Operational Strategies for Intentional Growth

With a track record of turning operational chaos into strategic triumphs, I empower your e-commerce business to surpass its goals. My journey from CPG owner to COO equips me with the unique expertise to elevate your brand's digital presence and operational efficiency.

Cerena's Calma organic CBD oil basking in the sun.
Tatiana holding Cerena's flight of sublingual CBD.
Cerena's Nocturno organic CBD oil to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
A dropper full of Cerena's organic CBD oil.
Cerena's Alivio and Remedio salve kit.
Cerena's Calma organic CBD oil basking in the sun.
Cerena's organic CBD oil in glass vials.
Cerena's Alinea fragrance roll-on with a beautiful pink flower.
Cerena's artisanal wild vetiver smudge.
Cerena's Alivio sublingual CBD and CBG.
Cerena's organic CBD oil in glass vials.
Cerena's Alinea fragrance roll-on with a beautiful pink flower.

Trusted by some of the world's most innovative & Earth conscious brands

Owner (Chris Cates) waving hello.

Hi, I'm Chris! I'm Passionate About Creating Customer Centric Experiences & Increasing Profits

Whether it's developing products, projecting healthy margins, creating an engaging story, gaining awareness, driving traffic, converting qualified leads, nurturing customers into brand ambassadors, or quite frankly all the above, I have creative design and process-based methods to deliver results. I'd love to help you bring your goals to reality.

Key Characteristics

  • Extremely hard working

  • Honest

  • Clear communication

  • Quality and on-time deliverables

  • Genuine desire to help you solve problems and optimize key channels for efficiency.

01

Website Design

Website Design

Website Design

Responsive Website Design & Development: Crafting stunning, user-friendly Shopify, Webflow, and Squarespace websites optimized for all devices. From concept to launch, ensure your site embodies your brand and speaks directly to your audience's needs.

User Experience (UX) Optimization: Enhancing site navigation, load times, and content layout to improve the overall user experience, encouraging longer visits and higher conversion rates.

02

Retention Marketing

Retention Marketing

Retention Marketing

Tailored Email & SMS Marketing Campaigns: Develop and execute email and SMS marketing strategies with various CRM software particularly Klaviyo that engage, retain, and convert your audience, from newsletter content to targeted messages.

Automation & Segmentation: Setting up sophisticated automation flows and segmenting your list to deliver personalized messages at scale, driving relevancy and customer actions.

03

Product & Brand Development

Product & Brand Development

Product & Brand Development

Brand Identity & Guidelines Creation: Establishing a cohesive brand identity with clear, comprehensive guidelines to ensure consistency across all customer touchpoints.

New Product Development & Launch Strategies: From ideation to market launch, offering strategic guidance on developing products that align with your brand values and meet market demands.

04

Supply Chain & Procurement

Supply Chain & Procurement

Supply Chain & Procurement

Supply Chain Optimization: Streamlining your supply chain for efficiency, from manufacturer selection to logistics, ensuring your products are delivered on time and within budget.

Vendor Management & Procurement Strategies: Negotiating and managing relationships with vendors to secure the best terms and quality for your business needs.

05

Customer Acquisition Strategies

Customer Acquisition

Paid & Organic Customer Acquisition Strategies

SEO & Content Marketing: Crafting and implementing SEO strategies that enhance your visibility on search engines paired with content marketing that establishes authority and engages your target audience.

Paid Advertising Management: Leveraging platforms like Google Ads and social media for targeted advertising campaigns that drive traffic, leads, and sales.

06

General Consultancy

General Consultancy

General Consultancy

Business Strategy & Growth Planning: Offering strategic advice to identify growth opportunities, optimize operations, and scale your business effectively.

Market Analysis & Competitive Research: Conducting thorough market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions and identify unique positioning opportunities.

Schedule Discovery Call
★★★★★
"We began as a bare bones startup and with design and direction from ode.to, we were able to quickly up-level our business. Chris's knowledge runs deep but he's able to simplify the complex world of e-commerce and create manageable tasks to move forward. We highly recommend working with him."
TU•ET•AL - Handmade soap from The Catskill Mountains.

Matthew & Natalie Kanbergs

Owners

Cerena's organic sublingual CBD to help you shift from one state of being to another.
Case Study

Redefining Luxury in Hemp - My Journey with Cerena

Facing the untamed market landscape head-on, Cerena developed one of the first trusted, certified organic supply chains and introduced pioneering products that elevated the customer experience. This case study is a personal recount of overcoming significant challenges, from regulatory hurdles to operational complexities, and highlights the skills and insights gained along the way.

The Bloom Method trainer Brooke Cates stretching before a filmed prenatal and postpartum workout session.
Case Study

Growing Strong with The Bloom Method

Explore the journey of The Bloom Method's transformation, focusing on operational excellence and sustainable growth. Through strategic omnichannel development, process optimization, and financial acumen, we achieved enhanced customer engagement, improved efficiency, and financial health. This case underscores the power of aligning business operations with customer needs for lasting success.

