RESUME |
Personally, I'm a Southern California native with broad interests and an individual that appreciates opportunities to help people. Professionally, I'm a business-to-business (B2B) product marketer with 18+ years of experience now working as an independent marketing consultant while searching for an opportunity where I can focus all of my talents, expertise, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
My work through OmarBarraza.com enables marketing executives at business-to-business (B2B) information technology (IT) companies to scale their marketing capabilities to manage the launch of their businesses, solutions, products, and services. At PlanStartGrow.com, I collaborate with founders, owners, and executives at small and medium businesses (SMB) to grow revenue and profit through marketing.
Success Stories at OmarBarraza.com
• Aggregate bookings reached $1 billion within 18 months for XtremIO by leveraging new product launch tools for EMC.
• Competitive selling resource gaps vanished due to five new marketing collateral and sales tools packages for NetApp.
• Solution and product positioning became clear for six vertical industries using new sales toolkits for Pure Storage.
Success Stories at PlanStartGrow.com
• Student enrollments doubled in six months without increasing overall marketing budgets for Westech College.
• Online software trial registrations and new customer activations continuously increased for Atandra.
• The launch of a new company completed on time with branding, corporate identity, and a website for Wax Myrtle.
My work through OmarBarraza.com enables marketing executives at business-to-business (B2B) information technology (IT) companies to scale their marketing capabilities to manage the launch of their businesses, solutions, products, and services. At PlanStartGrow.com, I collaborate with founders, owners, and executives at small and medium businesses (SMB) to grow revenue and profit through marketing.
Success Stories at OmarBarraza.com
• Aggregate bookings reached $1 billion within 18 months for XtremIO by leveraging new product launch tools for EMC.
• Competitive selling resource gaps vanished due to five new marketing collateral and sales tools packages for NetApp.
• Solution and product positioning became clear for six vertical industries using new sales toolkits for Pure Storage.
Success Stories at PlanStartGrow.com
• Student enrollments doubled in six months without increasing overall marketing budgets for Westech College.
• Online software trial registrations and new customer activations continuously increased for Atandra.
• The launch of a new company completed on time with branding, corporate identity, and a website for Wax Myrtle.
Highlights
- Branding - Created and integrated brands to support launches, mergers, and acquisitions.
- Thought Leadership - Performed primary research and published authoritative reports.
- Content Marketing - Wrote white papers, case studies, ebooks, guides, and more.
- Demand Generation - Promoted innovative applications for emerging technologies.
- Lead Nurturing - Designed comprehensive strategies and plans plus supported execution.
- Lead Generation - Managed online and offline campaigns directly and with partners.
- Sales Enablement - Published numerous, effective marketing collateral and sales tools.
- Customer Retention - Led customer communications, user groups and advisory councils.
- Launches - Introduced award winning products and services to analysts, media, and public.
- Events - Managed live and online conferences, sales meetings, trade shows, and more.
Consulting Clients
Marketing Advisor, Strategist, and Consultant
OmarBarraza.com, June 2012 – Present
WE SCALE MARKETING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES
Throughout my decades long career I worked directly with leaders at startups, small and medium businesses, and enterprise organizations. This allowed me to gain valuable insight into how organizations achieve success and avoid failure—leaders focus on overcoming obstacles to desirable outcomes. Now, I leverage my talents, expertise, experiences, and skills to collaborate with founders, owners, and executives seeking marketing solutions to the business challenges they face. This often involves providing leaders with marketing advisory services and supporting their staff with marketing consulting services for strategy, planning, and execution.
OmarBarraza.com, June 2012 – Present
WE SCALE MARKETING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES
Throughout my decades long career I worked directly with leaders at startups, small and medium businesses, and enterprise organizations. This allowed me to gain valuable insight into how organizations achieve success and avoid failure—leaders focus on overcoming obstacles to desirable outcomes. Now, I leverage my talents, expertise, experiences, and skills to collaborate with founders, owners, and executives seeking marketing solutions to the business challenges they face. This often involves providing leaders with marketing advisory services and supporting their staff with marketing consulting services for strategy, planning, and execution.
- Launched a practice delivering marketing services to information technology (IT) companies.
- Focused on enabling marketing executives at IT companies to scale their marketing capabilities.
- Supported $1 billion in aggregate bookings within 18 months by developing new XtremIO product launch sales tools for EMC.
- Closed gaps in competitive selling resources by developing six new marketing collateral and sales tools packages for NetApp.
- Facilitated the positioning of product and service solutions within five vertical industries with new sales toolkits for Pure Storage.
Marketing Consultant
PlanStartGrow.com, June 2012 – Present
WE MAKE MARKETING PROFITABLE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Our Almost Free Marketing™ Pays for Itself. Guaranteed.
