Media Release - Mind Stone Marketing Marketing Agency Launched 9-23-20

Eric Blankenship, a native of Tampa, FL and a sports and entertainment marketing professional for over 20 years, has formally announced the launch of Mind Stone Marketing Group, LLC, a full-service marketing agency based out of Tampa, FL.

Blankenship led all marketing efforts for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2014-19 including brand strategy and development, advertising and media buying, promotions, digital marketing, digital media, social media, live events, creative services and retail marketing.

During his tenure with the Lightning, the marketing department was awarded the 2017 Marketing Hall of Fame Inductee from the American Marketing Association (Tampa Bay Chapter). In addition, Blankenship personally received two Telly Awards in 2018 and a CLIO Award in 2018 and 2015. The highlight of the organization came when the Tampa Bay Lightning were recognized as the #1 Sports Franchise (out of 122 sports franchises) by ESPN for its excellence in a variety of categories.

“During my 20-year career I have been able to work in some great cities for some great organizations, commented Blankenship. “Coming back to Tampa to be part of the Ruth Eckerd Hall family was a privilege. Then, getting a chance to work for a world-class organization in the Tampa Bay Lightning for over five years was a gift.”

Blankenship’s most recent appointment as Chief Marketing Officer for The Heights District, Armature Works and BE-1 Concepts Hospitality Group began in September 2019. After an unexpected layoff due to Covid -19 in May 2020, Blankenship began contemplating his next move. That next move would prove to be unlike any other for Blankenship.

“While the world was changing because of Covid-19, I saw an opportunity,” cited Blankenship. “Unfortunately, many businesses had to temporarily close. I believe the businesses that are going to survive and even thrive beyond these turbulent times, are the ones that are reexamining their current marketing efforts while developing a strategic plan to adapt to whatever this new normal will become.”

Thus, Mind Stone Marketing Group, LLC (www.MindStoneMarketing.com) was formed as a means to formalize some of the work Blankenship was already doing. Mind Stone Marketing Group LLC is a full-service agency providing marketing services for small, medium and start-up businesses. Service include marketing strategy, brand development, advertising and media buying, promotions, public relations, digital marketing, digital media, social media, business development and sports marketing. 

Additionally, fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) services are also available. This service allows a business to benefit from the many years of experience Blankenship has accumulated in a fractional role without the same commitments typically associated with a full-time Chief Marketing Officer.

“I am fortunate to have had a tremendous amount of success during my career while working for some amazing organizations alongside some amazing people, commented Blankenship. “I believe I can scale those strategies, experiences and successes to other businesses, regardless of their specific industry. Further, I am very appreciative of the many relationship I have, not only in this market, but all around the country crossing over into a variety of industries which will only help in these efforts.”

Born and raised in Tampa, FL, Blankenship graduated from Tampa’s Jesuit High School in 1992. While working full time, he then attended St. Petersburg College where he majored in Architectural Design with the ambition to design and develop sports and entertainment facilities. Shortly thereafter, he changed his major to Marketing and began his studies at the University of South Florida located in Tampa, FL. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing with his sights set on Sport and Entertainment marketing.

After beginning his career with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008, Blankenship moved to Philadelphia, Seattle, Portland and back to Philadelphia - all Comcast-Spectacor, a leader in the sports and entertainment industry - before making his way back to the Tampa Bay Area. In 2011, he returned as the Chief Marketing Officer for Ruth Eckerd Hall, before returning to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014.

Blankenship is a 2019 Leadership Tampa Executive Leadership Program Graduate. Blankenship is married and resides in Tampa with his wife, McKenzie, son, Jackson and daughter, Isabella. For more professional information please visit www.linkedin.com/in/ericblankenship74/.

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Media Contact:

Eric Blankenship

Founder & President

Mind Stone Marketing Group, LLC

Eric@MindStoneMarketing.com

813.777.7600

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