All Consultants / Rick Blackburn
Rick Blackburn
Strategic Commercial Optimization
Helps underperforming assets develop and implement growth strategies for sustained commercial results.
Key Consulting Services
- Commercial Assessment, Recommendations, and Implementation
- Strategic Planning and Growth
- Commercial Talent Evaluation and Leadership Development
- Revenue Optimization and Customized Sales Training
- New Business Development and Proactive Sales Effectiveness
Expertise
Widely known as an adept sales professional, Rick helps hotels, resorts, and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) determine exactly how and where to stimulate revenue and influence optimal performance. Simply put, his true differentiator is his ability to quickly identify the precise areas of opportunity for long-term success, and to implement the exact solutions to drive results for the business. The outcome? Growth.
Background
- Since beginning in Hospitality at an early age, Rick has gained extensive and valuable experience with some of the preeminent organizations in the industry such as Marriott International, Caesars Entertainment, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, The Venetian Resort, and more. An accomplished strategic advisor in the B2B and B2C space, Rick will thoroughly evaluate everything affecting growth, as well as proper alignment between Revenue Management, Marketing, and Sales in order to optimize results for the organization.
Testimonial
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Working with Rick Blackburn at BRN Solutions has been a game-changer for our resort’s sales strategy. From the moment he arrived, Rick brought expertise, insight, and dedication that elevated the property’s approaches to sales and revenue growth.His deep understanding of the hospitality industry, combined with his strategic mindset, helped the team refine its sales processes, optimize pricing strategies, and enhance outreach efforts. Rick’s ability to identify opportunities and implement actionable solutions led to measurable increases in bookings, higher conversion rates, and stronger relationships with key clients and partners. Beyond his expertise, Rick is an outstanding communicator and leader who inspires and empowers teams. His hands-on approach, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to elevate its sales performance.We cannot recommend Rick Blackburn and BRN Solutions highly enough—his contributions have had a lasting and significant impact on our success.-Matt Basiliere, Senior Director Asset Management at Southwest Value Partners and MaryGrace McCaffrey, EVP Commercial at HM Alpha Hotels & Resorts
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Our family brought Rick on board to guide our sales and marketing team toward stronger revenues and improved occupancy. We relied on his expertise to advise on and implement strategies across revenue management, packaging, marketing, and human resources. His deep knowledge of the hospitality industry is unmatched. Even more impressive is his relentless drive to get things done and the genuine care he brings to his work—far exceeding the typical consultant/client relationship. A family-owned resort, spanning five generations and 140 years, Basin Harbor benefited from Rick’s dedication, his passion, his knowledge, and his commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
-The Beach Family, Owners at Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club
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Rick has vast and deep experience in the hospitality and travel industry. His contributions at Marriott were greatly appreciated.
-Julius W. Robinson, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer and Market Vice President, US and Canada at Marriott International
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I have worked with Rick for many years in various capacities, and his ability to optimize revenue and stimulate growth in an underperforming asset is a true talent. The work Rick does is very “high touch,” and he certainly doesn’t mind rolling up his sleeves to best evaluate and improve an organization’s results.
-Gary Sims, CEO of Hay Creek Hotels and Restaurants
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Rick has been a tremendous asset to me and my team as we define our sales needs. He swiftly evaluated our business, provided suggestions, created sales and marketing plans, and developed job descriptions. Currently, he is screening all applicants for our Director of Sales and Marketing position. Rick has quickly become a trusted and integral part of the team.
-Eric Czerlonka, CEO & Managing Director, Czerlonka Event Design & Management
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Rick is a strategic visionary. He was instrumental in building our sales strategies and restructuring our team. I would highly recommend Rick, as his diverse experience provides a wide range of perspectives and allows him to customize the approach needed for success.
-Scott White, President/CEO, Visit Greater Palm Springs
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I had the pleasure of collaborating with Rick, who I found to be a highly valuable and experienced resource. His vast knowledge in the various market segments, given their nimble nature, was very positive in aiding our property’s efforts to grow its base and impact the positioning of our luxury boutique hotel. His professional, strategic, and thoughtful approach were a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Rick if you are seeking to improve the performance of your property.
-Albert L. Mertz, General Manager, Hotel Hartness
Professional & Other
Industry Associations
Rick's Latest Articles & Case Studies
Hotel Sales is High-Touch: Are you under-resourced to compete?
By Rick Blackburn Jun 9, 2024
As we begin to ask questions specific to the hotel sales team – their strategy, tactics, sales initiatives, business development, client engagement,...
