RYAN BJARANSON
Hammond,OR
Summary
Experienced hospitality and sales professional with a strong background in franchise sales and business development. Proven ability to build and leverage networks, drive revenue growth, and develop lasting industry relationships. Organized, adaptable, approachable, and results-driven, with over 20 years of success in hospitality leadership roles. Demonstrated leadership, positive mindset, and a strong work ethic with a consistent record of delivering results
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales and Recruiting
HotelZone
Las Vegas, Nevada
04.2025 - Current
- Secured contingency and retainer recruiting contracts with hotel ownership groups, management companies, and hospitality brands
- Led business development outreach to build partnerships and drive new client acquisition with 40+ prospecting calls, email, texts per day
- Recruited, interviewed, and presented qualified candidates for executive, sales, operations, and F&B leadership roles.
- Managed full cycle recruiting process and client communications to ensure efficient and high-quality placements
- Developed and executed targeted email, LinkedIn, and phone outreach campaigns to drive pipeline growth
Director of Business Development
Aimbridge Hospitality
Plano, TX
04.2023 - 02.2024
- Prospected, developed, and secured third-party hotel management agreements across full-service, select-service, and extended stay segments
- Negotiated complex hotel management agreements with Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG, ensuring optimal terms for Aimbridge Hospitality and its partners
- Identified ownership groups, REITs, developers, and private equity firms for potential management partnerships
- Role eliminated due to corporate restructuring and workforce reductions initiated by new CEO in early 2024; Business Development, Operations, and Feasibility teams were significantly downsized
Director of Franchise Growth
HomeVestor's of America
Dallas, TX
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Enhanced franchise lead generation by 20% by optimizing communication between 5 franchise consultant networks and development team
- Spearheaded the addition of 3 new franchise consultant networks, increasing lead flow and franchise expansion opportunities
- Maintained strong relationships with leading consultants from FranChoice, IFPG, FranNet, FranServe, TES, and BAI
- Developed and implemented a new franchise lead generation program that boosted referrals, web, and organic leads by 30%
Director of Franchise Development
Joe HomeBuyer
South Jordan, UT
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Expanded Joe Home Buyer's national footprint with 18 successful franchise placements within calendar year, generating $460K in initial franchise fees
- Launched strategic marketing campaigns that resulted in a 15% increase in franchisee inquiries, securing the brand's position as a top turnkey real estate acquisition brand
- Hosted a branded podcast and YouTube channel, interviewing franchisees for brand validation and visibility
Associate Vice President
Red Lion Hotel Corporation
Denver, CO
12.2018 - 04.2020
- Led franchise sales and territory development across the western U.S. for Red Lion's family of hotel brands (mid-scale, upper mid-scale, economy segments)
- Secured 8 new franchise agreements (2019–2020), contributing to Red Lion's brand expansion and revenue growth across upper-scale and select-service segments
- Role ended due to a company-wide workforce reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic
Director of Franchise Sales & Business Development
Wyndham Hotel Group
Parsippany, NJ
10.2015 - 01.2017
- Developed and executed strategic growth plans for OR, WA, and AK, building a franchise sales pipeline that surpassed prior four-year deal volume
- Negotiated 6 franchise agreements for conversion economy brands including Days Inn, Super 8, Travelodge, Howard Johnson, and Wingate in 2016
- Position eliminated as part of a corporate reorganization; territory absorbed by another region
Marketing Associate
Sysco
Wilsonville, OR
05.2012 - 10.2015
- Realized a 23% overall growth in territory sales from 2013 to 2015, exceeding $100,000 in weekly sales along the North Oregon Coast
- Expanded my territory to achieve a yearly growth of 10% by prospecting, penetrating existing accounts, reclaiming lost business, and building a robust pipeline of new accounts
Restaurant Manager
California Pizza Kitchen
Tigard, OR
10.2007 - 05.2012
- Successfully trained several dining room shift leaders and 12 new restaurant managers at a CPK-certified management training store.
- Ranked 5th out of 277 locations in overall guest satisfaction survey scores companywide in 2011.
- Served as FOH, BOH, and Beverage Manager, overseeing staffing, training, scheduling, purchasing, and inventory management.
- Appointed Regional Scheduling Manager for Region #30 (8 stores across Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle); reduced labor costs by 2.5% year-over-year while maintaining service and operational quality.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Speech Communication & Rhetoric
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, ORSkills
Revenue growth
undefinedAwards
- Sysco Rookie of the Year — Wilsonville, OR — 2014
- Sysco President’s Club — Wilsonville, OR — 2014
Timeline
Director of Sales and Recruiting
HotelZone
04.2025 - Current
Director of Business Development
Aimbridge Hospitality
04.2023 - 02.2024
Director of Franchise Growth
HomeVestor's of America
09.2022 - 04.2023
Director of Franchise Development
Joe HomeBuyer
09.2021 - 09.2022
Associate Vice President
Red Lion Hotel Corporation
12.2018 - 04.2020
Director of Franchise Sales & Business Development
Wyndham Hotel Group
10.2015 - 01.2017
Marketing Associate
Sysco
05.2012 - 10.2015
Restaurant Manager
California Pizza Kitchen
10.2007 - 05.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Speech Communication & Rhetoric
Western Oregon University
Similar Profiles
Kristin EuchlerKristin Euchler
MH-60T Engineering Officer (Lieutenant Commander) at U.S. Coast Guard- Air Station AstoriaMH-60T Engineering Officer (Lieutenant Commander) at U.S. Coast Guard- Air Station Astoria
Corey CheuvrontCorey Cheuvront
Laborer at Helligso ConstructionLaborer at Helligso Construction
Zachary SmithZachary Smith
Warehouse Order Selector at C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.Warehouse Order Selector at C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.
Zach TraphaganZach Traphagan
National Sales / Recruiting Director at City LifestyleNational Sales / Recruiting Director at City Lifestyle
Laura MoteletLaura Motelet
Director Productivity Coach, Sales & Recruiting at Keller Williams RealtyDirector Productivity Coach, Sales & Recruiting at Keller Williams Realty