✌🏻Sammie Bennett - Founder - Friendship Miles | LinkedIn (2025)

• IT Consulting
• Public Speaking
• Lead Generation
• Content Strategy
• Digital Marketing
• Content Marketing
• Product Marketing
• Marketing Strategy
• Social Media Marketing

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Activity

• I’m often asked, “What does a Community Development Officer do?”The truth is, every day brings new opportunities to lead, serve, and support our…

  

  I’m often asked, “What does a Community Development Officer do?”The truth is, every day brings new opportunities to lead, serve, and support our…

  Liked by ✌🏻Sammie Bennett

• Good morning! 🌞 Tuesday opportunities with Steelcase! - Campus Recruiter in Grand Rapids, MI. - Sales Consultant in Grand Rapids, MI. - Market…

  

  Good morning! 🌞 Tuesday opportunities with Steelcase! - Campus Recruiter in Grand Rapids, MI. - Sales Consultant in Grand Rapids, MI. - Market…

  Liked by ✌🏻Sammie Bennett

• On October 8th, Riveter Design is thrilled to host our friends from AAF Buffalo for Ad Month's "Women in Advertising" panel discussion. I'll be the…

  

  On October 8th, Riveter Design is thrilled to host our friends from AAF Buffalo for Ad Month's "Women in Advertising" panel discussion. I'll be the…

  Liked by ✌🏻Sammie Bennett

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• Founder

  Friendship Miles

  Sep 2023 - Present 1 year 2 months

  Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

  Friendship Miles is a non-profit with a mission to bring accessibility to social movement (running/walking/etc) to all. We do so by partnering intentionally with local businesses that are actively creating more inclusivity in our community. We create accessible routes for disabled runners and strollers in various and diverse neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. Friendship Miles meet-ups are for all levels where you can run or walk at your own pace and also enjoy some education, connection, food…

  Friendship Miles is a non-profit with a mission to bring accessibility to social movement (running/walking/etc) to all. We do so by partnering intentionally with local businesses that are actively creating more inclusivity in our community. We create accessible routes for disabled runners and strollers in various and diverse neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. Friendship Miles meet-ups are for all levels where you can run or walk at your own pace and also enjoy some education, connection, food, drink, or just hanging out. We are currently serving the Grand Rapids area and looking to expand into other communities. Please reach out to Sammie Bennett directly if you'd like to learn more.

  www.friendshipmiles.com
  https://www.instagram.com/friendshipmiles/

• Fitness and Endurance Coach

  Mountains and Marathons

  Dec 2023 - Present 11 months

  Remote

  I write personal training programs for my clients in the ALIGN Leadership Program and prepare them physically and mentally for their big race or climb on the other side of their 6-month long leadership program. As a CPT and certified running coach I have the experience, skills, and knowledge to help members successfully reach their fitness goals.

• FLYER

  HOKA

  Jun 2022 - Present 2 years 5 months

  Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

  As a HOKA flyer, I partner with the local FER (Field Experience Representative) to engage our community and execute intentional walking and running events. I help promote, market and plan the events. I also test out new gear, share with the community via social media apps - video/photo and help teach my local community about HOKA's values and upcoming initiatives.

• Ambassador/Consultant

  Gazelle Sports

  Jan 2021 - Present 3 years 10 months

  Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

  As a Gazelle Sports Ambassador and consultant, my role is to engage the community through unique marketing and create awareness for the Gazelle Sports brand, store locations, and events. We partner to execute unique walking and running events for the community with educational components. I also create content and engage my Instagram audience with reels and photos to bring awareness to Gazelle Sports initatives. With Gazelle Sports we have executed over 30 events in the last 3 years and I was…

  As a Gazelle Sports Ambassador and consultant, my role is to engage the community through unique marketing and create awareness for the Gazelle Sports brand, store locations, and events. We partner to execute unique walking and running events for the community with educational components. I also create content and engage my Instagram audience with reels and photos to bring awareness to Gazelle Sports initatives. With Gazelle Sports we have executed over 30 events in the last 3 years and I was also a part of their Saucony RunMICH launch for the custom Ride 17's in 2024. I sit on the board of SheRuns Grand Rapids and recently led their Coaching Program "She Trains" to help 25 women prepare for their half marathon.

