Some professionals build their careers by becoming experts in one area. Others, like Mary Alice Renners, build their expertise across disciplines, industries and geographies.
As MarketLauncher's Manager, Sales Operations, Mary Alice draws on experience spanning sales, marketing, market research, data management and client engagement. Since first joining ML in 2010, she's worked both behind the scenes and directly with prospects and clients.
After business school, I started at BP Oil in Cleveland, managing product categories across about 500 retail locations, from coffee and bakery products to car washes.
Then life took me to Europe. I developed marketing campaigns in Germany for consumer product brands, then moved to Spain, where I had my three children.
I first learned about ML through Girl Scouts! Dyan Klein, a now-retired ML colleague, co-led a Daisy troop with me. When I mentioned returning to work, she encouraged me to send her my résumé.
That was in 2010, and I had no idea how much that one conversation would change my life! ML opened the door to so many opportunities, experiences, and a wonderful career.
I've worked as an Outbound Specialist, Business Development Specialist, Project Manager and Data Manager, conducted executive interviews, and now as Manager of Sales Operations.
I've particularly enjoyed the diversity of clients and industries, from healthcare and technology to cybersecurity and professional services. You learn something new with every account.
Two healthcare technology companies I worked with were eventually acquired. It was exciting to see how those companies grew and to know we played a part in supporting their development.
I've also loved the operations side of the business. There's something satisfying about making systems more efficient, analyzing campaign performance, and finding ways to improve results.
It gives me a broader understanding of the entire business development process.
My operations background helps me understand the data, technology, and processes behind a campaign, while direct prospect outreach gives me firsthand insight into the market and the people we're trying to reach.
Today, I combine sales operations with prospect outreach and executive interviewing. I use what I've learned from working with data to make my outreach more efficient and effective.
I also interview customers on behalf of one of our clients, and I absolutely love it! Hearing directly from people about their experiences gives our clients valuable insights.
I really enjoy bringing the analytical and people-focused sides of the work together.
One thing I really appreciate about Lara (Triozzi) and the entire ML team is that they embrace change. We're always open to testing new approaches and finding better ways to do things.
For example, we use tools like TitanX to prioritize outreach and connect with the right people. We also continually refine our target markets and ideal customer profiles.
But technology is only part of it.
We have a very seasoned team, and that's one of our strengths. When something isn't working as expected, we analyze the data, draw on our experience, and pivot.
That combination of technology, information, and human expertise helps us continually improve our approach for clients.
And for me, there's always something new to learn. I love that!
I spent about a year working for a technology startup in Germany. It was a very different environment, with a younger team and more traditional marketing activities, including LinkedIn campaigns, events, and customer feedback programs.
I enjoyed exploring different ways to reach audiences and reconnecting with people face-to-face after COVID.
The experience also reinforced how much I appreciate ML's measurable approach to marketing. I enjoy analyzing conversion rates, seeing how prospects respond, and understanding how our activities drive results.
When my husband took a position in another part of Germany, I stepped away from the startup. Then, the opportunity arose to return to ML, and I jumped back in!
We're a bicultural family, and living abroad has given me a valuable perspective on how people approach things differently, including how companies operate and conduct business.
One thing I've always appreciated about ML is that I can truly work from anywhere.
We've recently moved to Connecticut, but still spend time between Germany, Connecticut, and Ohio. Over the years, I've worked remotely from many places, sometimes taking evening meetings in Europe to accommodate my North American colleagues and clients.
That flexibility has been incredibly valuable to me and my family. And with new clients, industries, and challenges to explore, the work always stays interesting.
I can't believe it's been almost 16 years!
Life has changed quite a bit now that our three kids are older!
For years, we were busy with hockey, dance, school activities, and driving everyone around. Now we're enjoying the empty-nester stage of life.
We're settling into Connecticut, where I have old friends from my university days, and we are enjoying being close to them and family.
I love hiking, traveling, and being part of several book clubs. With friends and family in different places, there's always someone to visit or something new to explore.
I guess I just enjoy variety. I’m very much looking forward to meeting new people and discovering new experiences!
