Karen Fleming

Associate Professor of Business; MBA Program Chair

Moses Hall 116
One Brennan Circle
Poultney, VT 05764-1199
Email Address: flemingk@greenmtn.edu
Phone: 802-287-8239

Education
MBA, Harvard University
A.B. in Government, Dartmouth College

Professional Experience
2004-present
CEO/Co-Founder, Coates Walker, Inc.
Coates Walker is a manufacturing company that specializes in custm wood based products for commercial, resort, and high-end residential markets. The company was incorporated in February, 2005 and is located in a 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Milton, VT. Since our founding, I have successfully set up manufacturing operations, financial systems, hired productions and sales staff, and grown sales from $0 to over $600,000 since May, 2005. Coates Walker is on track to achieve $1MM in first year revenue and is profitable. Our focus is on providing products built with sustainable, non-toxic materials and we are building a reputation for LEED certified/environmentally responsible construction, one of the fastest growing segments of the construction market.

2001-2004
Senior Vice President of Marketing, Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation, Inc. is the leading brand of non-toxic and environmentally responsible products for the home and a leader in socially responsible business. The company offers more than 55 products, ranging from laundry detergent to disposable diapers. My primary responsibilities included corporate strategic planning and analysis, product development, marketing strategy development and implementation, consumer relations, and organizational management and development. As one of 4 members of the senior leadership team, I helped oversee all company planning and management.

Specific Accomplishments Include:

• Led the research, strategic analysis and positioning development for the re-branding of Seventh Generation and the redesign of the company's packaging, web site, and all marketing communications. Also led the development and introduction of Seventh Generation's first ever advertising and dedicated PR campaigns and development of the marketing and consumer relations organization.

• Led the development of Seventh Generation chlorine free diapers, the most successful new product in company history. Product line gained #1 brand position within 6 months of launch. Recognized by top natural foods retailer as the most successful new product launch of 2003.

• Doubled rate of revenue growth while managing expenses- sales grew from $13MM to $50MM in 4 years and company attained profitability for the first time in 15 year history. Seventh Generation was the 2nd fastest growing company in the state of VT for the past 5 years.

• The brand is now the #1 brand in every category in which it competes.

1998-2001
Vice President of Marketing, Stonyfield Farm, Inc.
Stonyfield Farm yogurt is one of the leading brands in the natural/organic products industry and a pioneer of socially responsible business. My primary responsibilities included corporate strategic planning, product development, and marketing strategy development and execution. As one of 4 members of the senior leadership team, I oversaw all company planning and management.

Specific accomplishments include:

• Led the research, strategic analysis and positioning development for company's first ever advertising and dedicated PR campaigns.

• Led the design, development, and launch of Yo-baby, yogurt specifically designed for babies, the most successful new product in Stonyfield Farm history. Current market revenue for the Yo-baby product line is more than $100MM.

• During me tenure, company sales grew from $44MM to $80MM. Current market revenue of Stonyfield Farm, now part of Group Danone, is over $200MM.

1995-1998
Vice President of Marketing and New Business Development, MicroFridge, Inc./Intirion
MicroFridge, Inc./Intirion is one of the leading suppliers to the "home away from home" market- including colleges & universities, hotels, and assisted living facilities. My primary responsibilities included corporate strategic planning, product and business development, and marketing strategy development and execution.

Specific accomplishments include:

• Led design of new wood furniture product lines for the college and university market that successfully broadened the company's product portfolio beyond its core refrigerator/microwave product offerings.

• Developed innovative lease programs that helped accelerate sales and profit growth.

• As a result, grew company sales from $13MM to over $30MM with record profitability and positioned company for merger with MacGray Corporation.

1993-1995
Lead Consultant, Corporate Decisions, Inc.
Bain-spin off growth strategy consulting firm that successfully competed with McKinsey, Bain, and BCG.
Led the strategic analysis, research, and project management for clients ranging from venture capitalists and start-ups to Fortune 50 companies.

1987-1991
Associate Business Unit Manager, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
P&L responsibility for the Cranberry Drinks Business Unit, $250MM in annual revenues. Led the design and introduction of the new plastic gallon and Cran-Cherry.

1985-1987
Assistant Product Manager, Dunkin' Donuts of America
Managed the bakery product lines. Led the introduction of the croissant line, and the development and testing of the bagel and new cookie product lines.

1983-1985
Brand Assistant, Procter & Gamble
One of only 3 undergraduates in division. Responsible for monthly business analysis, media planning, promotion planning and execution, and market research.


Interests
Adjunct marketing and branding instructor and member of board of advisors for the Business Center at the University of Vermont School of Business.

Adjunct instructor for the New England Culinary Institute.

Speaker at Harvard University School of Business, University of Chicago School of Business, Vermont Women's Business Owner Network, Natural Products Expo West, and other venues. Topics include branding, environmentally responsible product design, and socially responsible business.

Charter member of the Organic Trade Association Marketing Committee.

Renovated/built 6 personal residences in the past 16 years, and currently in the process of designing a 7th home based on solar power and other green design principles.