Consultant Spotlight - Bryan: From Blackboard to Boardroom: A Teacher’s Transition to Sales Excellence

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July 16, 2024
Consultant Spotlight - Bryan: From Blackboard to Boardroom:  A Teacher’s Transition to Sales Excellence

Bright Eyed Beginnings  

Bryan’s story begins in Winston Salem, North Carolina, where he spent the beginning of his childhood. At the age of six, Bryan’s family moved to and settled down in the formative town of Canton, Georgia. As Georgia shaped Bryan’s love for music and education, the foundations of his future aspirations were also starting to take shape.

After completing high school, Bryan went on to earn a degree in elementary education at Florida’s Bethune Cookman University. His passion for music also found an outlet when he joined the university’s marching band and picked up the baritone horn and clarinet. As his post-secondary journey wrapped up in May 2010, Bryan embarked on a career in teaching with his degree in hand.

A Passionate Pivot

Bryan began his teaching career shortly after graduation. However, it didn't take long for him to realize that teaching wasn't his true calling. Determined to find a career aligned with his strengths and interests, Bryan explored other opportunities.

In 2015, Bryan started working in a call center for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. This role introduced him to the world of customer service and sales. Slowly and quietly, Bryan began cultivating a new passion. Bryan didn’t realize it at the time, but this transition to customer service would set the stage for an even larger career move.

Climbing the Ranks  

In February 2016, Bryan joined Priority Payment Systems, initially working on American Express accounts as a contractor. His role involved merchant development optimization, where he quickly proved his capabilities. Bryan's dedication and success in this position led to his transition into a sales role within the company. He thrived in sales, consistently achieving and exceeding his targets.

Bryan’s newfound customer service experience landed him on the American Express account at Priority Payment Systems in February 2016. A quick learner, Bryan onboarded 38 franchises to American Express in record setting time. His performance surpassed sales goals and earned Bryan recognition at the company-wide Circle of Excellence for his outstanding sales numbers.  

Wherever he went, excellence followed Bryan. As his career grew, Bryan found himself now leading a new team at Citi. Here, he brought over successful strategies from American Express to Citi, implementing new processes and developing a comprehensive playbook that improved training and documentation for his team.

A New Chapter at Blend

In 2021, Bryan was recruited via LinkedIn to join Blend360, a company that aligned with his professional aspirations. His journey at Blend has been marked by continued growth and success, culminating in his recent promotion to Senior Manager at Citi. Bryan's leadership and innovative approach continues to be instrumental in driving the company's success.

Lifelong Learning

Bryan's twin brother has been a major source of inspiration throughout his life, especially after his passing. This loss motivated Bryan to come out of his shell and embrace life more fully. Just like his brother, Bryan aspired to be more open and engaging. This newfound motivation fueled his drive to excel professionally.

To further his career, Bryan is currently pursuing a degree in project management at DeVry University. He is committed to continuous learning and growth, considering additional courses in business management to enhance his skills. Bryan considers himself  to be a sponge absorbing knowledge from all his colleagues and experiences to achieve his career aspirations.

Looking Ahead

With his dedication, resilience, and passion for growth, Bryan is well on his way to achieving his future goals. He aims to become a team leader, continuously seeking feedback to improve professionally and personally. Bryan's journey from teaching to sales, marked by significant accomplishments and promotions, serves as an inspiring testament to his determination and adaptability. As he continues to excel at Blend and pursue further education, Bryan's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of following one's passions and embracing change.

Inspired by Bryan’s story to start writing your own? Find the right role for you with Blend

Bright Eyed Beginnings  

Bryan’s story begins in Winston Salem, North Carolina, where he spent the beginning of his childhood. At the age of six, Bryan’s family moved to and settled down in the formative town of Canton, Georgia. As Georgia shaped Bryan’s love for music and education, the foundations of his future aspirations were also starting to take shape.

After completing high school, Bryan went on to earn a degree in elementary education at Florida’s Bethune Cookman University. His passion for music also found an outlet when he joined the university’s marching band and picked up the baritone horn and clarinet. As his post-secondary journey wrapped up in May 2010, Bryan embarked on a career in teaching with his degree in hand.

A Passionate Pivot

Bryan began his teaching career shortly after graduation. However, it didn't take long for him to realize that teaching wasn't his true calling. Determined to find a career aligned with his strengths and interests, Bryan explored other opportunities.

In 2015, Bryan started working in a call center for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. This role introduced him to the world of customer service and sales. Slowly and quietly, Bryan began cultivating a new passion. Bryan didn’t realize it at the time, but this transition to customer service would set the stage for an even larger career move.

Climbing the Ranks  

In February 2016, Bryan joined Priority Payment Systems, initially working on American Express accounts as a contractor. His role involved merchant development optimization, where he quickly proved his capabilities. Bryan's dedication and success in this position led to his transition into a sales role within the company. He thrived in sales, consistently achieving and exceeding his targets.

Bryan’s newfound customer service experience landed him on the American Express account at Priority Payment Systems in February 2016. A quick learner, Bryan onboarded 38 franchises to American Express in record setting time. His performance surpassed sales goals and earned Bryan recognition at the company-wide Circle of Excellence for his outstanding sales numbers.  

Wherever he went, excellence followed Bryan. As his career grew, Bryan found himself now leading a new team at Citi. Here, he brought over successful strategies from American Express to Citi, implementing new processes and developing a comprehensive playbook that improved training and documentation for his team.

A New Chapter at Blend

In 2021, Bryan was recruited via LinkedIn to join Blend360, a company that aligned with his professional aspirations. His journey at Blend has been marked by continued growth and success, culminating in his recent promotion to Senior Manager at Citi. Bryan's leadership and innovative approach continues to be instrumental in driving the company's success.

Lifelong Learning

Bryan's twin brother has been a major source of inspiration throughout his life, especially after his passing. This loss motivated Bryan to come out of his shell and embrace life more fully. Just like his brother, Bryan aspired to be more open and engaging. This newfound motivation fueled his drive to excel professionally.

To further his career, Bryan is currently pursuing a degree in project management at DeVry University. He is committed to continuous learning and growth, considering additional courses in business management to enhance his skills. Bryan considers himself  to be a sponge absorbing knowledge from all his colleagues and experiences to achieve his career aspirations.

Looking Ahead

With his dedication, resilience, and passion for growth, Bryan is well on his way to achieving his future goals. He aims to become a team leader, continuously seeking feedback to improve professionally and personally. Bryan's journey from teaching to sales, marked by significant accomplishments and promotions, serves as an inspiring testament to his determination and adaptability. As he continues to excel at Blend and pursue further education, Bryan's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of following one's passions and embracing change.

Inspired by Bryan’s story to start writing your own? Find the right role for you with Blend

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