Hi, I’m Adam Nelson, a creative leader with two decades in branding and a decade building and running a CPG business. I co-founded Blonde Beard’s and grew it to $500,000 in annual revenue, maintaining a 40% margin, bootstrapping for six years and then leading a fundraising round of $370k. I’ve built and managed cross-functional teams across manufacturing, fulfilment, sales, marketing, and creative, and I’m passionate about turning market insights into products and campaigns that perform on shelf and online. I thrive on brand development, playful yet strategic design, and operations that support scalable growth. Based in Denver, I lead with curiosity and collaboration, delivering award-winning work while nurturing relationships with retailers and clients alike.…

Adam Nelson

Hi, I’m Adam Nelson, a creative leader with two decades in branding and a decade building and running a CPG business. I co-founded Blonde Beard’s and grew it to $500,000 in annual revenue, maintaining a 40% margin, bootstrapping for six years and then leading a fundraising round of $370k. I’ve built and managed cross-functional teams across manufacturing, fulfilment, sales, marketing, and creative, and I’m passionate about turning market insights into products and campaigns that perform on shelf and online. I thrive on brand development, playful yet strategic design, and operations that support scalable growth. Based in Denver, I lead with curiosity and collaboration, delivering award-winning work while nurturing relationships with retailers and clients alike.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Adam Nelson, a creative leader with two decades in branding and a decade building and running a CPG business. I co-founded Blonde Beard’s and grew it to $500,000 in annual revenue, maintaining a 40% margin, bootstrapping for six years and then leading a fundraising round of $370k. I’ve built and managed cross-functional teams across manufacturing, fulfilment, sales, marketing, and creative, and I’m passionate about turning market insights into products and campaigns that perform on shelf and online.

I thrive on brand development, playful yet strategic design, and operations that support scalable growth. Based in Denver, I lead with curiosity and collaboration, delivering award-winning work while nurturing relationships with retailers and clients alike.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Co-Founder / President at Blonde Beard’s
January 1, 2017 - Present
Founded a CPG brand from the ground up, growing to $500k in annual revenue with a 40% margin. Bootstrapped for six years, then secured a $370k fundraising round. Built a reliable outsourced team spanning manufacturing, fulfillment, sales, marketing, and creative; championed product innovation aligned with market trends; optimized pricing and promotions to accelerate velocity while preserving margins; expanded into new sales channels and nurtured key accounts.
Head of Creative at Blonde Beard’s
January 1, 2017 - Present
Developed and maintained the brand identity, led outsourced creative teams, and managed ecommerce campaigns (Shopify and Amazon) that drove significant revenue growth. Executed profitable email campaigns with a 4:1 ROAS and designed environmental graphics for trade shows, in-store displays, demos, and local events.
Head of Operations at Blonde Beard’s
January 1, 2017 - Present
Led manufacturing and fulfillment teams, created SOPs, and managed vendor relationships to minimize supply chain issues and control COGs. Expert in inventory management, balancing stock with cash flow, and coordinating distributors, fulfillment, and trade show logistics.
Freelance Creative at Independent / Self-Employed
January 1, 2017 - Present
Created brand identities, campaigns, social content, websites, packaging, pitch decks, and various brand elements for clients such as Common Good, Amelie & Co., Grenadier, Decision Council, Grit, and more.
Senior Art Director at Cactus, Inc
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Led campaigns and rebrands, contributed to pitches, and delivered award-winning work for multiple clients.
Senior Art Director at Karsh Hagan
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Sold and produced campaigns, pitched new business, and led creative teams on client projects.
Associate Creative Director at Barnhart Communications
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Produced award-winning work, pitched new business, and led other creatives.
Senior Art Director at Barnhart Communications
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
Launched campaigns, led creatives, and contributed to pitches. Worked with clients including Wyoming Tourism, Back Country Access, History Colorado Center, Foothills Animal Shelter.
Art Director at GSD&M
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011
Art directed national campaigns and oversaw photoshoots for major brands.
JR. Art Director / Art Director at David & Goliath
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
Launched early-career campaigns, contributed to pitches, and helped win awards for clients like KIA Motors and others.
Associate Creative Director at Victors and Spoils
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Produced award-winning work and contributed to pitches and new business development.

Education

at The Creative Circus
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006
at The University of Georgia
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2004
at The Creative Circus
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006
at The University of Georgia
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Manufacturing
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