Vanessa Heegaard

EXPERIENCE

First Cash Colombia, SAS 

August 2017 – March 2023

Colombian Coordinator and Director/Legal Representative

Bogotá, Colombia

Duties and Responsibilities 

- Initiate and execute a strategic to expand operations in Colombia since 2017. 

- Negotiate commercial leases and establish contractual clauses for each branch. 

- Manage the company’s purchasing and vendor negotiations. 

- Manage infrastructure contracts. 

- Ensure the company In Colombia complies with all legal aspects at a commercial and contractual level. 

- Responsible for developing the marketing strategy and positioning of the brand. 

- Represent the company before every competent entity in the country and act as the Colombian legal representative. 

- Provide the parent company and directors with the country’s monthly report.  

- Assist HR department with managing all Colombian employees.  

- Manage the social media channels in Colombia.  

- Support the construction department through the development of new locations. 

Achievements 

- Opened 16 commercial branches in Bogotá, Colombia. 

- National expansion plans were projected to include cities like Medellin, Cali, and Barranquilla.

- Since suppliers were contracted locally, customs and tax were saved, resulting in 40% savings in operational and construction costs.  

- During the pandemic, all biosafety and safety protocols were implemented, and post-COVID, successfully spearheaded governmental relations to reopen all locations safely and effectively. 

- Implemented comprehensive strategies to meet all immediate customer needs through an effective Customer Service Department.  

- Various platforms were utilized to implement a successful media plan and establish exponential growth on social media.  

Dr. Sharp, LLC

2009-2017

Vice-president of Operations and Partner

Miami, Florida USA

Duties and Responsibilities 

- Develop products for the dental line.

- Manage the manufacturing channels for the dental product line.  

- Prepare a business plan and pitch it to investors to secure funds for the brand’s growth.  

- Coordinating and executing all orders.  

- Design, create and manage the company's website. 

- Plan, execute, and supervise all marketing, advertising, and social media efforts.  

- Establish and negotiate distribution channel contracts. 

Achievements 

- The brand achieved positioning in small, medium, and large distribution channels, including Walmart, Target, Kmart, and Wholefoods in the United States. 

-  A global distribution channel for the brand was created in South America, Europe, Asia, United Arab Emirates, and several Duty-Free companies. 

- The brand image and manufacturing changes were made to create products that meet market needs. 

- Constant growth of 20% was achieved in sales and distribution each year.

Fast Frame

2006-2009 

Franchise Owner

Fort Lauderdale, FL USA

The Branding Group Luxury Group

2004-2006

Director of Operations and Account Manager

Miami, FL USA

Charlie’s Roastbeef

2000-2004

Owner and General Manager

Miami Beach, FL USA

Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL USA – Associates Degree Multimedia and Web Design 

2000-2001

Bentley University, Waltham, MA USA 

BBA Business Administration and Management

1995-1999

Bentley University, Waltham, MA USA 

Minor International Culture and Economy

1995-1999