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Zack's Resume

About Me

I'm a seasoned expert in eCommerce, social media, AI, and graphic design, with a strong background in leveraging advanced tools like Photoshop, Midjourney, and AI-driven technologies. I have a proven track record of launching successful ventures, driving substantial organic engagement, and working with leading firms across various industries. With a degree in Business Management and a passion for innovation, I excel in creating impactful digital solutions and aim to become a key AI expert for forward-thinking companies.

Education 

Class of 2017

B.S. in Business Management

Virginia Tech

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  • International Business Studies: Participated in an enriching international business program through the Steger Center in Switzerland, gaining a global perspective on business operations and strategies.

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  • Innovate Program: Proud member of the inaugural class of the highly competitive Innovate Program at Virginia Tech, a prestigious initiative designed for recognized entrepreneurs. This experience sharpened my entrepreneurial skills and provided a robust foundation in innovative business practices in a private living community with 1 on 1 workshops with the most successful Virginia Tech alumni.

2024

AI Essentials 

(In Progress)

Harvard University

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  • Currently pursuing the AI Essentials certification at Harvard Business School, focusing on understanding the evolving AI landscape and its diverse applications in machine learning, predictive modeling, and data science.

  • The program delves into ethical AI-related challenges, equipping me with the skills and frameworks to implement AI responsibly and manage associated risks.

  • Through this certification, I am developing strategies to drive digital transformation, rethinking systems and processes to build an AI-powered organization, and learning how generative AI can impact business and operating models.

Leadership & Awards

2018

Summer Discovery

International Student Mentor

University of Pennsylvania
 

  • My passion for working with students and academia led me to become an International Student Mentor at UPenn's Summer Discovery program where I welcomed talented students from around the world to a transformational summer enrichment experience.

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  • I facilitated pre-college planning and world-class academic sessions, ensuring students engaged in an interactive and challenging curriculum designed to foster their intellectual growth and essential life skills.

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  • Beyond academics, I organized and led travel and adventure activities, creating a holistic and enriching environment that balanced rigorous learning with personal development and cultural exploration.

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2019

Summer Discovery

International Student Mentor

UCLA

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  • After working at UPenn, I transitioned to an International Student Mentor at UCLA's Summer Discovery program where I supported highly gifted international students in adapting to the dynamic and culturally rich environment of Los Angeles.

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  • I coordinated a comprehensive pre-college program, focusing on advanced academic preparation and fostering critical thinking skills through a hands-on and collaborative curriculum.

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  • Emphasizing experiential learning, I led students in exploring Los Angeles' diverse cultural landscape, organizing visits to iconic landmarks and engaging in activities that balanced academic rigor with personal growth and cultural immersion.

Experience

An innovative and results-driven eCommerce and AI expert with a proven track record in launching successful ventures, mastering digital marketing, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive business growth and operational efficiency.

Exostar
2014
  • Played a key role in launching Exostar’s initial social media presence, including the creation and management of their Twitter account, which became the primary communication channel for the company.

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  • Developed innovative marketing strategies to effectively convey complex and highly technical services through visually engaging and easily understandable graphics.

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  • Navigated a highly corporate and fast-paced environment, meeting high expectations and tight deadlines, while learning to communicate and collaborate efficiently within a professional setting.

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  • Successfully bridged the gap between technical jargon and customer-friendly content, enhancing Exostar’s visibility and engagement with major industry players such as Boeing, Rolls Royce, Raytheon, BAE, Merck, and Pfizer.

Vengatti
2015 - 2019
  • Launched Vengatti, one of the pioneering US-based hoverboard companies, from my college dorm room, capitalizing on the emerging hoverboard trend and creating a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation.

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  • Utilized social media and influencer marketing to generate significant buzz, collaborating with major influencers and teams such as the LA Dodgers, the Dallas Mavericks, and musician Sam Smith, leading to over 150 units sold and approximately $22,000 in sales during the Black Friday period alone.

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  • Secured a reliable manufacturing partnership in China, ensuring product quality and scalability, and later expanded the business to Los Angeles, transitioning to foldable e-scooters with Bluetooth speakers, adapting to market demands and continuing to thrive amid rising competition from companies like Bird.

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  • Engaged with high-profile business figures like Mark Cuban and Tal Ziv from Nike, gaining valuable insights and enhancing the brand’s reputation within the industry.

AXA
2019 - 2020
  • Excelled as a financial advisor and salesperson at AXA, one of the world's largest financial firms, specializing in selling retirement accounts to DC public school teachers and rapidly becoming one of the top performers in the Virginia branch.

