Nancy Defauw

Senior Director of Strategy

502.272.2408

Nancy Defauw Picture

What happens when a college girl who grew up one hour west of Chicago studies in Barcelona? She turns into a lifelong Iberian romantic. That’s Nancy DeFauw, our Senior Director of Research and Strategy who takes every chance she can get to go back to Spain and stroll the Ramblas, hunt down pintxos in San Sebastian, and visit the moody skies in Toledo. You get the picture. But lest you picture Nancy as some dreamy globetrotter, this is a top-caliber pro with 25 years in data-driven marketing and strategy development with areas of focus on fintech and consumer products. Whew! Sure, she’s up for another round of sangria, but you can always chat financial services and software product management with her — or Polish pottery, immigration history, kayaking in northern Wisconsin, live music at the Chicago Theater, or the joys of owning yellow labradors. Call her enigmatic. Call her well-traveled yet down-home. We call her one of the sharpest pros we’ve got on staff and an endless resource on life and licensing.

IMC Licensing Logo Mark

Related Articles

  • Promotion announcement

    IMC is excited to announce the promotion of Jacky Kuerzi to the role of Director of Client Services.

    IMC Licensing

    February 7, 2024

  • IMC believes continuing education is such an important tool to keep abreast of the ever-evolving licensing industry. After nine months…

    IMC Licensing

    November 29, 2023

  • Fewer, Bigger, Better. Stephen Reily Featured in License Global Magazine

    Fewer, Bigger, Better. This is IMC’s approach to licensing as our CEO and Co-Founder, Stephen Reily, evolved with the industry…

    IMC Licensing

    August 29, 2023

  • Lamaze International Appoints IMC as Global Licensing Agency 

    Lamaze International, a nonprofit organization and trusted global leader in ensuring all parents make confident and informed decisions for over…

    IMC Licensing

    May 25, 2023

  • IMC Licensing Once Again Named a 2023 Top Global Licensing Agent

    Brand licensing agency IMC Licensing is honored to be certified once again as a 2023 Top Global Licensing Agent by…

    IMC Licensing

    May 11, 2023

  • Why IMC: Our Unique Difference Told Through Our Case Studies

    We recently refreshed the case studies on our website, and it reminded us of our love for these programs and…

    IMC Licensing

    April 20, 2023

  • IMC Licensing To Help SilverSneakers Engage More Seniors In Healthy Activities

    SilverSneakers® by Tivity Health®, the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults, has appointed IMC Licensing as its exclusive brand…

    IMC Licensing

    January 4, 2023

  • IMC Licensing Named Top 20 Global Licensing Agent

    IMC Licensing is thrilled to be recognized on License Global‘s Top 20 Global Licensing Agent List. We’re honored to have our…

    IMC Licensing

    March 18, 2022

  • The Top 5 Reasons You Should License Your Brand

    Why license? Our list of reasons could go on and on, but today, we’re starting with the top 5 reasons…

    IMC Licensing

    December 12, 2021

  • The 5 Pillars of Successful Licensing

    The potential for licensing a brand is exciting! Marketers and business owners often have an inkling that their brand could…

    IMC Licensing

    August 24, 2021

  • Long-Term Licensing vs. Short-Term Licensing: Which is Right for You?

    Being the dynamic tool it is, licensing can be tailored to fit the needs of any brand. But which is…

    IMC Licensing

    July 15, 2021

  • IMC Licensing Named on License Global’s Top 20 Global Licensing Agent List

    IMC Licensing is thrilled to be recognized on License Global‘s Top 20 Global Licensing Agent List for 2020. We’re honored…

    IMC Licensing

    June 30, 2021

  • Interested in Licensing Your CPG Brand in International Markets? It’s Not as Easy as You May Think.

