Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Bryan Blanken

Potomac,MD

Summary

Dynamic leader and strategic thinker from Freed Photography, Inc., adept in business development and customer relationship building. Excelled in fostering client loyalty, expanding customer base through innovative sales strategies, and mentoring teams for peak performance. Skilled in contract negotiation and interpersonal communication, achieving significant market penetration and client satisfaction.

Talented Partner with 24 years of industry experience. Highly skilled at handling all types of issues successfully. Known for effective problem-solving and goal-oriented planning.

Skilled at developing business through cold calling, networking, and leveraging current customer relationships

Successful sales record in selling to consumers and business to business

Started new division and successfully pivoted and changed the core function how the business operated and services provided.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Partner

Freed Photography, Inc.
Bethesda, MD
03.2001 - Current
  • Provided outstanding service to all individuals, promoting effective, and lasting business relationships.
  • Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
  • Stayed informed on industry developments and market trends to gain competitive advantage.
  • Networked with other professionals and organizations to expand contacts and opportunities.
  • Utilized customer relationship management software to track leads and manage follow-ups.
  • Resolved customer concerns, fostering trust and enhancing brand reputation.
  • Developed sales strategies to penetrate new markets and expand customer base.
  • Worked to build relationships with customers and built potential for additional sales.
  • Developed relationships with clients for increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Boosted sales by consistently engaging with customers and addressing their needs effectively.
  • Collaborated with team members to reach collective sales goals, fostering a supportive work environment.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in numerous positive reviews and referrals.
  • Expanded customer base through targeted prospecting and networking efforts.
  • Negotiated contracts skillfully, securing favorable terms for both company and client.
  • Enhanced product knowledge by attending training sessions and staying current with industry trends.
  • Implemented effective sales strategies to maximize revenue generation.
  • Coached new hires on sales techniques, contributing to their development as successful team members.
  • Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.
  • Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
  • Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
  • Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
  • Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
  • Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
  • Met existing customers to review current services and expand sales opportunities.
  • Stayed current on company offerings and industry trends.
  • Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
  • Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
  • Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
  • Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.
  • Implemented training programs for enhanced employee skills.
  • Streamlined communication processes to foster transparency among departments.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
  • Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
  • Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.

Education

Speech Communications

University of Maryland, College Park
College Park, MD

Skills

  • Customer relationship building
  • Marketing
  • Sales strategy development
  • Account management
  • Business development
  • Contract negotiation
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Establishing effective relationships
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Building trust and relationships
  • Judgement and decision making

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 32 staff members.
  • Book & managed over 360 wedding and event per year.
  • Changed the perception of the associate photographer in the Washington, DC metro area.
  • Create a new school portrait division in 2008
  • Grew school revenue to $3.7 million in 2024
  • Created a new style of school photography
  • Speaker at national conferences- SPAC (School Photographers Association) & PPA (Professional Photographers of America)
  • Taught week long class at The Texas School Photographer Conference- consisting of sales and photography

Interests

  • Participate in golf and basketball, as recreational activities to maintain physical fitness
  • Travel

Timeline

Partner

Freed Photography, Inc.
03.2001 - Current

Speech Communications

University of Maryland, College Park
Bryan Blanken