All Consultants / Rick Blackburn
Rick Blackburn
Sales Optimization & Growth Strategies
Helping stagnant or underperforming assets develop + implement growth strategies for sustained commercial results.
Key Consulting Services
- Sales Operations + Revenue Optimization
- Business Development + Proactive Sales Effectiveness
- Strategic Planning + Execution
- Overall Sales Assessment + Implementation
- Customized Sales Training + Facilitation
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. Via full emersion into the operation, he can provide a clear and actionable plan on how to direct resources, modify weak areas, and set priorities to yield strong ROIs immediately. Due to his diverse experience and background, his services can reach as deep as you want, from Sales Organization Restructuring to Customized Training + Facilitation to Business Development + Proactive Sales Effectiveness to full Strategic Planning + Execution.
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 & Resorts, The Venetian Resort, and more. Regardless of the size or complexity of the business, Rick has demonstrated an innate ability to uncover the greatest opportunities to affect positive growth and enviable results. Additionally, he has built a reputation as someone who knows how to restructure sales organizations to most effectively drive top-line development and profitable revenue. An accomplished strategic advisor in the B2B and B2C space who has proven success driving market share in the most competitive environments, 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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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
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,...