    What are your international capabilities? It’s a common question we get from CPG brand owners when evaluating brand licensing agents.…

    IMC Licensing

    June 15, 2021

  • Breaking Down Licensing Models, Part Two: Mono-Branded Vs. Co-Branded Products

    Mono-branded vs. co-branded – what’s the difference? And how do you know which approach is right for your brand or…

    IMC Licensing

    June 7, 2021

  • Food and Makeup Brands are Hungry for Buzzworthy Brand Collaborations

    In 1975, Lip Smackers licensed the iconic Dr. Pepper brand for their flavored lip balm line, being the first to combine a food/beverage flavor profile with a health and beauty product. I myself remember having several different Lip Smacker flavors…

    IMC Licensing

    May 26, 2021

  • Breaking Down Licensing Models, Part One: Inbound Licensing vs. Outbound Licensing

    With brand licensing, the possibilities are endless. With endless opportunities come endless questions on the best way to approach licensing…

    IMC Licensing

    May 10, 2021

  • Brand Licensing Basics: What You Need to Know

    Our team has been busy working on some exciting new client projects. In between the pitches and licensing 101 projects,…

    IMC Licensing

    March 22, 2021

  • Opportunities in Gaming Licensing

    Recently on our podcast, we had an exciting conversation with Lauren Fields Conlon, VP of Licensing and Merchandising at Loaded…

    IMC Licensing

    January 27, 2021

  • IMC Licensing’s 2020 Year in Review

    It’s easy to focus on all the craziness when looking back on 2020, but here at IMC, we honed-in on…

    IMC Licensing

    December 14, 2020

  • Why Do I Need a Licensing Agency?

    Using a licensing agency versus building a licensing program in-house is similar to a house project – you can take the DIY approach…

    IMC Licensing

    September 21, 2020

  • IMC Licensing Named Top 25 Global Licensing Agent

    IMC Licensing is thrilled to be recognized by License Global as a Top 25 Global Licensing Agent. On this year’s…

    IMC Licensing

    September 10, 2020

  • IMC’s Proven Brand Licensing Deal Process

    Wading into the licensing pool can be pretty intimidating. On one hand, you think you should understand every aspect, but on…

    IMC Licensing

    August 19, 2020

  • Why Work With IMC Licensing?

    So, you’re looking for a brand licensing agency. Congrats! Jumping into licensing is an exciting endeavor, but now, you’re facing…

    IMC Licensing

    July 23, 2020

  • Restaurant Licensing: Product Extension Strategy Approach

    We recently spoke with a leading casual dining restaurant chain about licensing their brand. They wanted three things:  I was really struggling…

    IMC Licensing

    May 27, 2020

  • In The Press: IMC Licensing Announces Representation of ELEVENPARIS Fashion Brand

    CONTACT:Emily Wickerham RandlesIMC Licensingerandles@imclicensing.com1-502-272-2406 IMC Licensing Announces Representation of ELEVENPARIS Fashion Brand IMC Licensing is proud to announce its representation…

    IMC Licensing

    April 21, 2020

  • In the Press: Biggie Smalls Launches Snack Line Through Licensing Deal with Rap Snacks

    Originally from RapSnacks.net. New York, NY (December 6, 2019) – This January, Rap Snacks, the official “Snack of Hip Hop,”…

    IMC Licensing

    March 26, 2020

  • Trends in the Outdoor Industry & How Brand Licensing Can Help Fuel Growth

    We recently attended the 70th Outdoor Retailer show in Denver, CO. Outdoor Retailer happens twice a year. There is a…

    IMC Licensing

    February 28, 2020

  • Brand Licensing vs. Patent Licensing – How to launch a new product through Licensing

    We get several calls from start-up companies and entrepreneurs about utilizing licensing to launch their product. The conversation usually goes…

    IMC Licensing

    January 28, 2020

  • The Basics of Royalty Accounting: What You Need to Know

    Royalty accounting can be somewhat complex, especially depending on the contract terms that are negotiated. However, once you have an…

    IMC Licensing

    May 3, 2019

  • Royalty Accounting – Guaranteed Minimum Royalties (GMR)

    Today, most businesses prefer not to guarantee results in a contract — let alone guarantee sales results. This is what…

    IMC Licensing

    April 10, 2019

  • What Should My Licensing Royalty Rate Be?