• Senior Sales Development Representative

  Vervint

  Jul 2021 - Jan 2024 2 years 7 months

  Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

  I focus on client growth and identify and develop new business through inbound lead qualification, outbound prospecting efforts within targeted geographies/accounts. OST helps organizations reorient their focus on consumer needs. We align stakeholders around a unified vision crafted with data and real-world insights. Then we roll up our sleeves to accelerate their growth through technology and innovation.

• Board Director

  UNCrushed

  Jul 2021 - Jun 2022 1 year

  Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

• Business Growth Advisor

  ManoByte

  Mar 2020 - Jun 2021 1 year 4 months

  Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

  As a business growth advisor, I connect with companies through strategic Inbound & Outbound selling techniques. I am here to connect my clients to the best technology and software solutions for their growth initiatives.

  Services Offered:
  HubSpot (CRM, Marketing Automation, CMS, Service)
  Partner Portal Development/Implementation
  Digital Marketing Solutions (Website design, content creation, SEO, Inbound, Social)
  Sales Enablement

  My tech stack:
  HubSpot (Sales Hub…

  As a business growth advisor, I connect with companies through strategic Inbound & Outbound selling techniques. I am here to connect my clients to the best technology and software solutions for their growth initiatives.

  Services Offered:
  HubSpot (CRM, Marketing Automation, CMS, Service)
  Partner Portal Development/Implementation
  Digital Marketing Solutions (Website design, content creation, SEO, Inbound, Social)
  Sales Enablement

  My tech stack:
  HubSpot (Sales Hub, Marketing Hub)
  ZoomInfo
  Slack (Internal Communications)
  Teamwork (Client/Internal Project Management)
  Gsuite
  LinkedIn Sales Navigator
  Zoom
  Better Proposals

• Product Specialist

  Apple

  Sep 2019 - Aug 2020 1 year

  Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

  Provide excellent customer service for all customers and clients that enter the store.
  Develop Rapport with each individual customer to connect, curate, and recommend services and products that best fit their individual needs.
  Find solutions to customers' journeys once the product is in their possession.
  Create long-term brand loyalty and Brand Relationship by providing a unique and positive experience for each individual.
  Partner with other co-workers to continue learning about…

  Provide excellent customer service for all customers and clients that enter the store.
  Develop Rapport with each individual customer to connect, curate, and recommend services and products that best fit their individual needs.
  Find solutions to customers' journeys once the product is in their possession.
  Create long-term brand loyalty and Brand Relationship by providing a unique and positive experience for each individual.
  Partner with other co-workers to continue learning about Brand development and expectations.
  Provide Business clients solutions and opportunities to partner with Apple by connecting them with our business team.
  Develop professionally and personally by providing feedback and open communication to Connection Team Leaders and co-workers.
  Pro-actively engage in career experiences across other departments to understand how each area communicates to our customers to provide reasonable expectations for each customer's journey.

• Operations Manager

  Green Ridge Investments

  Jul 2017 - Oct 2019 2 years 4 months

  Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

  Oversaw day-to-day operations for 85+ residential units and Ballet Academy in Grand Rapids. HR, team management, Marketing/Brand Strategy, Finance, Accounting, and Payroll.

  GRI is a property management company and my role was to run the day to day operations and provide insight to future company growth. GRI partnered with David Matthew Studios in 2018 (Ballet Academy) and MadGrub (Restaurants) in 2019 to run business operations including Marketing, Finance & Operations. My role was to…

  Oversaw day-to-day operations for 85+ residential units and Ballet Academy in Grand Rapids. HR, team management, Marketing/Brand Strategy, Finance, Accounting, and Payroll.

  GRI is a property management company and my role was to run the day to day operations and provide insight to future company growth. GRI partnered with David Matthew Studios in 2018 (Ballet Academy) and MadGrub (Restaurants) in 2019 to run business operations including Marketing, Finance & Operations. My role was to oversee the partnership and create clear concise communication between our partners and our team to ensure a successful launch and structured process and procedure for daily operations.

