WELCOME NOTE
I founded HighTide Commerce to turn the strategies I had successfully implemented in enterprise and Fortune100 companies into repeatable processes that drive results in ecommerce.
My specialty is working with companies who are at an inflection point in their ecommerce, strategy, typically surrounding Amazon —e.g. Launch on Amazon, Improve Amazon or Diversify from Amazon.
Cutting my teeth at Amazon, I have a deep understanding of ecommerce infrastructure, bringing both strategic oversight and executional excellence to the table.
My experience managing brands with manufacturers helps me understand the complexity and challenges of producing or procuring product, managing budgets and navigating a multi-channel landscape where consumer attention and dollar is at a premium.
On average, I’ve helped my clients achieve 2x growth and significant improvements in profitability.
Whether you're looking to build your channel strategy, reset your Amazon business, or optimize your team and resources, I provide the expertise to help you make the best choice to move your business forward.
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
As an advisor, I can help guide companies to make the right decisions at the pace of ecommerce.
Sometimes the right investment can be a game changer...but so can saying “no” at the right time.
Let’s partner to help you make the right choices for your business.
DTC growth strategies & Profit Optimization
Identify growth opportunities, strategies to maximize profit and traffic to your website.
Also available: team development, ecommerce SAAS consultation, and agency management.
Ecommerce & Retail coaching
Support and strategies for customer negotiations (e.g. AVN), managing retailer relationships.
Amazon Strategy & Tactical excellence
Develop end-to-end Amazon strategy; to include assortment, advertising, pricing & promotions, logistics and packaging.
Channelization Strategies
Channel expansion planning and execution management, crafting new go-to-market approaches; guidance for market entry.
Brand Strategy & Development
Full-funnel marketing and communication strategies and tactics based on brand growth goals. Develop
360° marketing plans to help drive brand growth for all brand and budget sizes.
Kara Babb,
Founder
Experience Highlights
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Growth strategies and brand development for brands large and small in Home, Kitchen, Pets, Smart Home & SAAS technology.
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Advertising strategies for lean, scrappy and robust budgets
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Wide knowledge of agency resources, partners and technology
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Savvy AI user, balancing automation technology and productivity tools with human input
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Broad experience and knowledge of all digital channels: Amazon, DTC web platforms, Social commerce
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Enterprise leadership experience - led teams up to 15 people, focusing on development and upskilling for ecommerce excellence. Comfortable with C-suite.
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Partnering with experts from a wide variety of industries and disciplines for best-in-class expertise.
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Experience living in China, US; achieved fluency in Mandarin; partnering with clients across the globe.
Brands & Companies
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Amazon - Vendor & Category Management, Marketing & Operations (Home & Kitchen)
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Bird Buddy (now Wonder) - Amazon strategy & execution management for high growth DTC startup.
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Xnurta (formerly Xmars)- Developed advertising strategy and led rebranding effort for leading AI Advertising technology company
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Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) - Built a successful ecommerce business and infrastructure for an $8bn lighting company, primarily focused on B2B and offline channels.
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Zinus - Sales Leadership for largest furniture manufacturer on Amazon
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Newell Brands - Strategic category development
Education
Northwestern University Kellogg Executive Education, the Ohio State University Masters in Mandarin, Chinese
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Increased DTC Average Order Value by +25%, grew channel to #3 in business in 1 year
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Managed 3,000+ vendors, drove +48% category growth, +84bps profitability
KEY RESULTS
I have a track record of delivering tangible results for brands across multiple industries, from startups to global enterprises
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Launched and expanded
ecommerce sales for $8bn professional lighting organization; growing ecom to 60% of total sales
Reversed 8 quarters of decline unlocking +$9M revenue growth, reducing overstock -49% or -$20M while protecting profit
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Rebuilt traffic and promotion plan for Amazon, gaining #1 best seller badge and exceeding sales target
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Led organization through full-scale rebrand and marketing strategy overhaul. Resulted in 0 client churn and 2x Marketing lead generation rate
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Kara played a critical leadership role in our company’s rebrand. She stepped in seamlessly, quickly developed a clear project plan, and aligned global teams to ensure everyone stayed accountable and on track. Her ability to balance strategy with execution made the entire process smoother and more effective. Thanks to her leadership, the rebrand was a success, delivered on time and with great results. I highly recommend her to anyone needing a strong, results-driven marketing leader.”
Kashif Zafar CEO of Xnurta
Kara and I partnered on the Xnurta (Advertising technology software) rebrand initiative in Q4 2024. She quarterbacked the entire rebrand on an extremely shortened timeline (under 3 months), managing all the moving pieces, working with several contractors like myself, and coordinating a global team. She managed to exceed her aggressive timeline for the rebrand date, and come in significantly under budget. On a personal level, as a contractor, her communication was exceptional, her bias for action even more so. She's a pleasure to work with and I recommend her to any SaaS or agency looking to work with a fractional marketing leader!
Nathan Sieminski, Founder Chimney Rock Advisors
“At Bird Buddy we engaged Kara to help us prepare on short notice for Amazon peak season (Black Friday) — and with her contribution we ended up overperforming our sales plan by nearly double! She stepped in with high urgency, taking full responsibility for everything Amazon-related and filling our critical gap in both ownership and expertise. Kara quickly integrated with the team, executed hands-on at a fast pace, later ensured a smooth transition as we reinforced our in-house talent, and helped set the long-term course. Having worked closely with her, I’m confident in recommending her.”
Tom Vodopivec, Chief Operating Officer, Bird Buddy
“I had the pleasure of working with Kara, an exceptional Amazon eCommerce consultant, who went above and beyond to solve my problem. Her expertise was invaluable in guiding me through the complexities of launching new products. Kara's deep knowledge of the platform, combined with her strategic advice, made the process much smoother and more successful. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for top-notch eCommerce consulting.”
Fenote Tekie, CEO at Naturetek
Opening the books...
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Ready to transform your ecommerce strategy and achieve your business goals? Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation.