Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Timeline

Kristen Vestal

San Diego

Summary

Results-oriented marketing and creative leader with extensive experience in designing and executing impactful campaigns and brand strategies across diverse sectors. Expertise in leading cross-functional teams, managing high-value projects, and fostering client engagement to drive business growth. Proven ability to provide creative direction and develop compelling content that enhances brand presence and delivers measurable results.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

DIRECTOR & PRODUCER / CREATIVE STRATEGIST

Independent Film & Digital Media

01.2016 - Current

Produced and oversaw film projects, managing scripting, budgeting, scheduling, filming, and post-production to achieve timely delivery and creative objectives
Develop original narrative content for film and digital media, leading concept development and story strategy
Direct on-set talent for narrative and documentary projects, guiding performance, tone, and delivery to achieve creative vision
Managed production crews, talent, and vendors, coordinating complex logistics for seamless execution across multiple projects
Oversaw editing, casting, and creative roles to ensure alignment with overall project vision and enhance storytelling impact
Direct live event productions, managing workflow, schedules, and cross team communication for polished, high quality execution
Assisted independent film teams by offering creative insights and production support during project development
Casting Director, identifying and coaching talent to ensure confident messaging and compelling on camera performance
Casting Assistant on a film that won two California Film Awards: (2017 Diamond Award, 2016 Grand Winner - Best Dramatic Short Film)

REAL ESTATE SALES & MARKETING PROFESSIONAL

Self-employeed

San Diego

07.2020 - 10.2025

Organized and conducted open houses, property showings, tours, and presentations, effectively showcasing properties and educating clients on the buying, selling, and leasing process
Contracted with an ADU/tiny home manufacturer to support California market expansion, gaining hands-on experience in sales, permitting, logistics, utilities, design specifications, and project coordination
Developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies, including grassroots initiatives, social media campaigns, and digital advertising to increase engagement and attract qualified leads
Produced marketing materials, brochures, email campaigns, and online content; produced and directed a commercial for a real estate broker, showcased on television and web platforms, boosting brand visibility and audience engagement
Built and maintained strong client relationships, fostering repeat business and referrals
Coordinated property staging, photography, and videography to enhance listings and market appeal

MARKETING DIRECTOR

The Wellness Hour TV Show

03.2022 - 12.2023

Partnered with doctors and dentists to develop and execute digital marketing strategies, driving practice growth and client acquisition
Created and managed nationwide digital campaigns for top-earning clients, optimizing engagement and ROI
Managed $5K–$50K paid media campaigns, generating $60K–$700K in monthly revenue (up to 14X ROAS) and acquiring up to 20 high-value dental implant clients per month
Built and maintained long-lasting relationships with clients and vendors, ensuring continued business growth and satisfaction
Provided strategic solutions, overseeing creative updates, writing contracts, and managing ad budgets to ensure campaign success
Led sales presentations showcasing marketing solutions, generating new clients and revenue growth
Coached clients on local marketing techniques, including social media and email campaigns
Supervised and mentored Assistant Producers, fostering professional growth and development
Collaborated with CEO, Creative Director, and production team to execute strategies and achieve business objectives
Developed and implemented departmental strategies to increase sales, expand the client base, and enhance market positioning
Managed monthly and quarterly accounting reconciliations, ensuring financial accuracy
Prepared the TV studio for live production and coordinated logistics for smooth operations
Stayed current on marketing trends to inform campaigns and drive innovation

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

The Art Institute (EDMC)

08.2014 - 07.2018

Advised and recruited prospective undergraduate students in media arts, design, and culinary programs, providing guidance on academic and career opportunities
Conducted interviews and assessed students’ program compatibility to help them find the best fit for their academic goals
Drove enrollment growth by consistently meeting and exceeding student recruitment goals
Maintained accurate enrollment forecasts on a weekly and monthly basis, keeping the Director of Admissions informed of expected new student numbers
Collaborated with various departments to plan events and initiatives that promote student success and engagement, including career fairs, workshops, and alumni networking events
Managed relationships with high schools, community colleges, and arts organizations
Assisted in organizing events such as open houses, regional presentations, film and art festivals, orientation programs, and career days to showcase the college’s programs and facilities
Led campus tours and portfolio review sessions for prospective students
Assisted with scholarship and financial aid advising for prospective students

REGISTRAR / SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Wagner University

09.2012 - 10.2013

Advised prospective students on programs, courses, career pathways, and enrollment steps, providing accurate guidance on admissions processes, degree requirements, and financial aid
Developed and executed recruitment strategies, including outreach campaigns, open houses, college fairs, and follow-up communications
Maintained detailed student records and tracked application trends
Oversaw key operational functions, including student services, registration, graduation ceremonies, conference calls, and leadership meetings
Created, managed, and trained staff on social media and marketing programs to strengthen school branding and engagement
Produced marketing materials to support recruitment, branding, and communication initiatives
Supported the development and implementation of new school policies while providing mentorship and training to new employees
Conducted accounting reconciliations to ensure accurate financial reporting

MARKETING STRATEGIST

Party Pop

01.2012 - 09.2012

Served as Marketing Strategist and key team member in developing the social media marketing department for one of the largest online networks for weddings, parties, and events
Doubled social media traffic within three months, achieving a 40% year-over-year increase
Secured partnerships with 130+ wedding companies and bridal shows nationwide, expanding marketing reach
Engaged 3M+ vendors by introducing targeted business incentives, driving network growth
Designed and implemented grassroots marketing initiatives, increasing brand visibility and engagement
Drafted and distributed press releases to 250,000+ media contacts, enhancing brand awareness
Established and managed the company blog, showcasing vendor profiles to highlight their businesses

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Alliance Residential Company

08.2007 - 06.2008

Provided high level executive and administrative support to both Directors of Finance, ensuring smooth daily operations and reliable executive support
Coordinated complex calendars, scheduled meetings and capital markets conference calls, and arranged executive travel to optimize time management
Drafted, coordinated, and managed contracts, financial documents, and administrative materials with accuracy and discretion
Prepared, assembled, edited, and distributed confidential financial investment packages to internal and external stakeholders
Processed expense reports and ordered office supplies to maintain smooth office operations
Participated in weekly capital markets calls by capturing detailed notes, recording financial data, and producing recurring reports
Maintained tax return and property insurance databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance in recordkeeping
Created quarterly lender packages, including financial statements, for new business lenders

Education

CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE LICENSE -

MIKE RUSS SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE

01-2020

COURSEWORK IN ADVERTISING AND FILMMAKING -

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CALIFORNIA

SAN DIEGO, CA

06-2018

ARIZONA REAL ESTATE LICENSE -

BAUM SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE

01-2018

FILMMAKING - CERTIFICATE

VKOL FILM SCHOOL

LOS ANGELES, CA

01-2014

BACHELOR - RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP CERTIFICATE

WAGNER UNIVERSITY