• Promotions Director

  iHeartMedia

  Jul 2012 - Jul 2017 5 years 1 month

  Grand Rapids

  Director in planning and promoting several West Michigan Special Entertainment Events:
  Brew Ha-Ha
  West Michigan Pet Expo
  Lakeshore Health Expo
  B-93 Birthday Bash Ticket Drops
  B-93 Birthday Bash
  Taste of Grand Rapids
  Moose Fest
  Party in the Park
  Taste of Home Cooking School
  Purse Party
  Ladies Night Out

  Manage employees in the Promotions Department including but not limited to hiring, training, disciplining and appraising performance of…

  Director in planning and promoting several West Michigan Special Entertainment Events:
  Brew Ha-Ha
  West Michigan Pet Expo
  Lakeshore Health Expo
  B-93 Birthday Bash Ticket Drops
  B-93 Birthday Bash
  Taste of Grand Rapids
  Moose Fest
  Party in the Park
  Taste of Home Cooking School
  Purse Party
  Ladies Night Out

  Manage employees in the Promotions Department including but not limited to hiring, training, disciplining and appraising performance of employees
  Represent radio station at community events and promotions
  Coordinate set-up and tear down efforts at all events
  Coordinate activities of other departments involved in production of promotions and remotes.
  Maintain stations prize closet, inventory of station premiums and inventory and control of station banners.
  Generate new event and promotional ideas
  Create proper brand presence of 10 West Michigan radio stations at various events
  Coordinate with Graphic Design/Digital team to create a strong digital presence for events Brainstorm promotional efforts to use the West Michigan cluster to push event attendance
  Coordinate Internship Program

  iHeartMedia, Inc. is one of the leading global media and entertainment companies specializing in radio, digital, outdoor, mobile, live events, and on-demand entertainment and information services for local communities and providing premier opportunities for advertisers.

  With 245 million monthly listeners in the U.S., 97 million monthly digital uniques and 196 million monthly consumers of its Total Traffic and Weather Network, iHeartMedia has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. It serves over 150 markets through 859 owned radio stations.

• Electric Forest Music Festival-Artist Hospitality

  Madison House

  Jun 2015 - Jun 2015 1 month

  Rothbury, MI

  Assist Artist Hospitality director
  Transport Artists from Tour Bus to Trailers
  Provide TM with proper credentials for artist access to festival/stage
  Key contact for artist requests before/during/after set

• Promotions/Sales Assistant

  Clear Channel Media + Entertainment

  Jan 2012 - Jun 2012 6 months

  Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

  Assisted managing the promotions department for 10 of the market’s radio stations.
  Responsible for promoting all of Clear Channel's Events
  Plan remotes for radio station events, at the remotes:
  I helped with set up, hung banners, represented the radio station, distributed prizes, met listeners, and sold merchandise.

  Wrote press releases
  Participated in social media marketing
  Assisted with vendor and customer hospitality
  Lead interns during Fall, Winter and Summer…

  Assisted managing the promotions department for 10 of the market’s radio stations.
  Responsible for promoting all of Clear Channel's Events
  Plan remotes for radio station events, at the remotes:
  I helped with set up, hung banners, represented the radio station, distributed prizes, met listeners, and sold merchandise.

  Wrote press releases
  Participated in social media marketing
  Assisted with vendor and customer hospitality
  Lead interns during Fall, Winter and Summer semesters
  Created invoices
  Record commercials
  Researched Clients

• Server/Manager on Duty

  University Club of Grand Rapids

  Aug 2011 - May 2012 10 months

  Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

  Established good business relationship with corporate clients
  Implementation of events from start to finish
  Development of Event Orders and delivery to client for acceptance
  Active Participant in Department Meetings
  Participated and lead professional food and wine tastings for clients
  Pour and serve alcoholic beverages during events and lunch/dinner