    Inevitably one of the first questions asked is how much will we earn in royalty revenue. As an industry expert…

    IMC Licensing

    March 21, 2019

  • Mitigating Your Brand Licensing Risks

    Some consider licensing out their brand very risky, while others would argue that licensing out their brand is a low-risk…

    IMC Licensing

    February 14, 2019

  • Outdoor Retailer

    One of our clients is looking for new partners in the outdoor space. With Outdoor Retailer happening down in Denver, I jumped…

    IMC Licensing

    December 3, 2018

  • Licensing Show 2018

    We stopped exhibiting at the licensing show when it moved from NY to Las Vegas. That seems like ages ago,…

    IMC Licensing

    May 29, 2018

  • Licensing Show 2017

    Like many industries, once a year the licensing community descends on Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay. The show offers something for…

    IMC Licensing

    June 5, 2017

  • Brand Licensing 2016 Update

    2016 was another great year for us here at IMC. We enjoyed working with our licensing partners and meeting with…

    IMC Licensing

    February 6, 2017

  • 2017 Licensing Trade Shows – Tips and Tricks

    I can’t believe there hasn’t been a funny movie made about the trade show experience. You know you can relate!…

    IMC Licensing

    January 15, 2017

  • It’s Cool To Be Healthy: How Marketing Saved Wellness’ Business Model

    Is cheesecake the new tobacco?  That’s a question asked that has highlighted both good news –the New York Times last week, Americans Are…

    IMC Licensing

    August 5, 2015

  • Earned Social Media = Earned Consumer Trust

    Brands are constantly seeking the loyal consumer. Not the one who buys occasionally, but the one who follows through on…

    IMC Licensing

    April 24, 2015

  • Four Things Great Brand Licensing Partners Do

    Batman and Robin. Brin and Page. Ben & Jerry. Some business partnerships are so great that they appear to happen…

    IMC Licensing

    January 13, 2015

  • Rethinking the 4 P’s for a Digital World

    Since Jerome McCarthy laid out the Four P’s in 1962, we’ve been able to take for granted that a successful…

    IMC Licensing

    December 8, 2014

  • Lowe’s OSHbot: The Robot Holiday Sales Associate

    When Orchard Supply Warehouse, a California based home improvement and gardening retailer, was purchased by Lowe’s last year, its employees…

    IMC Licensing

    November 4, 2014

  • Why Mobile Matters this Holiday Season

    My friend called me from Target last week. “I am standing between the Halloween costumes and Christmas decorations, what is…

    IMC Licensing

    November 4, 2014

  • 4 Keys to a Knockout Private Label Program

    Gil Phillips, Vice President of Corporate Brands at Kroger told the Cincinnati Enquirer about their house brand strategy, “We’re not offering…

    IMC Licensing

    October 7, 2014

  • The rise of consumer as chief storyteller – and brands’ new supporting role

    The beginning of the end of storytelling, announced David’s Berkowitz’ piece in Ad Age last week. The end of storytelling? The…

    IMC Licensing

    September 25, 2014

  • Retail development isn’t just about getting into Walmart

    Every business that has ever developed a product dreams of getting on shelf at a Walmart or Home Depot. Big…

    IMC Licensing

    September 18, 2014

  • From Budget Friendly to Premium: Will Consumers Buy Into a Premium Priced McCafe?

    I have something I have to get off my chest. I don’t drink coffee. There I said it. I don’t…

    IMC Licensing

    August 24, 2014

  • Disruptive Innovation: Products That More People Want

    Less is more.  So the theory goes with “disruptive innovation.” A new product is disruptive innovation if it has something…

    IMC Licensing

    July 16, 2014

  • 5 Ways to Evaluate a Potential Licensee

    Licensing a company to expand your trademark into other product categories can be rewarding to your bottom line and strengthen…

    IMC Licensing

    July 15, 2014

  • Lean In to Cause Marketing?

