Teaching at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business is Steve Vuolo’s second career. Prior to teaching, he worked in marketing for more than 20 years and held executive positions at Lunds and Byerly’s, AC Nielsen and Caribou Coffee. Vuolo rose up the corporate ladder via blue chip brand management companies, such as General Mills, Nabisco and Kellogg’s.
Vuolo stays active in industry as a marketing consultant. Most notably he has partnered with Angie’s Kettle Corn since the company’s infancy and has also worked closely with Schuler’s Shoes with their rebranding. Working with budding entrepreneurs is his sweet spot, as he helps companies get on the map. Safisha , Jala Jala Foods and Cornerstone Auto have all enjoyed success after Vuolo’s consultation.
Vuolo is known for bringing his industry experience into the classroom, especially during his active consulting engagements. He is also an expert in experiential learning in the classroom. Examples include consulting with local non-profit organizations on their branding and positioning in his MBA Brand Management course, incorporating online simulations in his International Marketing course and leading study abroad courses to Argentina and Brazil. The breadth of his industry career has enabled him to teach multiple undergraduate and graduate courses.
Motivated by the relationships he has made during his 10-year tenure at St. Thomas, Vuolo stays connected with his former students. These relationships frequently lead to future engagement with the students of tomorrow.
- Clinical Instructor, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul / Minneapolis (2009 - present)
- Limited Term Instructor, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul / Minneapolis (2008 - 2009)
- Visiting Instructor, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul / Mpls (2007 - 2008)
- Senior Director of Marketing, Caribou Coffee, Minneapolis (2006 - 2007)
- Adjunct Instructor, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul / Mpls (2006 - 2007)
- Vice President Client Service Director, Nielsen, Minneapolis (2004 - 2006)
- Vice President of Marketing, Lund Food Holdings, Inc. (Lunds and Byerly's), Minneapolis (2000 - 2004)
- Vice President of Marketing, International Home Foods Store Brands, Minneapolis (1996 - 2000)
- Director of Marketing, Grist Mill, (1996 - 1998)
- Senior Product Manager, Kellogg's Company, Battle Creek (1994 - 1996)
- Product Manager, Nabisco Foods, Winston-Salem (1991 - 1994)
- Assistant Marketing Manager, General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis (1988 - 1991)
- Senior Accountant, CPA, Arthur Young & Company, New York (1984 - 1986)
- McGraw Hill Publisher - Principles of Marketing, Reviewer