MARÍA ELÍZABETH FREIRE

Datamars, GDC, Bitcomers. (Own Ventures)

• Since 2011, negotiated and developed some business lines, one, Datamars included import and distribution of animal identification system, specifically geared towards urban fauna, Unfortunately due to lack of culture and education regarding animal welfare and public policies on responsible ownership, and particularly their enforcement, in my country, this process has been very difficult.
• GDC & Bitcomers are both global online platforms, they both bring together all types of companies and/or independent professionals who want to promote products and services online, providing all the necessary tools to attract and retain customers. They offer diverse digital tools, training, and advertising, providing a comprehensive and useful environment for anyone looking to start a business online or need an online presence. I acquired these licenses until the end of 2023, Unfortunately, due to a change in the management ownership and its model, the company decided to modify the licensing scheme by geographic area. Under this new policy, I decided to no longer participate.
• Built and increased my knowledge on commercial and negotiation strategies, marketing and client assistance, and other aspect on both the animal identification line and online products and services,
• Improved customer satisfaction with management skills and timely delivery of products and services.
• Launched new product lines, with brand recognition, through planning and customer satisfaction strategy
• Defined customer service process to ensure effective resolution of inquiries.
• Analyzed sales data to identify trends, to capture new market segments.
• Handled problematic clients to maintain excellent customer service.

• Structured the area from zero, achieving several cooperation agreements with foreign institutions.
• Developed the project with the PES Program of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) called "Change in the Productive Matrix: Access to Financing for MSMEs." With a cooperation fund of $1 million.
• Implemented the same Program with the support of the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), through the Generation of Shared Value between SMEs and Public and Private Anchor Companies. With a cooperation fund of $150,000
• Negotiated the structuring and realization of the Quality China International Fair, 2016 and 2017 editions, carried out with the Council for the Promotion of Trade of the Province of Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
• Organized and executed the Fair, including its business rounds with domestic and foreign entrepreneurs, in coordination with private productive associations and
  various state entities.
• Worked in several important events organized and promoted by the Chamber, such as fairs and business meetings for any type of company, that is included within the context of Capeipi; both with public and private entities,
• Developed strong relationships with clients through regular communication and the provision of quality customer service.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to affiliates at all times.
• Developed long-lasting relationships with affiliates to ensure retention.

External Advisor for Market Analysis, Commercial Strategy and Post Sales Services at national level.

• Responsible for advising the Board of Directors and General Management on the implementation of commercial, marketing and post sales services policies by segment served and each product line.
• Analyzed budgets, cost centers, and structuring of marketing service at the different sales points.
• Increased client retention rates through the creation of 3 different workshops, located strategically, focused on addressing specific needs on the installation and well functioning of the different products sold, and future maintenance.
• Proposed initiatives to improve internal team collaboration, enhancing the overall service quality provided to clients, thus client satisfaction.
• Designed together with the collaborators a list of recommendations for clients to follow.

Associate Consultant for the Project: Study to develop the necessary requirements to obtain a declaration of protection for a geographical indication or designation of origin for two types of traditional cheeses produced in the provinces of Carchi and Cotopaxi.

Project supported by the Ministry of Industry and Productivity and the National Intellectual Property Rights Service (IEPI).

• Leader of the research and analysis group on the following topics: history, origin, and geographical determination; technical and phytosanitary analysis, quality, and safety by region and by product; analysis and proposal of specific requirements; diagnostics and analysis of local and foreign markets, and legal requirements.
• Delivery of 6 products, with final conclusions that were submitted to the authorities.
• Managed the project while maintaining attention to detail, organization, and adherence to deadlines.
• Enhanced client satisfaction by providing final solutions and proved recommendations for their decision taking .
• Delivered high-quality presentations showcasing key findings and recommendations to both internal clients.
• Collaborated closely with the functional team to review and produce an effective proposal and action plan for the two institutions.

Consultant for the Project "Promotion of Quality Infrastructure – Sectoral, National, and Regional", country: Ecuador. Within the scope of Project No.: 95257 / BMZ No. 2014.2296.7.

