Resumé
Michael R. Best
Baltimore, MD • (505) 515-7366 • mike@strategicxdesign.com • www.strategicxdesign.com
CREATIVE STRATEGIST | BRAND STORYTELLER | MARKETING OPERATIONS LEADER
Creative and strategic marketer with over a decade of experience in brand communications, digital marketing, and content creation. Adept at translating complex topics into compelling campaigns that drive engagement, awareness, and action. Skilled in both the strategy and execution of multi-channel content—from print to digital to video—and experienced in building the systems that power them. A rare blend of creative thinker and operations architect with a passion for accessible communication and inclusive storytelling.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Content Creation & Copywriting • Social Media Strategy • Brand Messaging • Internal & External Communications • Email Marketing • Press Releases & Media Kits • Marketing Collateral Development • Stakeholder Collaboration • Digital Analytics • Website & Blog Content • Project Management • Event Promotion • Canva • Adobe Creative Suite • WordPress • Google Workspace
EXPERIENCE
Digital Marketing Director
National Strategic Group – Remote | 2023–2025
- Led full-scale communications and marketing strategy for 11 clients across 36 locations.
- Spearheaded high-impact, quick-turn campaigns, including a one-day event that generated $65K in revenue from just $2.3K in ad spend, achieving a 28.3x ROAS.
- Led and mentored a global production team of 9 creatives while collaborating cross-functionally with design, video, and web development teams to ensure consistent brand voice.
- Drove strategy for SEO, SEM, paid media, and UX optimization to boost conversion rates and brand engagement.
- Developed monthly reports showcasing KPIs, campaign insights, and engagement metrics.
Marketing Director
Cantina Hospitality Group – Albuquerque, NM | 2020–2023
- Directed marketing and brand strategy for nine restaurant brands; led creation of all in-store, web, and social content.
- Increased email engagement by 42% and social media reach by 60% through targeted content campaigns.
- Deployed hyperlocal ads and influencer strategies that drove a 14% YoY increase in revenue across the organization.
- Supported hiring and training efforts by producing job ads and employee engagement materials.
- Partnered with nonprofits and community leaders to coordinate events and outreach initiatives.
Marketing Specialist
MOBO LLC – Remote | 2014–2019
- Designed and executed digital marketing campaigns across platforms, contributing to strong brand visibility and e-commerce growth.
- Created conversion-focused content and email marketing strategies that increased online engagement by 27%.
- Solely responsible for the development, maintenance, and success of online stores using various e-commerce platforms.
- Managed supply chain initiatives including coordinating supplier selection and inventory acquisition.
- Managed company-wide risk management efforts, achieving a 92% recovery success rate through independent research and reconnaissance.
- Assisted Upper Management during merger and acquisition by unifying and organizing reporting systems for three companies, enabling seamless decision-making from day one.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
BBA, Marketing — University of Houston-Downtown, 2016
Certifications: Mailchimp Email Marketing • Google Analytics • Meta Blueprint • Canva Pro Design
TECH STACK AND PORTFOLIO
Canva • Adobe Illustrator & InDesign • WordPress • Mailchimp • Google Workspace • Microsoft Office • Meta Business Suite • Sprout Social • Trello • Slack
