Courtney Olson
Certified StoryBrand Guide • Shopify Partner • Fractional CMO • 4x Entrepreneur Press Author • StoryBrand Certified Coach
About
Marc Benioff — Founder, Chairman & CEO of Salesforce.com:
“Launching a business is an overwhelming endeavor. Courtney spared readers’ time consuming and unnecessary explanations and give them straight up, well-organized, and essential resources. Not only is this one-of-a-kind resource well organized and a breeze to use, it comprehensively introduces all of the concepts that entrepreneurs who want to be on the cutting edge must consider. My only regret is that it didn’t exist when I launched Salesforce.com.”
. . .
"Courtney’s strong 20+ year background in strategic marketing, and wealth of experience makes her an invaluable part of an entrepreneur's team. She's written several books for Entrepreneur Press, a division alongside Entrepreneur magazine. She's been a guest speaker at Chapman University, Cal State Fullerton (CSUF), Argosy University, Univ. of California Irvine’s (UCI) MBA School, BrightSpark at Colorado College, and University of Southern California’s (USC) Marshall School of Business. Her marketing firm SmallWerks, has provided design and marketing services to 100+ clients in a variety of industries. Below are some publishing endorsements from top business leaders."
Kindly written by Brian Giboney — CEO of OpenBook
. . .
“As an entrepreneur, it’s often a challenge to find the right resource for the task at hand. Courtney did a magnificent job pulling together a host of valuable resources in one book.”
Gregg Spiridellis — Co-Founder & President of StoryBots & JibJab Media Inc.
. . .
"Courtney has thought of EVERYTHING an entrepreneur needs to cover in starting a new venture--it is a wonderful recipe of how to do it and how to do it RIGHT. All you need to add is the product or the service, stir gently, and succeed.”
Jim Ellis — Dean, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California (USC)
Experience
Fractional CMO for Shopify Brands
StoryGrowers · United States
Oct 2022 – Present(3 yrs 7 mos)
Implementing StoryBrand into Shopify marketing often benefits from ongoing support and strategy. For a small handful of companies, I'm honored to be part of their intentional growth initiatives.
Certified StoryBrand Guide + Shopify Partner + StoryBrand Certified Coach
StoryGrowers · Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
May 2021 – Present(5 yrs)
StoryGrowers is a Certified StoryBrand Guide + Shopify Partner marketing agency that helps brands harness the power of StoryBrand messaging plus the marketing power of Shopify e-commerce. Visit our website for example work and get a free StoryBrand Grunt Test. Founding this new brand agency has been exciting because it pulls together some of my favorite aspects of marketing, and breaks through issues that my agency clients often encountered. StoryBrand + Shopify is the way to go for any kind of online selling. Get your free StoryBrand Grunt Test here: www.StoryGrowers.com
Fractional CMO
Leven Rose · Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Oct 2021 – Nov 2022(1 yr 2 mos)
I've been grateful for the many years with this incredible brand, its amazing customers, and the great team behind it. As my own businesses have continued to grow, it was time to pass the baton. I'm thankful to have had the time with this company. I still use their products, and wish them oodles of success. • Leven Rose is the #1 Best Seller on Amazon for a variety of clean beauty products, making them a well-recognized Top Ranked Seller in Amazon's competitive Beauty Category.
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Leven Rose · Colorado Springs, CO
Feb 2015 – Oct 2021(6 yrs 9 mos)
Leven Rose is the #1 Best Seller on Amazon for a variety of clean beauty products, making them a well-recognized Top Ranked Seller in Amazon's competitive Beauty Category. • When we started together in 2015, they had 3-4 products on Amazon only. It's exciting to see their growth as a top natural beauty brand. Excited for the projects that are in the works.
President + Full Stack Digital Marketer
SmallWerks, Inc. - Small Business Marketing Agency · SmallWerks.com
Jul 2009 – Oct 2022(13 yrs 4 mos)
Marketing is changing. ➜ Find us now at StoryGrowers.com — a Certified StoryBrand Guide, Shopify Partner, and Shopify Affiliate agency specializing in StoryBrand Marketing. • StoryGrowers is a division of SmallWerks. Most of our clients are now working with us at StoryGrowers.com. • SmallWerks, Inc. is a small business consulting & design company assisting small to mid-sized businesses with their marketing strategy, websites & e-commerce stores, digital marketing, graphic & production design, and packaging. Social media strategy & execution is provided to a small handful of clients. • I've been blessed as a guest speaker to UPS' Marketing Department, Chapman University, Cal State Fullerton (CSUF), Argosy University, the Elite Vision Conference, Univ. of California Irvine's (UCI) MBA School, BrightSpark at Colorado College, and University of Southern California's (USC) Marshall School of Business.
Author — Entrepreneur Press of Entrepreneur magazine
Entrepreneur Media · EntrepreneurPress.com
Mar 2005 – Oct 2022(17 yrs 8 mos)
Author of the following titles available at all major retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Borders and Amazon.com: • The Great Big Book of Business Lists • The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide 2nd Edition • Start Your Own Executive Recruiting Service 2nd Edition • Start Your Own Office and Administrative Support Service
Acquisitions Editor
Entrepreneur Media · EntrepreneurPress.com
Jul 2007 – Nov 2008(1 yr 5 mos)
• Produced 100+ books a year. • Worked with leading authors like Ivan Misner, Dan Kennedy, Robert Kiyosaki / Kim Kiyosaki, and more. • Developed, executed & produced new series for our extensive pro trade list for major retailers. • Managed titles, authors and freelancers for our continued growth and bestseller lists. • Responsible for proofing, production, acquisitions and editorial responsibilities for all titles. • Popular book series included the No B.S. Book Series by Dan Kennedy, Start Your Own Business books by Rieva Lesonksi, Masters of Sales and Masters of Success by Ivan Misner, and Ultimate Small Business Guides.