• Within the International Cooperation Program of the PTB (German Metrology Institute), I mapped all the actors involved in the country's Quality Infrastructure, as well as the policies and documents that govern the QI in Ecuador.
  Developed a strategy in conjunction with the German organization to approach, present, and negotiate with the government entities involved in the design and implementation of the First Bilateral Project between the two countries. This project contemplated the granting of €600,000 in Technical Assistance for a period of three years.
• Evaluated the different actors needs, expectations and requested services, establishing clear goals for each consulted entity.
• Liaised with each institution, management, and other directive levels to better understand their needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for the whole system.
• Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
• Delivered on time, the four large products requested from the consultancy contract.

• Structured of the new area and building up of the data base on main investors/donors for the industrial and productivity sector, its action lines, intervention sectors, application mechanisms and modalities.
• Structured the strategic action plan for the department, to achieve both investment and cooperation.
• Managed legal processes, negotiated procedures to subscribe investment agreements.
• Presented and finalized several prioritized productivity projects to different donors and investors both from the ODA and the SSC countries.
• Analyzed and evaluated possible investors for strategic productivity projects led by the Ministry.
• Panelist and expositor at the South-South Exposition organized by UNIDO at Vienna, Austria, 2012.
• Provided general support to the Minister in all international affairs, lobbying, presentations, trips, etc.
• Developed strong relationships with entities through regular communication and reliable customer service.
• Enhanced advisor skills and knowledge continuously, thus elevating the service of the institution.

• Evaluated and re-organized the whole company and its areas: administrative, procurement & logistic, collection commercial, technical, etc. Created yearly planning for the company and its areas, budgeting, implementation of the BSC as a tool with indicators. An increase of 10% in sales and a 2% in net profit was projected every year, it was achieved during 7 consecutive years.
• Conducted thorough market research to identify new opportunities for business growth, prospected new products to be introduced in the portfolio.
• Prospected and negotiated with new suppliers in countries as Japan, China and USA.
• Incorporated new corporate clients and CRM.
• Incorporated business lines handled by a new project area management.
• Managed personnel of areas under supervision: Technical, Commercial, Procurement & Logistics, Marketing Services; evaluated yearly by performance, around 40 employees.
• Increased brand awareness by developing and executing targeted marketing campaigns and plans by product, segment, area, region, specific problems, etc.
• Structured global sales policies, per region and niche markets. Also policies for customer service and resolutions for inconveniences found.
• Launched successful products to inform promotional effort, in collaboration with well known persons in the industry to amplify brand exposure.

• Diagnosed and analyzed the macro economical, political, sectorial environment.
• Diagnosed and analyzed the company at a national level, per region, per area, per products, per clients.
• Created the company´s strategic general marketing plan for the whole country and per crop attended, its implementation and tracing.
• Managed all advertising campaigns, both institutional and per crop.
• Designed and developed trade marketing: merchandising and traffic building.
• Branded and positioned of second brands for the company, increasing 3% in sales volume in the first semester.
• Created Customer Service Policies and supervised the staff involved.
• Resolved customer complaints in professional and timely manner, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for improvement. reducing 2% of the overall claims in the period of 6 months.
• Met with customers to discuss service needs and offer available solutions.

Conceived as a new way to provide general services to the fresh cut flower industry of Ecuador, one of the most important export sectors for its economy. Its core activities were addressed to the establishment of an optimized procurement chain, throughout the complete process for the business; from the marketing of flowers both with importers and wholesalers abroad, technical assistance to farms, laboratory analysis service, gathering and warehouse service, quality control, packaging and despatch.

• Discussed and designed together with software team the system to be implemented in order to manage the initiative, with positive and error trials.
• Managed small team of 3 customer service representatives, creating a positive work environment focused on teamwork and collaboration.
• Resolved customer complaints while prioritizing customer satisfaction, proactively addressing issues and implementing effective solutions.