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  • Developed and refined in-person sales techniques, effective client communication, and on-the-fly problem-solving skills, which are crucial for any dynamic and client-focused role.

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  • Successfully acquired the challenging Series 7 license, showcasing my ability to grasp complex financial concepts and regulatory requirements quickly and accurately.

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  • This role sharpened my ability to educate and advise clients, fostering strong relationships and trust—an essential skill set for any professional environment that values strategic thinking, clear communication, and customer engagement.

HEXED
2020 - 2022
  • Managed and marketed HEXED, an up-and-coming DJ and son of legendary NFL coach Jon Gruden, while based in Las Vegas.

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  • Played a pivotal role in securing HEXED's first 1 million streams, first residency at major Las Vegas hotels such as the Paris hotel and the new M Resort. I also helped him secure major label releases in the electronic music space through organic outreach.

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  • In this dynamic role, I refined my graphic design skills, executed effective paid advertising campaigns, and fostered fan and community engagement, contributing significantly to HEXED's growing success and presence in the industry.

Robco Electric
2022 - 2023

 
  • Led marketing efforts for Robco Electric, one of the largest solar installers in Las Vegas, one of the fastest-growing markets for solar energy.

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  • Instrumental in increasing annual revenue from $3 million to over $10 million through innovative marketing strategies and effective campaign execution.

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  • Launched a pioneering mobile app for customer management and referrals, enabling clients to request maintenance and cleaning services, significantly extending customer lifetime value.

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  • Drove a 200% increase in online reviews, the highest growth the company had seen, enhancing its reputation and credibility in the competitive, trust-based solar industry.

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  • Boosted Instagram and Facebook engagement by over 500% per post, transforming Robco Electric's traditional marketing approach with cutting-edge strategies.

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  • Revolutionized internal marketing and content processes, bringing a modern and savvy digital perspective to a traditional company, leading to unprecedented growth and customer engagement.

BECUZ
2023 - 2024
  • Founded Becuz, a family consulting agency specializing in SEO, web design, and marketing, serving a diverse range of clients from major organizations to local small businesses.​

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  • Built websites and SEO strategies for Jake’s Popcorn and Ice Cream, the fastest-growing dessert retailer in Northern Virginia, significantly boosting their online presence and customer engagement.

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  • Developed customized marketing solutions for small businesses like Leon's Masonry and Unleashed Abilities, a dog training company in Northern Virginia, driving growth and success on limited budgets.

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  • This diverse client base allowed me to expand my professional network and gain valuable insights into effectively marketing and growing organizations of all sizes, applying innovative and cost-effective strategies to achieve client goals.

Brixxa
2023 - Present
  • Launched Brixxa, an AI-driven eCommerce venture on Shopify, specializing in designing unique iPhone cases using Midjourney AI, tapping into the burgeoning AI art trend.

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  • Achieved viral success in Saudi Arabia, garnering over 2 million impressions and generating over $30,000 in revenue in February 2024 alone.

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  • Built a fully automated business model utilizing advanced AI tools, showcasing my capability to implement and manage AI systems to drive significant revenue and operational efficiency.

Skills

  • Implementing AI Systems and Tools: Advanced knowledge of implementing AI systems and tools to improve efficiencies and drive innovation, including working with large language models (LLMs) including building Chatbots and GPT's.

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  • Multimedia: Proficient in creating engaging multimedia content using a variety of tools and platforms, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement through photo, video (long and short form), and audio.

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  • eCommerce: Extensive experience in launching and managing successful eCommerce ventures, optimizing online stores, and driving revenue growth.​

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  • Advertising, Social Media, and Influencer Marketing: Expertise in developing and executing effective advertising campaigns across social media channels, significantly increasing brand reach and customer interaction.

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  • Copywriting: Skilled in crafting compelling copy for marketing materials, websites, and social media, driving customer engagement and conversions.

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Technical Proficiencies:

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  • Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro)

  • Final Cut Pro

  • Midjourney

  • Runway ML

  • Eleven Labs

  • Ableton Pro

  • Luma AI

  • ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini

  • Google Analytics

  • Google Suite

  • Google Ads

  • Meta (Facebook) Ads Manager

  • Shopify and Shopify Apps (Oberlo, Klaviyo)

  • Canva

  • Hootsuite

  • SEMrush

  • Zapier

  • WordPress

  • Salesforce or HubSpot

  • Slack

  • Microsoft Teams

  • Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel

  • Figma and Framer

  • Mailchimp

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LinkedIn

© 2024 by Zack Richland

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