• Amway Hotel Corporation 1 year 6 months

  • Bartender at Lumber Baron Bar

    Amway Hotel Corporation

    May 2011 - Nov 2011 7 months

    Administered opening and closing duties
    Greeted incoming guests
    Provided outstanding customer service by going above and beyond expected standards
    Mixed and poured alcoholic beverages
    Performed wine presentations
    Re-ordered items to keep bar stocked at all times

  • Catering and Conventions Intern

    Amway Hotel Corporation

    Jan 2011 - Apr 2011 4 months

    Oversee development of new prototype menus for conventions and banquets
    Implementation of off-premise events from start to finish
    Development of Banquet Event Orders and delivering them to client for acceptance
    Active participant in department head meetings
    Successfully trained in Delphi system and all of its tools and functions
    Participated and lead professional food and wine tastings for clients

  • Hostess 1913 Room

    Amway Hotel Corporation

    Jun 2010 - Apr 2011 11 months

    Management of dining room operations
    Lead customers to designated seats
    Trained in formal dining operations
    Assist servers when needed
    Coat Check Management
    Provide excellent customer service

• Electric Forest Music Festival-Artist Hospitality Intern

  Madison House

  Jun 2011 - Jun 2011 1 month

  Rothbury, MI

  Transporting Artists from Tour Bus to Trailers
  Meeting Ryder requirements
  Stocking/Cleaning trailers for incoming artists
  Stage Liason for one of the smaller stages during event
  Key contact for artist requests before/during/after set

• Promotions and Events Intern

  Clear Channel Radio

  Jan 2010 - Aug 2010 8 months

  Constant Interaction with radio station listener’s
  Cold Calling
  Planned, sold, and implemented the following events from start to finish: B93 Birthday Bash
  The Taste of Grand Rapids
  The Fox “Brew Ha Ha”
  West Michigan’s Pet Expo
  Rock the Rapids
  Kickin’ Bass Fishing Tourament

• Common Ground Music Festival Audio/Lighting/Film Intern

  Meridian Entertainment Group

  Jun 2010 - Jul 2010 2 months

  Lansing, MI

  Worked on stage with the Audio/Lighting/Film crews
  Set-up and Teardown every day
  Working on the mixing boards with the audio crew
  Set-up for band microphone requirements
  Light Truss set up
  Changing colors of lights on the truss for each show
  Filmed the bands/artists for each set

• Grand Valley State University

  Bachelor of Science Hospitality and Tourism Management

  2008 - 2011

  Activities and Societies: Hospitality and Tourism Management Club

• 

  Mountains and Marathons

  Graduate Personal Development A+

  2019 - 2020

  Activities and Societies: 100% Remote Based Leadership ProgramCommunication:Weekly 1-1 Calls with CoachesBi-Weekly Calls with NutritionistBi-Weekly Calls with Fitness TrainerBi-Weekly Calls with Team (6 Memebers spread out throughout the world)Tech Stack:-Zoom-Calendly-ToDoist-Google Docs-Google Sheets-Voxer-Gmail/Google Hangouts

  6 month Leadership Program for Personal and Professional Development
  Initial Call to discover and introduce goal setting
  Leadership tools to utilize in all areas of life to perform confidently in personal and professional settings
  Goal Setting - Daily/Long term
  Physical Training
  Mental Strength
  Nutrition Guidance
  Communication Skills
  Empathy
  Gratitude
  Daily Rituals to build on greater goals
  Completion: 10-day retreat in Tanzania, Africa to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro…

  6 month Leadership Program for Personal and Professional Development
  Initial Call to discover and introduce goal setting
  Leadership tools to utilize in all areas of life to perform confidently in personal and professional settings
  Goal Setting - Daily/Long term
  Physical Training
  Mental Strength
  Nutrition Guidance
  Communication Skills
  Empathy
  Gratitude
  Daily Rituals to build on greater goals
  Completion: 10-day retreat in Tanzania, Africa to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (7-day trek)

