Zach Mader

Brand & Revenue Growth Leader | Partnerships, Marketing & Business Development | Go-to-Market Strategist | Strategic Advisor

2024 – Present

The Specials Consultancy is a female-founded practice that partners with purpose-driven brands, agencies, and founders to design and execute growth strategies that connect storytelling to measurable results.

We blend deep industry experience with a collaborative, hands-on approach to help clients:

• Strengthen market position • Accelerate revenue growth • Build lasting brand equity

Recent client engagements: • Go-to-market planning for an early-stage integrated media company • Brand and partnership strategy development • New business development process optimization to drive growth and cross-functional alignment • Talent development and leadership coaching to boost performance and retention

With 20+ years leading growth, marketing, and brand partnership initiatives for top agencies and media companies, we bring proven strategies, operational expertise, and an insider’s understanding of how to turn ideas into sustainable results.

Director of Development & Growth

2024 – 2025

Lead business development and growth strategy for one of the nation’s top integrated marketing agencies representing leading outdoor, active lifestyle, and consumer brands including YETI, AG1, Smartwool, Ooni, Patagonia, Dickies, Strava, and Tincup Whiskey.

• Drove revenue growth by securing high-value partnerships across public relations, paid media, influencer marketing, affiliate, and integrated campaigns, expanding the agency’s presence in consumer lifestyle and outdoor markets.

• Partnered with purpose-driven brands to align marketing strategies with mission and values, strengthening client relationships and market positioning.

• Led strategic outreach and cross-functional collaboration for pitches, positioning, and client growth/retention, resulting in stronger win rates and deeper account penetration.

• Designed and implemented an account-based marketing (ABM) framework targeting high-potential prospects, leveraging audience insights and market intelligence to prioritize opportunities.

• Developed tailored proposals and pitch materials in collaboration with creative, strategy, and service teams to deliver compelling, client-specific solutions.

• Optimized business development operations by enhancing pipeline tracking, reporting, and forecasting processes, ensuring more accurate revenue projections and faster decision-making.

• Elevated the agency’s go-to-market strategy by integrating competitive analysis, performance metrics, and trend forecasting into outreach and proposal development.

• Represented Backbone at industry events and cultivated relationships with brand, agency, and editorial decision-makers.

Head of Sales, Marketing & Operations

2019 – 2024

Award-winning digital media brand and content commerce platform serving premium lifestyle audiences. Clients included Porsche, Omega, Rolex, HOKA, Vans, General Motors, REI, Patagonia, and more.

Served as a key member of the executive team during a period of significant organizational growth and transformation. Oversaw integrated functions across revenue, brand marketing, and business operations, with a focus on driving efficiency, strategic alignment, and long-term value.

• Led cross-functional teams spanning sales, marketing, client services, content studio and operations to unify business strategy and execution.

• Developed and implemented go-to-market strategies that supported new business growth, client retention, and product innovation.

• Oversaw operational planning, reporting, and resource management to ensure accountability and optimize performance.

• Built systems and processes to improve internal workflows, campaign delivery, and partner outcomes.

• Played a central role in company planning, including financial modeling, org design, and audience development strategy

• Delivered 30% average annual direct revenue growth over seven years.

• Generated 58% of new business contributing to 44% of total revenue.

• Contributed to 15+ company awards (Webby, Telly, Communicator, CMA, etc.) for branded content and integrated marketing programs.

Vice President, Advertising & Partnerships

2015 – 2019

Spearheaded the launch and growth of Gear Patrol’s Commercial Division, building a revenue-focused business unit from the ground up.

• Grew direct revenue 60% YOY in first two years.

• Directed all brand partnerships, business development, and account management efforts across categories such as outdoor, luxury, auto, spirits, and consumer tech.

• Built lasting relationships with clients and agencies while ensuring alignment between editorial integrity and partner objectives.

• Led transition and scaled revenue and marketing operations to support startup-to-growth transition post Hearst investment.

• Managed and mentored sales and campaign strategy teams, helping scale operations and team structure in line with growth.

• Launched Gear Patrol Magazine in 2015, enhancing brand engagement and driving new partnerships.

• Launched branded content studio and in-person experiential activations.

• Developed limited-edition product collaborations and in-person events, expanding revenue streams.

Account Director

2013 – 2015

Global media company and publisher of brands including Vogue, GQ, Allure, Bon Appétit, and Architectural Digest. Led the complete sales process, cultivating robust business relationships with clients and potential customers, identifying their needs, and delivering solutions aligned with the organization's key metrics and results.

• Managed integrated advertising and content programs across luxury, fashion, spirits, and tech. • Achieved 140% to target in Q4 2014; named Seller of the Quarter. • Built and maintained senior relationships with C-suite and agency partners across multiple verticals.

East Coast Director, Integrated Sales

2007 – 2013

Drove integrated media partnerships across New York Magazine, The Cut, Vulture, Grub Street, and The Strategist.

• Oversaw sales and launch strategy for brands including Vulture, The Cut, and Grub Street. • Managed a team of six while maintaining a high-performing individual contributor book.

Senior Account Executive

2005 – 2007

Cultivated relationships with advertisers, including ensuring client satisfaction and retention. Pre- to post-sale specialization in managing client accounts, and meeting and exceeding revenue targets.

• Secured highest total revenue for VVM publications nationally. • Invited to VVM’s annual “All-Star” weekend, which was awarded to only the top sales reps. • Exceeded targets while simultaneously spearheading new sales growth initiatives in print and online.

Senior Account Manager

2002 – 2005

Built and maintained relationships with advertisers, ensuring goals were met while expanding the client base. Developed advertising solutions tailored to clients' needs while maximizing impact and ROI.

• Consistently exceeded revenue goals and new account business targets. • Named top salesperson by Association of Alternative Newsweeklies.

Community College of Philadelphia