Success Stories include:
✔ Career College Experiences 480% Increase in Lead Generation in 2015
✔ Small Business Gains 744 New Business Customers Within 12 Months
✔ Small Business Experiences 426% More Inbound Calls (Leads) Within 6 Months
At PlanStartGrow, we focus on creating automated marketing solutions for small businesses. This means clients get the marketing results they want, without doing the work themsleves, and everything happens automatically using their current marketing budget. Plus, our Almost Free Marketing pays for itself—guaranteed—and our unique 3-step approach ensures success.
PlanStartGrow.com, June 2012 – Present
WE MAKE MARKETING PROFITABLE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Our Almost Free Marketing™ Pays for Itself. Guaranteed.
Success Stories include:
✔ Career College Experiences 480% Increase in Lead Generation in 2015
✔ Small Business Gains 744 New Business Customers Within 12 Months
✔ Small Business Experiences 426% More Inbound Calls (Leads) Within 6 Months
At PlanStartGrow, we focus on creating automated marketing solutions for small businesses. This means clients get the marketing results they want, without doing the work themsleves, and everything happens automatically using their current marketing budget. Plus, our Almost Free Marketing pays for itself—guaranteed—and our unique 3-step approach ensures success.
- Launched a practice delivering marketing services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
- Focused on collaborating with founders, owners, and executives to increase revenue and profits through marketing.
- I doubled student enrollments in six months without increasing overall marketing budgets for Westech College.
- Continuously increased online software trial registrations and new customer activations for Atandra.
- Created an online presence including brand, corporate identity, and website for Wax Myrtle.
Employers
Director of Product Management and Product Marketing
Astute Networks, June 2011 – June 2012
Technology continues to advance quickly so many organizations are now adopting virtualization software from VMware to transform their physical server, network and storage infrastructures into pooled resources that can be used to create virtual machines as needed. Many of these organizations are experiencing new challenges that are slowing their virtualization deployments.
Astute Networks is a technology company that has introduced a new approach for accelerating virtualization efforts. Their new ViSX G3 solutions feature unique Networked Performance Flash architecture and are powered by the patented DataPump Engine to deliver performance-optimized datastores to virtual machines over local area networks. What does this mean, exactly? Well, it means that a single ViSX G3 solution provides performance equivalent to over one-thousand enterprise hard disk drives. For under $20,000. In three units of rack space. Using less than 300 watts of power. Imagine how ViSX G3 solutions slash the total cost of ownership for virtualization.
Astute Networks, June 2011 – June 2012
Technology continues to advance quickly so many organizations are now adopting virtualization software from VMware to transform their physical server, network and storage infrastructures into pooled resources that can be used to create virtual machines as needed. Many of these organizations are experiencing new challenges that are slowing their virtualization deployments.
Astute Networks is a technology company that has introduced a new approach for accelerating virtualization efforts. Their new ViSX G3 solutions feature unique Networked Performance Flash architecture and are powered by the patented DataPump Engine to deliver performance-optimized datastores to virtual machines over local area networks. What does this mean, exactly? Well, it means that a single ViSX G3 solution provides performance equivalent to over one-thousand enterprise hard disk drives. For under $20,000. In three units of rack space. Using less than 300 watts of power. Imagine how ViSX G3 solutions slash the total cost of ownership for virtualization.
- Developed Networked Performance Flash, DataPump Engine, FlashWRX, and ViSX branding, positioning, and messaging.
- Launched ViSX G3 product family of enterprise flash memory solutions for VMware virtualized environments.
- Wrote white papers, case studies, reference architectures, battle cards, and other marketing collateral and sales tools.
- Collaborated with the sales team to support distributors, recruit resellers, progress sales opportunities, and arrange product evaluations.
- Created microsites, landing pages, online advertisements, newsletters, email messages, and other demand generation content.
Senior Product Marketing Manager (and User Group Liaison)
HireRight, November 2007 – June 2011
Companies need to hire the right person for each job, so someone needs to confirm all the information on candidate resumes and applications. Later, there may be background screens or drug tests during the hiring process. Performing and managing this work is very complicated and time consuming, so more companies are getting help.
HireRight is a workforce screening company that performs background screening, drug and health screening, and employment eligibility verifications for organizations worldwide. Their solutions use advanced Internet technologies to automate tasks and reduce paperwork, making HireRight the innovation leaders of their industry. The next time you apply for a job, there's a good chance HireRight will be there to help.
HireRight, November 2007 – June 2011
Companies need to hire the right person for each job, so someone needs to confirm all the information on candidate resumes and applications. Later, there may be background screens or drug tests during the hiring process. Performing and managing this work is very complicated and time consuming, so more companies are getting help.
