Class: MBA 2007
Title: Marketing Manager
Company: Diamond Brand
"As a Marketing Manager, my job is both creative and black and white, since it requires
being innovative and creative, but also requires being able to analyze numbers and
research data, which is what I love about my job. The MBA program at WCU helped me
develop both these skills."
Professional career highlights:
- Featured as innovative marketer by SNEWS and the Outdoor Industry Association.
- Implemented successful rebranding of the company and its subsidiaries.
- Awarded for community outreach efforts by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Developed strategies and tactics for planning and executing successful events which was featured in a webinar by the Outdoor Industry Association.
- Successfully leveraged partnerships with local media to expand content and publicity, resulting in added sales.
Most important effect WCU MBA program had on me: “The WCU MBA program provided me with a well-rounded business education. As a Marketing Manager, I have to rely on a diverse set of business skills and an understanding of not just marketing, but also the ability to understand and analyze financial statements, perform quantitative analysis, write business plans, and to know how to properly manage and lead people and teams. I can confidently say that I would not be in the Marketing Manager position I’m in today without WCU’s MBA program.”
What she does
Merrell uses a diverse set of skills to manage all aspects of marketing for Diamond
Brand, which is an international manufacturer of fabric-based outdoor gear for clients
like the US military and the Boy Scouts of America, and it also has a retail division
specializing in outdoor gear. Marketing a company with two diverse divisions like
Diamond Brand has it challenges, but she enjoys multi tasking and staying on her toes.
“Being Marketing Manager is a big responsibility. I’m responsible for creating and
managing the company’s image, brand and strategic goals and tactics by using creativity,
planning and leadership.”
Merrell thoroughly enjoys marketing and over the past few years has lent her experience to non-profit organizations by helping plan and market events like the WNC Run/Walk for Autism, the Daniel Boone Council Sporting Clay, and the WNC Nature Center’s Mountain Safari Party. She has also joined the Board of Directors of several non-profits including the Asheville Affiliates, the American Advertising Federation Asheville and the Friends of the WNC Nature Center where she uses her marketing skills and experience to benefit these organizations.