• 

  St. Clair County Community College

  Associates Degree General Studies

  2006 - 2008

• Level 1 RRCA Running Coach Certification

  Road Runners Club of America

  Issued Jul 2023 Expires Jul 2025

• Inbound Methodology

  HubSpot

  Issued Mar 2020 Expires Apr 2022

• Inbound Sales Methodology

  HubSpot

  Issued Mar 2020 Expires Apr 2022

• Frictionless Sales Certification

  HubSpot

  Issued Apr 2020 Expires Apr 2021

  See credential

• HubSpot Sales Software Certification

  HubSpot

  Issued Mar 2020 Expires Mar 2021

• 

  Advisory Board Member

  Gazelle Girl Half Marathon

  Dec 2019 - Present 4 years 11 months

• 

  Board Member

  Boundless Bus

  Jan 2015 - Present 9 years 10 months

  Human Rights

• Festival Planning

  -

• Food & Beverage

  -

• Geology

  -

• Human Journey Theme

  -

• International Wind & Food Studies

  -

• Liberal Arts

  -

• Meeting and Event Planning

  -

• Statisitics

  -

• English

  -

• Gazelle Girl Half Marathon

  Advisory Board Member

  Oct 2019 - Present

  Advisory Board member to spread awareness and utilize my network to generate interest for others to participate in the race in April 2020. I am specifically targeting young professional females.

• Mountains and Marathons

  Member

  Aug 2019 - Present

  Mountains and Marathons is a leadership program that requires six-months of physical, mental, and personal development to uncover my desire to live an authentic life. It concludes with an epic climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro in January 2020, but more than that, a new stronger, and authentic me.

• Boundless Bus

  Business Manager

  Jan 2012 - Present

• Jen Ziegner “I was incredibly fortunate to work with Sammie during our 6-month Mount Kilimanjaro Leadership Program 2020. I knew from our very first conversation with Sammie that she is an exceptionally driven and caring leader. Sammie is authentic with people and able to have tough conversations like few others. She is engaged in her community and always looks to support and strengthen others - Qualities that show in her engagement for mental health and were invaluable when we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro together.Sammie's communication skills are very strong even via remote applications like Voxer and Zoom. She always responds in a timely manner, shows up on time to meetings, and has worked with us across a range of different time zones.We are so looking forward to our next adventure together! :-)”
• Derek Benson “Working with Samantha was truly an honor! To see how well she could handle all aspects of some of the largest events in West Michigan, from planning, developing strategies, managing staff, event execution, all the way through the follow-up, there wasn't anything put in front of her that she couldn't hit out of the park. An absolute pleasure to work with as well, I'm extremely confident that Samantha would succeed above any expectations that may be placed on her. ”

• 

  Grateful for the opportunity to support Courtney and her one-of-a-kind boutique, Dottie & June! Be sure to check out their online store or visit…

  Liked by ✌🏻Sammie Bennett

• Big News! 🎉I’m incredibly honored to receive an endorsement from Eric Freeman for my campaign to join the GRPS School Board. Eric’s support…

  

  Big News! 🎉I’m incredibly honored to receive an endorsement from Eric Freeman for my campaign to join the GRPS School Board. Eric’s support…

  Liked by ✌🏻Sammie Bennett

• Hey Chicago friends! Friendship Miles is coming to the windy city! Join us and our friends HOKA for Marathon weekend for a community shake-out walk…

  

  Hey Chicago friends! Friendship Miles is coming to the windy city! Join us and our friends HOKA for Marathon weekend for a community shake-out walk…

  Shared by ✌🏻Sammie Bennett

• 

  So excited about future work with Broadway Grand Rapids ! The work Jennifer Pascua & Meghan Christ Distel are doing to bring the best theater to W…

  Liked by ✌🏻Sammie Bennett

• 🚀 Exciting News! 🚀We’re thrilled to announce that Runna has been named one of LinkedIn's Top UK Startups of 2024! 🎉It’s an honor to be…

  

  🚀 Exciting News! 🚀We’re thrilled to announce that Runna has been named one of LinkedIn's Top UK Startups of 2024! 🎉It’s an honor to be…

  Liked by ✌🏻Sammie Bennett