Lou Kastler

Experience

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  Coffee Mill Ski Corporation

  Jan 1991 - Jan 1993

  General Manager

  Wabasha, Minnesota. In this two-year contract, successfully re-opened this facility reporting directly to 27 investors. Responsible for revenue development and overall marketing, risk and site management, human resources and ANSI code compliance. Responsible for recruitment and management of 60 person seasonal staff, three year round. Accountable for payroll, workman's compensation, accounts payable/receivable, all departments including food service, rental, safety, heavy equipment staff, and ski school. Extensive technical experience with heavy equipment and utilities management. Show less

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  Ingstad Broadcasting KRCH

  Jan 1993 - Jan 1995

  Creative Director - Radio personality

  Rochester, Minnesota. Managed all aspects of production for this three-person multi track production department. Worked extensively with sales staff on new client development, supported seven sales office locations in southern Minnesota, directed two assistants, re-engineered studio, Hosted afternoon drive [#1 12+, 18-34, 25-54 Spring 95 Arbitron] on classic rock formatted KRCH. Numerous public appearances. Active freelance business, television, radio and print.

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  Capstar Broadcasting KGGO KHKI

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1999

  Production Manager

  Des Moines. Managed all aspects of creative department, supporting sales staff of twelve. Responsible for creation, production, writing and voicing of radio campaigns for clients. Compliance to programming and broadcast laws. Accountable for successful execution and availability of station commercial inventory, evaluation and negotiation of related production products and supplies. Assisted in design and building of digital studios. Worked closely with sales in new client creation. Multiple awards for production, writing and imaging. Active freelance marketing business, consulting and producing for clients in upper Midwest Show less

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  Journal Broadcast Group

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2002

  Production Manager

  Omaha. Reorganized department, for this eight station cluster, to create more effective client to air process. Implemented policies and procedures for successful execution of radio campaigns and schedules. Worked extensively with sales staff of 35 in client development. Managed creative staff of four. Designed networked editing system. Successfully innovated new NTR revenue. Consulted with traffic and sales departments for maximum effectiveness of schedules. Accountable for department expenditures, revenue, training, negotiation of licensing, copyright, broadcast and lottery compliance. Consulted on corporate strategic planning. Received multiple awards (NBA and ADDY) for writing, production. Managed 5 studios, voiced and produced commercial audio. Show less

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  KCI North America

  Jan 2002 - Sept 2016

  CEO-General Manager

  Founded this marketing, consulting and audio production corporation in 2001. Creation and production of multi media advertising campaigns. Voice-over talent for regional and national advertisers. Consultant on marketing strategies with small and large businesses throughout the United States. Effective development of continuity based campaigns resulting in millions of dollars of increased revenue for our clients. Responsible for sales, client development, compliance to federal, state, local employment law. Advising clients in effective placement and purchase of commercial time. Recognized with more than 40 career awards. Show less

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  Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch

  Oct 2016 - Mar 2019

  Director Of Development

  Researched, qualified and grew new relationships with mission, engaged donor-base for positive revenue growth for this large non-profit. Achieved historic growth for most successful year end campaigns since inception. Increased annual Gala net. Drove donor contributions through private, corporate and record grant gifts (2018). Researched and established Legacy Endowment Fund. Consultant on multi-media marketing, risk management, re-branding and pilot programs. Numerous public speaking engagements. Show less

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  MN 97.5

  Mar 2019 - Apr 2021

  Operations Manager

  Researched and implemented strategic initiatives to competitively position station in market. Coached programming team and programmed to #1 Nielsen 12+, first in format history. Historic rating gains in target demographics. Anchor host of morning show. Achieved double digit percentage growth in streaming and social media. Reduced expenditures while launching audio rebrand. Oversight and coaching of programming team. Identified trends and leveraged assets to maximize market opportunities. Originated and deployed regional promotions and events. Appointed Chief Operator responsible for FCC compliance. Proactively mitigated light engineering projects and facility risk. Worked closely with marketing team in client development. Creation of numerous successful marketing campaigns. Show less

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  La Crosse Sign Group

  Jan 2022 - Oct 2023

  Consultant - Project Oversight - Rochester, Greater Minnesota, NW Wisconsin, South Dakota

  Rochester, MN – Eau Claire, WI Cultivated new clients via prospecting and inbound leads. Solidified relationships with current customer base and vendors. Conceived, guided design, researched, and presented effective signage solutions for medium to large projects in greater Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and South Dakota. Leveraged professional background to proactively mitigate unforeseen complications of permitting, design, and final installation. Communicated with stakeholders and internal teams to convey expectations and successfully guide projects. Knowledgeable on multiple facets of manufacturing including materials and Daktronics and Watchfire message centers. Strong knowledge of zoning and codes for municipalities in multiple states. Exceeded sales goals on a regular basis. Show less

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  FASTSIGNS®

  Mar 2024 - now

  Regional Project and Account Manager

  Rochester, MN – March 2024 - Present. Leveraged analytics and research to proactively identify, develop and substantially grow an underserved sign segment within a 100 square mile territory including greater Minnesota and Northeast Iowa. Drove record annual sales (2024) to new record, 28% year over. Specialized and closed new business in the five figure project range by via referrals, networking and prompt follow up on inbound leads. Trusted as the zoning and sign expert for minor to major companies (Zinpro, Geotek, Nucleus Radio Pharma, Weathershield) worked directly with stakeholders and principals. Maintained positive and supportive relationships with vendors. Turnkey management of all projects from design to completion including negotiations with subcontractors and internal teams. Knowledgeable and skilled on multiple facets of manufacturing, engineering and code compliance. Exceeded all sales goals to date. Proactive project related risk management. Hybrid position. Show less