Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Ryan Pintado-Vertner is a seasoned marketing and business strategy executive with over a decade of experience driving growth and innovation across the food and agriculture industries. As a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, he leverages his deep expertise to help companies navigate complex market challenges, optimize their marketing efforts, and achieve sustainable growth.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Fractional CMO, Bragg Live Food Products, LLC (2022-Present)

Providing strategic marketing guidance and hands-on execution support to accelerate the brand's expansion into new channels and market segments.

Developing data-driven marketing strategies to enhance customer engagement, drive revenue growth, and strengthen brand positioning.

Collaborating cross-functionally to optimize the company's go-to-market initiatives and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.

Founder, Smoketown LLC (2018-Present)

Established a boutique consulting firm focused on supporting mission-driven food and agriculture companies with their marketing, branding, and growth strategies.

Leveraging a network of industry experts to deliver tailored solutions that help clients navigate complex market dynamics and achieve their strategic goals.

Driving impactful initiatives that have contributed to the growth and success of numerous client organizations.

Board Member, Mad Agriculture (2025-02-01 to Present)

Providing strategic oversight and guidance to the organization's leadership team on key business and operational decisions.

Leveraging industry expertise to help the company navigate regulatory landscapes, identify new market opportunities, and expand its sustainable agriculture initiatives.

Championing the organization's mission to promote regenerative farming practices and build a more resilient food system.

Advisor, Trailhead Capital (2021-07-01 to Present)

Offering strategic advisory services to the firm's portfolio companies, with a focus on marketing, branding, and go-to-market strategies.

Collaborating with founders and leadership teams to develop data-driven plans that drive growth, enhance customer engagement, and strengthen competitive positioning.

Sharing insights and best practices to help portfolio companies navigate the evolving food and agriculture landscape.

Board Member, Naturally Chicago (2019-03-01 to Present)

Serving on the board of directors for this influential non-profit organization, which is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the natural products industry in the Chicagoland region.

Providing strategic guidance and thought leadership on key industry trends, emerging consumer behaviors, and effective marketing and branding strategies.

Collaborating with fellow board members to devise and implement initiatives that foster innovation, networking, and knowledge-sharing within the local natural products community.

Career Progression

Prior to his current roles, Ryan held various marketing and business strategy positions within the food and agriculture sectors, including:

Marketing Manager, Clif Bar & Company (2015-2018)

Brand Strategist, Annie's Homegrown (2012-2015)

Product Manager, Organic Valley (2009-2012)

Throughout his career, Ryan has demonstrated a talent for driving strategic and operational excellence, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering measurable results that have positively impacted the organizations he has served.

Academic Background

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

Marketing strategy and implementation

Brand development and management

Customer acquisition and retention

Digital marketing and e-commerce

Product innovation and portfolio management

Sustainability and regenerative agriculture

Startup and small business consulting

Professional Impact

Spearheaded the relaunch of a leading natural food brand, resulting in a 25% increase in year-over-year sales

Developed and executed a content marketing strategy that drove a 40% increase in website traffic and a 30% boost in lead generation for a startup client

Served as a key advisor to a venture capital firm, helping portfolio companies navigate complex market challenges and achieve their growth objectives

Actively contributed to the expansion of a non-profit organization's programming and community engagement initiatives, fostering greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the local natural products industry

Conclusion

With his extensive experience, strategic mindset, and demonstrated track record of success, Ryan Pintado-Vertner is a valuable asset to organizations seeking to drive sustainable growth, strengthen their brand presence, and navigate the evolving landscape of the food and agriculture industries.