CoinFlip & Olliv operates a frictionless, customer-centric, crypto-powered financial services platform (Olliv + Kiosks + OTC Trade Desk). - Executed the branding and positioning for Olliv, a new financial services platform bringing cryptocurrency to everyone's everyday lives: conceived and tested branding, positioning, and media campaign (tv, streaming, digital, and influencer) across multiple high-reach media partnerships and platforms. - Created broad reach $25MM+ launch campaign consisting of OTT, paid media, influencer, and PR/earned media - Early results of video watch rates of 3x industry norms and 2x click-through rates for display/search. - Drove revenue to help CoinFlip achieve the Inc5000 Top 100 two years in a row, including the highest-ranking crypto company in 2022 as well as Crain's Chicago "Fast Fifty" winner: The fastest growing company in Chicago two years in a row (2021, 2022). - Revised strategy, positioning, and differentiation for the CoinFlip brand resulting in month-over-month new and existing customer growth while reducing CPC by over 50%. - Brought performance marketing in-house to improve digital performance and execution quickly. - Grew CoinFlip web traffic 300%+ in 2022 through revised tactics and positioning, helping drive 50%+ revenue growth for the second year. - Revised strategy, positioning, SEO, and differentiation for digital marketing resulting in month-over-month new customer growth of nearly 20% vs. 2021. - Grew marketing organization from 7 to 26 people in the first nine months, simultaneously bringing in-house paid media, design, and other agency activities, maximizing outputs and budgets. - Launched brand into several global markets; currently out-pacing US new unit growth.
Company logo
Accel Entertainment
Chief Marketing Officer / Senior Vice President
Nov 2017 - Feb 2022
- Head of Marketing and lead generation for the world's largest distributed gaming operator, with over 2,400 locations housing over 13,000 slot machines. - Led a team of 30 people, including artists, marketers, salespeople, and creative resources. - Developed and launched the Accel Loyalty Engine and AE Player Rewards, the world's first player loyalty system for distributed gaming (nominated for the loyalty program of the year in both 2021 & 2022). In-store kiosk and mobile app-based program operating at over 60% of current partner locations, measuring almost 2 million visits, while growing and engaging with our player database by approximately 10,000 players per month. - Managed over 3000 marketing projects each year, consisting of signage, in-store awareness opportunities, direct mail, and player development initiatives. - Drove same-store sales growth by 3% (Q1-Q3 2019) and drove average contract length to 7.5 years, both best in the industry, utilizing a mix of traditional marketing elements, digital, and in-store awareness. - Developed and launched AEPlayer TV service, broadcasting in 600+ Accel establishments. - Developed and launched AE.Bet, a free-to-play sports betting program. - Created and launched Accel's first phone and digital lead generation team to help drive additional location contracts driving over 50 new contracts (300% above quota).
Company logo
Becker Professional Education
Vice President and General Manager
Sep 2016 - Oct 2017
• Business leader and P&L owner for Becker’s approximately 100 person “Global Accounting & Finance” vertical consisting of CPA, CPE, CMA, PMP, and 6Sigma, team includes: • Launched live-online modality for CPA resulting in revenue growth of $1M+ and a cost savings of $1.3M from optimizing underperforming live locations in FY17 • Defined resourced and launched Salesforce optimization project to add full attribution and lead scoring to every sales activity from digital marketing to field sales visits and events. Anticipated savings of $1.4MM annually • Leading multifaceted CPE SAAS product, sales and delivery re-launch to better leverage CPA brand equity and awareness and grow Becker customer average lifetime value more than 100% • Launching Becker I-20 CPA business to capitalize on the growth of international accounting graduates creating anticipated revenues of $5.0M by year 3
Company logo
Becker Professional Education
VP of Marketing & International Business
Jul 2014 - Aug 2016
• Double hatted leader of both the marketing and innovation team as well as the full international business P&L • Charged with revamping Becker’s B2B and B2C marketing, innovation, and global new business pipeline • Revamped digital marketing initiatives resulting in a 100% increase in impressions, and 40% increase in ROAS • Launched marketing and sales automation and integrated Salesforce lead scoring and Marketing Cloud resulting in a 300% increase in open rates, 100% increase in lead conversions, and a 2000% increase in consumer touch points year over year • Served as a strategic lead on identifying and assessing M&A opportunities in competitive and adjacent categories worldwide • Led Marketing, Operations, Sales, and Synergy diligence for M&A process on acquisitions ranging from $100 - $400 million • Revamped international product portfolio shedding non-core elements and offices to focus on profitable core content and distance business leading to a $2.0M savings in FY16
Company logo
KBooM! Games
President
Aug 2011 - Jun 2014
