Prior to forming ARS, we had been purchasers of outsourced services at Gillette, Presto Products and Coca-Cola. We were also providers of merchandising services when we were a part of the management group at PIA Merchandising, one of the first outsourced merchandising groups in the US. We experienced firsthand many of the issues that manufacturers face when considering contracting outsourcing services. It was for that reason ARS was formed to assist our clients in the effective program development, implementation and management of outsourced field marketing services.

ARS has been successful in combining our strong consumer products background and the in-depth knowledge of sales, field marketing, brokers/distributors and promotional providers to create successful, measurable programs utilizing the best providers of service.

ARS works as an extension of our client's management team to create and/or implement programs that are customized to meet their specific needs. The most qualified and effective blend of both internal and outsourced services are incorporated into our programs that produce the expected quantifiable output to meet our client needs.

About ARS

In 1996 Karen Conte formed ARS Consulting, Inc. Dba Applied Resource Solutions with the objective; to provide a complete go-to-market strategic planning and execution process that promotes controlled growth with strong bottom line profitability for our client partners.

ARS works in collaboration with manufacturers, retailers, services providers, venture capital and private equity firms. We provide expertise in program strategies, design, implementation and management services associated with our clients marketing, sales and training needs. Our industry expertise includes, Consumer Products, Sustainability, Consumer Electronics, Home Improvement, Health and Wellness, and Pet. ARS strategies are brought to life with targeted and flexible programs, proven recruiting and training methods, logistics planning, multiple QC processes, the latest IT capabilities, benchmarking, program tracking & analysis and creative design & production.

ARS programs incorporate the most profitable and cost effective blend of both internal and ARS services that provide measurable and timely service deliverables that result in improved bottom line profitability for our clients.

ARS is certified by WBENC.

Mission Statement

Provide value added design, implementation and management services that ensure long-term success for our clients and their investors. Our programs deliver measurable and profitable field marketing and training solutions that focus on optimizing your current organization and effective use of ARS services.

ARS Founder

Karen Conte, CEO
Karen has over 29 years of sales and marketing management experience. She has a proven record of building sales, increasing profits, development of national marketing programs and providing consulting expertise to manufacturers, retailers and service companies. Karen began her career in sales for Warner Wellcome-American Chicle Division and then worked at Procter & Gamble as Non-Foods Specialist in the Paper Products Division. Later with Presto Products she created successful private label programs in the paper products category for labels such as Safeway, Western Family and Albertson's. She then accepted a senior management position with Gillette/Oral-B where she was quickly promoted to Regional Manager over 23 states managing both the broker and retail organizations. After her tenure with Gillette, she was offered the position of Vice President with then start-up PIA Merchandising Co., Inc. At PIA Karen and the senior operations team were responsible for establishing some of the original retailer preferred supplier programs such as Safeway Private Label, Safeway Liquor Category Management Programs, and Thrifty/Payless Merchandising Operation Category Management Program. She was promoted to VP National Business Development where she was responsible for the development of national programs with both retailers and manufacturers. In 1996 she established ARS Consulting, Inc. As President of ARS she works in collaboration with manufacturers, retailers, services providers, venture capital and private equity firms providing program strategies, design, implementation and management services associated with clients marketing, sales and training needs.