HireRight is a workforce screening company that performs background screening, drug and health screening, and employment eligibility verifications for organizations worldwide. Their solutions use advanced Internet technologies to automate tasks and reduce paperwork, making HireRight the innovation leaders of their industry. The next time you apply for a job, there's a good chance HireRight will be there to help.
- Marketed most of the company’s products and services for enterprise and small and medium business customers.
- Provided content for direct mail campaigns, email campaigns, landing pages, blog articles, social networking, events, and more.
- Created hundreds of pages of marketing collateral and sales tools to facilitate more than $100 million in annual revenue.
- Facilitated HireRight User Group and HireRight Customer Advisory Council conferences, events, and meetings.
- Managed contact lists, designed processes, developed email and letters, and distributed communications to customers.
Director of Product Marketing
Zetera, May 2006 – November 2007
Imagine what might happen if a group of people get together and created a way for any electronic device to store information on any other? No matter where they were located in the world. Regardless of how many devices were involved. For free. That's what the people at Zetera accomplished.
Zetera is a technology licensing company that shares their inventions with other companies for a small fee. Their technology was originally used by Netgear to create a family of external disk drives for small businesses and homes. Later, it was used by the MIT Media Lab's Human Speechhome Project to unravel the mystery of how humans naturally acquire language. You might not realize you are using Zetera technology when it happens, but that's fine with them.
- Joined the executive team to develop a strategy for raising additional funding and presented to major venture capital firms.
- Executed product marketing activities, defined product roadmaps, met with prospects, supported customers, and led quality initiatives.
- Strengthened company relationship with Netgear to preserve this strategic account and launch a new product with 100,000+ unit sales.
- Developed Zetera NBOD concept, developed collateral, and launched company’s first products for small and medium businesses.
- Served as subject matter expert (SME) and technology evangelist to educate investors, analysts, media, customers, and prospects.
Senior Staff Product Manager
QLogic, September 2005 – May 2006
There are times when speed matters most. When time is literally money and even a small delay can turn an opportunity for success into a costly failure. This scenario exists in the data centers of corporations worldwide, where networks, computers, and storage must communicate to provide users with immediate access to information.
QLogic develops specialized networking adapters, switches and routers that allow communications at the fastest speeds that current technologies allow. Exactly how fast? As of early 2010, up to 40Gbps. Yes, that's about 40,000 times faster than most high-speed Internet connections. Sometimes, only the fastest will do.
QLogic, September 2005 – May 2006
There are times when speed matters most. When time is literally money and even a small delay can turn an opportunity for success into a costly failure. This scenario exists in the data centers of corporations worldwide, where networks, computers, and storage must communicate to provide users with immediate access to information.
QLogic develops specialized networking adapters, switches and routers that allow communications at the fastest speeds that current technologies allow. Exactly how fast? As of early 2010, up to 40Gbps. Yes, that's about 40,000 times faster than most high-speed Internet connections. Sometimes, only the fastest will do.
- Developed an improved New Product Introduction (NPI) process and established the company’s first multiyear software roadmap.
- Positioned the SANsurfer brands and products as an integrated network management software suite for enterprise and SMB customers.
- Reduced time to market (TTM) for software releases from annually to quarterly and improved product release documentation.
- Initiated this company’s relationship with VMware to arrange interoperability testing, support a joint launch, and enable marketing activities.
- Proposed complementary ideas and alternative pricing models for launching new products, monetizing software, and increasing revenue.
Director of Marketing (and Product Management)
Dot Hill Systems, July 1998 – May 2005
It seems natural that bigger companies have advantages over smaller ones, but that's not always how things work. So how can the world's largest technology companies stay competitive when this happens? They partner to get things done better, faster, and cheaper than their competition.
Dot Hill is a highly innovative company that researches emerging technologies, invents vital technology of their own, and then designs advanced computer storage solutions. Many of the world's technology leaders, including Hewlett Packard (HP), work with Dot Hill to create products for customers. Often, these solutions are certified to meet rigorous industry standards, military specifications, or international environmental standards. Why compete when you can cooperate?
- Directed and mentored a geographically dispersed marketing team to release new products that facilitate 300% year-over-year revenue growth.
- Launched, marketed, and managed the LynxArray, SANnet, SANscape, and SANpath series of products for OEM and reseller customers.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to sign an agreement with Sun Microsystems, the most profitable customer in this company’s history.
- Supported Sun Microsystems product and marketing teams with positioning, launching, and marketing their Sun StorEdge 3000 series.
- Joined the executive team to develop strategies and materials that raised $154 million in capital through a secondary stock offering.
Senior Product Manager
MicroNet Technology, April 1995 – March 1998
During the 1990s, some people were using their home computers to make a living. Many were pioneers in digital printing or desktop publishing. A brave few figured out how to edit video digitally for the first time. One reason this was possible was Apple Macintosh computers. Another was MicroNet Raven hard drives.
MicroNet Technology was driven to create the fastest hard drives for personal computers. At this time, this was only possible on Macs and using leading-edge technologies like parallel SCSI connections and RAID striping. A Raven hard drive could be more expensive than the Macintosh, but it multiplied the amount of work that could be completed each day and paid for itself in weeks. Everyone knew you needed a Raven if you were serious about speed. Later, the MicroNet DataDock made Raven hard drives portable and added access to the popular removable storage technologies.
MicroNet Technology, April 1995 – March 1998
During the 1990s, some people were using their home computers to make a living. Many were pioneers in digital printing or desktop publishing. A brave few figured out how to edit video digitally for the first time. One reason this was possible was Apple Macintosh computers. Another was MicroNet Raven hard drives.
MicroNet Technology was driven to create the fastest hard drives for personal computers. At this time, this was only possible on Macs and using leading-edge technologies like parallel SCSI connections and RAID striping. A Raven hard drive could be more expensive than the Macintosh, but it multiplied the amount of work that could be completed each day and paid for itself in weeks. Everyone knew you needed a Raven if you were serious about speed. Later, the MicroNet DataDock made Raven hard drives portable and added access to the popular removable storage technologies.
Product Manager
Procom Technology, April 1992 – April 1995
In the early days of the PC revolution, many computers were bought by businesses and sold through computer stores. Once you selected a brand and model of computer, you were often limited to choosing from a limited number of expensive options offered by the computer's manufacturer. This created a dream scenario for entrepreneurs.
Procom Technology specialized in developing aftermarket upgrades for personal computers. They introduced upgrades and options not available from the computer manufacturers that resulted in a greater number of computer configurations. Procom introduced many industry first products, creating a win-win-win scenario where manufacturers sold more computers, stores increased revenues and profits, and customers could customized their computers.
Procom Technology, April 1992 – April 1995
In the early days of the PC revolution, many computers were bought by businesses and sold through computer stores. Once you selected a brand and model of computer, you were often limited to choosing from a limited number of expensive options offered by the computer's manufacturer. This created a dream scenario for entrepreneurs.
Procom Technology specialized in developing aftermarket upgrades for personal computers. They introduced upgrades and options not available from the computer manufacturers that resulted in a greater number of computer configurations. Procom introduced many industry first products, creating a win-win-win scenario where manufacturers sold more computers, stores increased revenues and profits, and customers could customized their computers.
Select Marketing Achievements
- Managed a multidisciplinary team that drove year-over-year revenue growth of 300%.
Developed and executed marketing and product plans. Supervised and mentored staff. Managed product lines with responsibility for profit and loss (P&L). Reported directly to the executive team and managed 7-figure marketing budgets. - Branded companies, products, and services to support launches, mergers, and acquisitions.
Participated in an executive level initiative to integrate HireRight, USIS, and Altegrity brands. Re-branded and updated marketing collateral and sales tools. Developed new HireRight corporate brochure. Published new materials for products and services.
- Wrote and published 100s of marketing collateral and sales enablement tools.
Created templates and content. Materials included price lists, brochures, data sheets, presentations, web content, white papers, case studies, reference architectures, battle cards, and FAQs. Published items online and as printed items. - Executed email campaigns that created hot sales leads at average cost per lead (CPL) rates less than $1.
Designed HTML and text emails, created informative graphics, wrote compelling copy, selected recipients, and distributed emails. Analyzed click-through data, imported leads into Salesforce.com, and reported results. Administered email software. - Executed webinars that created warm sales leads at average cost per lead (CPL) rates less than $10.
Created presentations, scheduled events, selected invitees, distributed invitations, and presented webinars. Collected registration information, imported leads into Salesforce.com, and reported results. Administered webinar software. - Launched a new product that won Best of Show Award at prestigious industry trade show.
Finalized brands, developed solution architectures, determined positioning, created messaging, and wrote launch materials. Briefed industry analysts and media to obtain supportive quotes and articles. Trained sales staff and supported sales calls. - Coordinated conferences, meetings, and social networks with up to hundreds of participants.
Coordinated live/face-to-face and virtual/online user group events. Served as liaison to user group community and organized monthly board meetings. Supported annual Customer Advisory Council (CAC) meetings. - Surveyed thousands of professionals and published authoritative industry benchmark reports.
Performed annual survey of influential executives and managers at FORTUNE Global 500 organizations through small and medium businesses. Created survey, distributed invitations, collected responses, analyzed data, designed layout, created charts, and wrote copy. - Resolved issues for a strategic customer to facilitate new product with shipments exceeding 100,000 units.
Documented comprehensive list of issues impacting shipments of customer (Netgear) products. Established and led a multidisciplinary task force, resolved technical product issues, and updated existing products to enable Storage Central Turbo launch.