Director of Marketing
Diversified Machine Systems · Greater Colorado Springs Area
Apr 2013 – Feb 2015(1 yr 11 mos)
Diversified Machine Systems (DMS) is a US-based manufacturer of 3 axis & 5 axis CNC routers and custom machine centers. With more than 30 years of innovation and industry experience as a premium Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), their machines are routinely used on materials such as composites, aluminum, steel, plastics, wood and foams. Renowned for quality and precision, DMS advanced machining centers are highly sought-after because of their ability to provide a rapid return on investment, giving customers the ability to maintain high-speed operations without sacrificing on product quality. • Diversified Machine Systems (DMS) was named a 2014 Colorado Company to Watch, ranked #101 in the Top 250 Private Companies in Colorado, and recognized with the 2013 Regional Business Excellence in Manufacturing Award. • International clients that trust DMS include The Boeing Company, Cessna Aircraft Company, Gibson Guitar, Lexmark International, Sub-Zero Wolf, Tiara Yachts, and Zodiac Aerospace. • Hired away from this role by a startup client who was quickly expanding as an Amazon Bestseller. Joined them as their Chief Marketing Officer for several years.
Senior Manager + Senior Certified Trainer
SendOutCards · SendOutCards.com/SmallWerks
Jul 2010 – Jan 2015(4 yrs 7 mos)
• SmallWerks Sends is the appreciation marketing division of SmallWerks, Inc., a small business marketing agency. • As a SendOutCards business, we have the ability to support businesses as they seek to find new ways to appreciate their clients, generate more referrals and express gratitude for their success all while producing a positive ROI. • Appreciation marketing wins over self promotion every time. Sunsetted this area of our marketing business as this company changed in ways that no longer fit us.
Lead Mentor + Educational Coordinator
BNI
Jul 2009 – Jan 2013(3 yrs 7 mos)
The Founder of BNI, Ivan Misner, was one of Entrepreneur's New York Times' Best Selling Authors during my time at Entrepreneur as their Acquisitions Editor. I joined BNI, the world's largest networking organization once I launched my own marketing agency. It was a joy to see Ivan again on stage as a Star Member after formerly being his Acquisitions Editor! Ivan has been kind to stay in touch at various times over the years. • 2009-2010 Elected the Chapter's Educational Coordinator - Liaisons BNI • 2010-2011 Elected as Lead Mentor and at my renewal, transferred to another chapter to support our growing SendOutCards division. • 2011-2012 Elected as Lead Mentor of the $1.8M Chapter, The Hidden Jewel BNI in Villa Park. You can never get enough training or do enough to feed your business so have the professionals who know you best be your sales team. BNI is great for many growing businesses. Ended my time with BNI when I relocated to Colorado after my mother's passing.
Customer Service Supervisor
Teacher Created Resources · TeacherCreated.com
May 2006 – Jul 2007(1 yr 3 mos)
• Teacher Created Resources is a mid-sized supplemental educational publishing company who sells educational materials designed by Wyland, Mary Englebreit and Susan Winget. • I had the honor of leading the TCR Customer Service Team of 10 employees. • Hired away from this role to become the Acquisitions Editor at Entrepreneur to bring new books to market.
Marketing Associate
Celtic Leasing Corp · CelticLeasing.com
Jun 2005 – May 2006(1 yr)
• Capital equipment leasing and financing lessor in Irvine, CA. • Held this position while I was under contract with Entrepreneur Press to write multiple books.
Managed Accounts Trading Assistant
The TCW Group · TCW.com
Sep 2003 – May 2005(1 yr 9 mos)
• Traded Google’s IPO. • US Equities Trading Desk supporting Senior M.A. Trader for Wrap Traders involving a $8B Managed Account program • Mastered 3 to 4 different trading systems (Brokerage firm's proprietary systems: SSB, Prudential, Dean Witter, etc) • Provided the following investment control functions: running security positions, dispersion reports, cash reports, ownership reports, reconciled accounts and clerical functions
Co-President — USC Entrepreneur Club
University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business · Facebook.com/EClubUSC
Sep 2003 – May 2005(1 yr 9 mos)
• Relaunched the defunct USC Entrepreneur Club as the new President, recruited a magnificent Executive Board of 15 other members and are providing over 14 events for the Spring Semester. • As one of the larger and most active student organizations at the Marshall School of Business, there are great opportunities available for speaking and corporate sponsorship.
Editorial & Marketing Assistant
Entrepreneur Press · EntrepreneurPress.com
May 2003 – Oct 2003(6 mos)
• Coordinated foreign rights translation activities and negotiations • Assessed all proposals and collaborated with Editorial Director for publication • Researched competitors for marketing and advertising • Proofread manuscripts for final publication, reprint or CIP submission • Managed due diligence, press kits, correspondence, declinations & customer service
Education
USC Marshall School of Business
Bachelors of Science, Business Management - Emphasis in Leadership Development + Strategic Marketing
2002 – 2005
Expertise
Specialties