DIANE LEONE
405 Old Quarry Rd.
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Diane@DianeLeone.com
www.DianeLeone.com
904.669.1903
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Successfully
grew the company from the ground up, consistently landing new accounts
with a high level of ability and professionalism.
President, Chief
MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATIONS & CAMPAIGN Advisor
Marketing Edge 1994
– Present
- Delivered highly creative direction of all client projects and achieved
measurable success whether it was bringing a new product to market, 100%
lease-up of a new apartment development or reaching a fund-raising goal with a
planned event for a non-profit agency.
- Doubled gross sales each year for 7 years consistently and was
recognized as one of the of Florida’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies.
- Designed and implemented highly effective public relations plan,
establishing myself as the go-to expert in the field of design including:
writing monthly columns on design and business for national and regional
publications; speaking to business groups, and being called on by media for
commentary and interviews.
- Effectively implemented several social media plans on various
platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Wordpress, Weebly and Ning sites for
Marketing Edge and clients.
- Successfully managed cross-functional teams to strategically
develop and implement marketing plans for agency clients.
- Experience
in tracking, monitoring and measuring ROI.
- Accomplished writer with two published books: 120 page book
titled: “Marketing Multi-Family Housing
with Integrated Marketing Strategies”, a book focused on proprietary
methods of integrated marketing for apartment communities and a 350 page book
titled: “How to Open and Operate a
Financially Successful Interior Design Business.”
- Developed, planned and managed highly effective events for
clients. Implemented a 900-person sit down formal fundraising dinner for four
years for one non-profit client, increasing donations by 20%.
- As Campaign manager, delivered a Win for a successful U.S. House
primary campaign-Florida District 3 for unknown-Mike Yost, taking 46% of the
vote. Created and executed a
boots-on-the-ground, grassroots approach to achieve a successful primary win.
Got candidate on the ballot by signature petition-4000 signatures.
Interior Designer & Owner
Designs by Diane 2002-2009
- Grew interior design firm,
adding clients annually. Designed, merchandised, opened and managed a retail home
accessory boutique.
- Laurel Award-winning interior designer of model homes.
- Designed high-end apartment community clubhouses and models
throughout Florida and the Southeastern part of the US and Texas, integrating
the clients marketing with their interior design to successfully reflect their
brand.
- Designed private residences from concept to completion.
- Designed, opened and ran a retail home accessory boutique, Designs by Diane. Handled all
merchandise selection. Designed my own custom designed line of home
furnishings.
IntraVue Advertising Agency, Jacksonville, FL 1993-1994
- Developed
strategic public relations and marketing plans for each account and
successfully managed entire process from concept to completion.
- Increased
client base by 33% in one year. Established promotional products division
resulting in a three-person department and a 25% revenue increase for agency.
- Managed
public relations and event for high profile strategic first draft for NFL
team-Jacksonville Jaguars.
Previous Experience
- Marketing Director/Catering - Sales Director for River City Brewing
Company
- Account Sales for WOKV-AM 690
- Business Director for WEJZ FM
- Business Director for Robinson & St. Johns Ad Agency
Education
- BA, Public Relations and Marketing Ashford University, Clinton, Iowa
- Associate in Arts FCCJ,
Jacksonville, FL-General Business
- Leadership Institute – Youth Leadership School and Field
Representative Training
- Concentrations: international
marketing and analysis
- Golden
Key International Honor Society
Professional and Community Involvement
- Appointed
by Governor-Chairman-Board of Trustees, St. Johns River State College, Managing
a $30 million dollar annual budget
- Board
Member, Womenade
- Board
Member, Council for Education, Policy Research and Improvement, CEPRI
- Commissioner,
Post-Secondary Education Planning Commission, PEPC
Awards/Designations
- Top
Female Owned Company on Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies List for Florida
- Finalist
for Top Woman-Owned Business of the Year, Women Business Owners (WBO)
- Member
of Cambridge Who’s Who
- Member of Cambridge Who’s Who
