Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Kevin Brand

Vancouver

Summary

A highly skilled and passionate fishing expert and content strategist with over 8 years of experience in writing, editing, and creating high-quality, SEO-optimized content for the fishing and outdoor industries. My deep knowledge of freshwater, saltwater, and fly fishing techniques, paired with a proven track record in content creation and digital marketing, allows me to deliver engaging, accurate, and results-driven material. Known for my meticulous attention to detail and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, I thrive in dynamic environments while maintaining a high standard of quality in all deliverables. My background includes successful partnerships with renowned brands and contributions to industry-leading publications, making me an ideal candidate for an AI Data Trainer role in the fishing domain.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Content Manager & Senior Fishing Writer

Reel Outdoors Inc.
Vancouver
07.2020 - Current
  • Led content creation for a major fishing gear retailer, producing articles, tutorials, and reviews for products in the saltwater, freshwater, and fly fishing categories
  • Directed a team of 5 writers and editors, ensuring consistent brand voice and accurate technical content that resonated with enthusiasts and professionals alike
  • Conducted in-depth research on fishing techniques and the latest gear, collaborating with product managers and designers to develop educational content
  • Managed SEO strategies, improving organic search traffic by 35% over the course of 12 months
  • Partnered with marketing teams to optimize content for both web and email campaigns, increasing click-through rates by 40%
  • Implemented a content performance tracking system, which provided actionable insights to further refine content strategies

Fishing Content Strategist & Writer

Bass Pro Shops
Springfield
06.2017 - 06.2020
  • Company Overview: the world's leading fishing retailer
  • Authored and edited in-depth content for the world's leading fishing retailer, focusing on detailed product reviews, instructional fishing techniques, and seasonal content across both freshwater and saltwater fishing categories
  • Led SEO initiatives that optimized product landing pages and blogs, resulting in a 50% increase in search visibility
  • Collaborated with fishing experts to curate expert-level content on fishing tactics, environmental conservation, and new product releases
  • Produced comprehensive fishing guides (e.g., 'Top 10 Saltwater Fishing Destinations') that became top-ranked in organic search, contributing to a 25% increase in page views
  • Regularly edited submitted content from guest writers, ensuring accuracy in fishing terminology and brand consistency
  • The world's leading fishing retailer

Outdoor Sports Writer & Editor

Outdoor Life Magazine
04.2015 - 05.2017
  • Created highly engaging articles on a wide range of fishing topics, including species-specific fishing techniques, gear comparisons, and conservation efforts
  • Collaborated with photographers and videographers to enhance articles with stunning visuals that complemented technical details
  • Managed deadlines effectively in a fast-paced editorial environment, producing weekly content for both print and online platforms
  • Edited content to ensure technical accuracy, clear language, and readability, maintaining the publication's high editorial standards
  • Increased reader engagement through targeted, well-researched articles and contributed to the magazine's online content reaching over 200,000 monthly readers

Freelance Fishing Content Creator

Self-Employed
01.2013 - 03.2015
  • Specialized in writing and editing articles focused on freshwater and saltwater fishing for niche outdoor publications, blogs, and e-commerce websites
  • Built long-term relationships with industry experts and clients, contributing to consistent repeat business and increased brand recognition for clients in the fishing and outdoor space
  • Developed comprehensive product reviews, how-to guides, and gear roundups that drove both traffic and conversions for clients' websites
  • Wrote detailed, informative articles that helped build trust with readers, positioning clients as credible authorities in the fishing industry

Education

Master of Science - Environmental Communication

University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
05.2018

Bachelor of Arts - English with a Focus on Creative Writing

University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
05.2015

Skills

  • Fishing Expertise
  • Content Creation
  • SEO & Digital Marketing
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Content Management Systems
  • Project Management
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • SEO best practices
  • Deliverables oversight
  • Strategic content planning
  • HTML and CSS
  • Project solutions

Certification

  • Certified Fly Fishing Instructor (CFFI), International Federation of Fly Fishers, 2021
  • SEO Mastery for Content Writers, SEMrush Academy, 01/01/21
  • Content Strategy for Digital Marketing, Coursera, 09/01/19
  • Advanced Google Analytics, Google Analytics Academy, 06/01/20

Accomplishments

  • Generated a 50% increase in search engine rankings for fishing-related content through strategic SEO content development.
  • Contributed to the growth of industry-leading outdoor brands through a series of high-impact, engaging content pieces that drove sales and visibility.
  • Successfully managed content calendars for multiple clients, delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Affiliations

  • Member, Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA)
  • Speaker, BC Outdoor Writers & Editors Conference (2019)
  • Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, contributing to community-driven conservation efforts
  • Awards:
  • Best Outdoor Feature Article – Outdoor Writers Association of America, 2020
  • Top SEO Content Strategy – Bass Pro Shops, 2018

Languages

English
Proficient (C2)
C2

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Content Manager & Senior Fishing Writer

Reel Outdoors Inc.
07.2020 - Current

Fishing Content Strategist & Writer

Bass Pro Shops
06.2017 - 06.2020

Outdoor Sports Writer & Editor

Outdoor Life Magazine
04.2015 - 05.2017

Freelance Fishing Content Creator

Self-Employed
01.2013 - 03.2015

Master of Science - Environmental Communication

University of California, Berkeley

Bachelor of Arts - English with a Focus on Creative Writing

University of British Columbia
Kevin Brand