    When it comes to business, the talented male professional is perceived as “boss” while the talented woman professional in the…

    IMC Licensing

    January 17, 2014

  • More than Just a Hill of Beans

    Kraft Foods recent announcement of its intent to test market McCafe packaged coffee adds a deep, new wrinkle to the already interesting…

    IMC Licensing

    November 15, 2013

  • Keeping Your Options Open in Licensing

    Licensors with iconic brands often have to make tough choices about extending their brands in new markets through licensing versus…

    IMC Licensing

    November 4, 2013

  • What Licensing Agencies Can Do For You: A Tale of Chocolate Cereal

    One of IMC’s most deliciously licensed products is Kellogg’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory cereal. The coco-brown box features the names…

    IMC Licensing

    September 4, 2013

  • Just Married

    Often times we describe a licensing partnership much like a marriage. The Licensee and Licensor meet, are engaged by signing…

    IMC Licensing

    June 27, 2013

  • Purina Tidy Cats® and Glade™ Tough Odor Solutions: A perfect match

    The partnership between Purina Tidy Cats and Glade Tough Odor Solutions has developed a scented cat litter which has customers…

    IMC Licensing

    June 20, 2013

  • Integrating New Products with Licensed Properties

    Demands on new product development have greatly increased over the last decade with increased need for speed to market, lowering…

    IMC Licensing

    June 17, 2013

  • The Humanization Of Our Pets: Key Survey Findings

    The cliche is that pets look like their owners- but will they use the same products? The theory at IMC…

    IMC Licensing

    June 10, 2013

  • Sharing the Love of Brands with Your Pet!

    Pet owners are passionate about their furry little friends and they spend over $50 billion annually to prove it.  They…

    IMC Licensing

    April 4, 2013

  • 2013 Housewares Show: Forging New Partnerships

    The 2013 International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago is the largest housewares-only fair in the world with 60,000 home goods professionals…

    IMC Licensing

    March 14, 2013

  • Why Does Licensing Love the Holidays?

    In the licensing world, most royalty payments are made on a quarterly basis. Any licensing professional can immediately tell you…

    IMC Licensing

    December 20, 2012

  • The Slow Death of Commission-Only Deals

    Truly successful brand extensions are the result of pairing leading consumer brands with products that enhance the brand’s reputation and…

    IMC Licensing

    November 26, 2012

  • The Benefits of Brand Licensing: Quickly Explained

    As advertising is faced with a rapidly changing environment, brand owners and brand managers are looking for smart and new…

    IMC Licensing

    November 1, 2012

  • Reinforcing Your Brand Through Licensing

    Some licensed products are very much like the brand’s core product itself. They may be used the same way (like…

    IMC Licensing

    October 15, 2012

  • Working With Licensing Agents and Consultants

    Brand licensing agencies and consultants can play a central role in the development of an effective licensing program. Whether your…

    IMC Licensing

    November 22, 2010

  • Why Use a Brand Licensing Agency?

    Even if your company has an in-house licensing director or staff, there are several reasons to hire a brand licensing…

    IMC Licensing

    May 10, 2010

  • National Brands, Private Label and Licensing

    During a panel discussion about product innovation at the 2009 Grocery Manufacturers Association’s Merchandising, Sales and Marketing Conference, one participant…

    IMC Licensing

    April 15, 2010

  • Brand Licensing 101

    As a brand and product licensing agency that develops and manages licensing programs for our clients’ trademarks and brands, we…

    IMC Licensing

    November 8, 2009

  • Retail Strategies Beyond the Top 10

    Every day the list of victims of the faltering economy grows longer.  Circuit City (#32 on National Retail Federation’s, Top…

    IMC Licensing

    September 25, 2009

  • Trends in Inbound Licensing

    In the licensing industry, attention is typically focused on strategies to license a brand “out,” extending a brand into new…

    IMC Licensing

    August 19, 2008

  • Food for Thought (on Food and Beverage Licensing)

    Food and beverage licensing is everywhere. A quick trip to the supermarket will produce Nesquik chocolate milk, Oreo ice cream, and…

    IMC Licensing

    August 28, 2006