•Leader of the private equity funded global software developer specializing in mobile apps with teams in USA and China •Established relationships and partnerships with Fortune 500 companies as well as entrepreneurs to ideate, develop, and launch digital products to engage customers, increase revenues, and generate awareness. •Worked with DeVry University to increase student engagement, repeat purchase and new student acquisition via games in key courses. Pilot resulted in a 30% increase in satisfaction and a 20% increase in future purchase consideration •Developed closed social network for Equity Lifestyle, the worlds largest campground operator to increase member connections and acquisitions during seasonal downtime. •Developed, positioned, and launched Mrs. Judd’s Games brand focusing on authentic education and pedagogy
MJ
Mrs. Judd's Games
President
Mar 2012 - May 2014
•Launched 18 educational apps to date on iOS/Android centered around unique and real educational challenges. Delivered apps to more than 300,000 users receiving numerous features and top 100 placements worldwide •Created a disruptive positioning with our educational expertise differentiating ourselves in a crowded field of developers •Garnered more than 75 media pickups and profiles from media powerhouses such as, Crain’s, Tribune Co., ABC, & CBS •Developed long-term strategy on kids sharing platform for home and teacher use with subscription based revenue model. The in house technology allows kids to share a moment of time in-app with their parents and teachers who in-turn can share these images virally in their social media networks •Recruited and managed efficient team capable of launching new titles every 4-8 weeks in the cutting edge Unity 3D engine. Fostered key partnership with Tribeca Flashpoint Media Academy to ensure a robust pipeline of talent
Company logo
Newell Rubbermaid
Global Director of Marketing - Markers, Highlighters and Office Organization
Apr 2009 - Aug 2011
• Owned and managed business unit P&L for Expo and Rolodex brands •Launched first ever mass reach fully integrated campaign for EXPO during key back to school period -Campaign resulted in 11 point share gain peaking at 86% (highest ever) and 25% more shelf space for Expo which was the only brand in the office products portfolio to remain flat in 2009 -Campaign was runner up in Newell Rubbermaid wide integrated marketing award (25 total entries) -Worked with non traditional and traditional media to maximize buzz and reach while minimizing costs -Overall campaign delivered over 200 million (network) television impressions, over 350 million digital impressions and increased velocity at shelf approximately 18% -Campaign generated the highest ROI in entire office products division • Tested first ever DRTV campaign on whiteboards and markers o Tested and confirmed proposition and portfolio with consumers via qualitative and quantitative research o Set up full distribution process as well as web-store capable of rapidly changing offers and bundles based on consumer reaction to the creative o Results thus far confirm the category opportunity to grow HH penetration beyond the current 8% • Leading Sharpie brand launch in Brazilian marketplace o Establishing manufacturing and distribution three year plan culminating in locally produced product o Working with local agencies to modify US positioning to regional behaviors and attitudes • Delivered two category changing Dry Erase products to the market on time and on budget o Accelerated the pace of Expo Washable and Neon product launched expected to provide approximately $20mm+ of top line sales in 2010 o Utilized these exclusive technologies to gain 10% more shelf space and catalog listings for 2010 o Overhauled positioning and target consumer to drive category and brand growth in the under-served home marketplace (7.5% category penetration)
Company logo
Newell Rubbermaid
Sr Brand Manager - Uni-Ball Pens
Feb 2008 - Mar 2009
• Manage all aspects of distributor relationship between Tokyo Japan based Mitsubishi Pencil Co.and Newell Rubbermaid. • Developed and executed 2008 marketing strategy resulting in 18% lift in advertised products. Advertised brands outperformed both category and competition. o Leveraged television advertising with retailers to increase in store off shelf activity through ad tagging • Created long-term, multifaceted marketing strategy centered around proven growth via media exposure and central consumer theme of security o Multi-platform strategy includes packaging, in-line and off shelf branded retail executions as well as strong television, internet, and social media support to drive home messaging o Early estimates indicate off-shelf placement in Q1 and Q2 at 250% of 2008 levels o Partnered with Wal-Mart, Meijer, Walgreens, and office superstore retailers to brand either off-shelf or in-line shelf space projecting approximately $13.5M in incremental sales in 2009
Company logo
Newell Rubbermaid
Global Brand Manager - Sharpie Accent / Expo
Aug 2006 - Feb 2008
- Developed long term plan to expand worldwide marker business to match US successes -Conducted global needs analysis to identify holes in portfolio -Identified and kicked off five year flat highlighter product portfolio pipeline estimated to add $13MM incremental sales worldwide as well as a strong #2 position in the category -Led Global SKU rationalization project, estimated to save $3.5MM each year per platform
Company logo
Kraft Foods
Sr Associate Brand Manager
Jun 2004 - Aug 2006
Worked on Jell-O & Churny Division (Athenos Hummus and Feta Cheese) - Led concept and launch of Hispanic focused Jell-O products for USA