2024 Honorees

Mary Krause

Partner Manager

“I'm a positive person and I hope it shines through to everyone I connect with.”

Marketer2024

Tell us about your company and role.

CQL is a full service digital agency that builds innovative commerce experiences for top retailers and manufacturers. In my role as Partner Manager, I support our ecommerce platform partnerships (Shopify, SFCC, and BigCommerce) and the technology ecosystems that connect and integrate with them. I work with true craftspeople that not only create amazing ecommerce websites, but are also fabulous humans.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m generally a positive person and hope that it shines through to everyone I connect with, both personally and professionally. My family and friends are the backbone to my happiness, especially my husband and three sons. Adventures filled with fun and laughter keep my tank full.

What qualities does an effective marketer need to have?

Being a proactive, creative, and strategic thinker. Also, identifying and truly understanding the value that your product or service provides to the customer is crucial to then effectively communicating that value in the style and voice of your company. 

What has been your biggest professional success so far?

Joining the incredibly talented team at CQL and being entrusted to build out the Partnerships role, and then receiving a Craftsperson Award from CQL’s leadership, which honors team members who exemplify leadership, artisanry, and excellence in their role. While humbled by this award, my success is only as great as the digital solutions that we deliver to our clients, and am blessed to work with a brilliant team and network of amazing tech partners.

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What causes are you most passionate about?

I’m most passionate about my faith, as it’s the basis for everything I do in my life. This passion stirs me to support several faith-filled personal causes, volunteer for community events, and donate blood regularly (which is something most of us can easily do to save lives!).

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing eCommerce brands?

With the rapid pace of change in our industry, I think it’s probably most challenging to weed through all the “noise” to create a path that leads to digital success.

What's your favorite loyalty program or subscription offering from an eCommerce brand?

DSW is my favorite loyalty program because I feel like they know me well and cater to my personal shopping habits. The program allows me to select my reward preferences, provides points for taking simple actions, and offers tailored member discounts and bonus opportunities. The kicker? (No pun intended!) They offer loyalty points for donating gently used shoes. Brilliant!

What do you geek out over?

New site launches! Brands (and their tech and agency partners) continue to push the digital boundaries and it’s amazing to watch and be a part of it.