TU•ET•AL's Archangel Bar of Soap.
Case Study

Saponifying TU·ET·AL's Digital Presence

TU•ET•AL’s online presence was revamped through a targeted Shopify redesign and a strategic Klaviyo email marketing setup. We kept the scope of work focused on enhancing the user experience and aligning digital touchpoints with the brand's ethos of sustainability and artisanal quality. The result was a significant uplift in customer engagement, conversion rates, and brand loyalty.

★★★★★
"Chris joined The Bloom Method team to help with our email strategy and after a few months we offered him the role of COO. From design, marketing, customer experience, to financial acumen Chris strengthened our foundation and improved our business."
The Bloom Method - On-demand Pre and Postnatal Fitness Program

Brooke Cates

Owner

★★★★★
"Chris's ability to walk the line of a CEO, client and human being is admirable to say the least. Chris always expressed sincere gratitude to whomever he employed which makes working for him that much more enjoyable. If you have the opportunity to work with Chris, I highly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity."
Ren Costantini (SEO Marketer)

Ren Costantini

SEO Marketing Expert

★★★★★
The beauty of collaborating with Chris is that he approaches all work, regardless of scope and budget, with the same amount of thoughtfulness, passion, and expertise. Chris was able to bring a level of knowledge & hands-on skill that helped us (and our client) dramatically enhance a major portion of their marketing operation.
Specialized Logo

Joseph Clinton

Creative Director

★★★★★
"I needed a website for my zero-waste grocery store and I'm blown away with what Chris was able to come up with, so well done!"
Folk Refillery & Supply - Kingston, New York's premium zero-waste grocery store.

Leah Watkins

Owner

★★★★★
"I was seeking assistance with our website and email marketing and Chris truly exceeded our expectations."
A Frame Sauce Company - Made with St. Augustine Datil Peppers.

Scott Herlihy

Co-Founder

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're mapping out the first steps of your brand journey or looking to implement detailed marketing strategies, I'm here to help.

How do I start working with you?

The process kicks off with a discovery call to understand your needs. If we're a good fit, I'll send a proposal, followed by package selection, contract signing, and a mutual NDA. Then, after filling out a brand questionnaire and granting channel access, we'll have a kickoff call to finalize tasks before I dive into the work.

How do you tailor strategies to fit different brands?

Each strategy is built from the ground up based on your brand’s unique goals, audience, and market position. The brand questionnaire and initial conversations are crucial for crafting a personalized approach that aligns with your specific needs.

Can you handle both design and marketing for my brand?

Absolutely! I offer comprehensive services that cover both design and marketing, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach that amplifies your brand’s presence and engagement across all channels. If I ever need outside help on something, you'll know about it.

How do you measure the success of your projects?

Success metrics are defined early in the collaboration, tailored to your specific goals—whether that’s increasing brand awareness, driving sales, or enhancing customer engagement. I use a mix of analytics and qualitative feedback to gauge project success.

What’s your policy on revisions and feedback?

Your satisfaction is paramount. I welcome feedback at any stage of the project and include revision cycles within the scope to ensure the final deliverables perfectly align with your vision.

What kind of support can I expect during a project?

You'll receive regular updates and direct communication throughout our collaboration. I’m committed to transparency and am always available for questions or adjustments as needed to ensure the project aligns perfectly with your vision.

How long does a typical project with you last?

Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity but are clearly outlined in the proposal phase. Whether it’s a quick turnaround or a long-term engagement, timelines are set to meet your goals without compromising quality.

What sets you apart from other freelancers and agencies?

My edge comes from firsthand experience as a brand owner and COO, blending creative design with strategic marketing from an insider’s perspective. This unique blend allows me to navigate both the big-picture and minute details of brand building and operational scaling. I offer solutions that deeply resonate with brands, ensuring your potential is fully unlocked and exceeded, not just met.

What happens if we need to pivot our strategy mid-project?

Flexibility is key in marketing and design. If a pivot is necessary, we’ll assess the new direction together and adjust our approach accordingly, ensuring the project remains aligned with your objectives and market dynamics.

What if I'm worried my budget is too small to work with you?

I understand that budget concerns are a real part of embarking on any new project, especially for entrepreneurs passionate about bringing their dreams to life. My primary goal is to help you achieve those dreams. That's why I encourage you to take advantage of the discovery call. It’s not just about numbers; it's a chance for us to connect, discuss your vision, and explore how we might be able to work together. Based on our conversation, I can tailor a proposal with a Scope of Work (SOW) that aligns with your needs and budget.

Send Me a Message, I Promise I Don't Bite

We'll schedule a discovery call and discuss your situation. At the very least you'll gain valuable insights and actionable advice.

Thank you for your message. I'll take a look at everything you sent over and get back to you shortly.
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Just as daylight is for action and growth, and night is for rest and integration, I ask myself about the intention and purpose behind each of my decisions.