Formerly the Director of Marketing at Mcor Technologies, 3D Systems and Z Corporation, and having held senior marketing and leadership team positions in global companies across industries, Julie joined Rize as Vice President of Marketing.
In this role, Julie is responsible for growing global awareness, positive brand perception and driving demand for Rize’s 3D printers worldwide, as well as strategic marketing activities and programs to support the sales process.
Highly regarded in the 3D printing industry, Silver Award winner of the 2017 Stevie Award for Marketing Executive of the Year and Female Executive of the Year and named by All3DP as one of the top 30 women in 3D printing, Julie brings a wealth of experience in B2B marketing. Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College and a Master of Science degree from Boston University.
Nora Toure: Julie, could you let us know about your background and what brought you to 3D printing in the first place?
Julie Reece: I have a Master of Science degree in Communications from Boston University and a BA in English from Trinity College, in Hartford, CT, USA. I’ve worked in a marketing capacity for a variety of industries throughout my career, including financial services, women’s apparel, software and 3D printing.
I feel as though I’m part of a shrinking breed of marketing ‘generalists,’ that is, someone who has expertise across nearly every facet of marketing (PR, writing and producing different types of content, Website development, demand generation, branding, events, social marketing, project management and more…you name it). I started my career at the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and have worked very hard, clawing and scratching my way up the ladder for nearly 30 years.
Although I reached a point in my career where I landed strategic senior-level roles, I am just as comfortable and happy executing every detail of the programs I develop. I thoroughly enjoy that unique combination of strategic planning and hands-on implementation across marketing disciplines, as well as rallying cross-functional and cross-geographical teams.
I fell into 3D printing completely by accident. I had been working for a company that was about to be acquired and knew from my work on their transition team, that the company’s future was very uncertain. My recruiter called me with an opportunity for which she apologized in advance, knowing that I probably wouldn’t be too excited about the prospect of working for a 3D printer manufacturer.
I had never heard of 3D printing. Yet, she assured me it was a great opportunity and encouraged me to avoid making any judgments until I met them. That hiring company was Z Corporation (later acquired by 3D Systems). I joined within two weeks and never looked back. OK, there were two times I looked back – briefly. In each instance, I missed 3D printing so much, I returned in less than a year. Now I truly can’t envision working outside of the 3D printing industry.
Read more at Women in 3D Printing
