Introducing Brent Thompson, Jim Barnas, and Ryan Zahm
Meet our Regional Sales Mangers! From coordinating with our project partners, to becoming a cornhole champion, this trio is vital to the Parasoleil team. Each taking on a region of the United States, these gentlemen manage a vast network of on-the-ground representatives as well as work with architects, general contractors, and other key stakeholders to make sure we meet the design intent and needs of each project. Their ability to nurture many customer relationships is invaluable to the success of Parasoleil.
What does your day-to-day look like at Parasoleil?
Brent Thompson: The thing that I like about my work days at Parasoleil is that no day is the same. As Regional Managers we wear many hats just like the rest of the team. We all pitch in make every project utilizing Parasoleil's unique capabilities a success.
Jim Barnas: I spend a few hours filling out questionnaires for the Marketing team each day (just kidding).
My days include following up on key projects, working with our reps, interfacing/collaborating with architects, working with GC’s/Subs to quote projects and help them understand our products and our process.
Ryan Zahm: No two days are the same but every day interesting. I may be working with one of our independent sales reps on a hotel cladding project in NYC one minute and discussing a large multi-use development with a developer in Florida the next.
What has been your favorite project to work on and why?
BT: The DaVita project had to be one of my favorite projects to work on. In this project we helped the customer and architect reach there unique design and vision by working on a concept then brining it to life. Everyone at Parasoleil had a hand in working with this one. It made us reach outside the box to complete.
JB: Logan Memorial because of the impact of our panels, especially the custom pattern section of screens. Parasoleil truly has an influence on this iconic school site. I also enjoyed the relationships we have with the architect (BakerNowicki Design Studio) and subcontractor (McMahon Steel), both key advocates for us. There was really a great collaborative effort with all key stakeholders; our rep, the architect, and the subcontractor.
RZ: This has got to be a trick question; I’ve been fortunate to be a part of so many great projects at Parasoleil that have really made an impact on the making of places. That said, Endeavour Elementary School is pretty cool, so is Planet Word. Both of these projects have had a profound impact on outside places that children use and interact within; something that it seems is more important now that ever.
What challenges do you face in your role as a Regional Sales Manager?
BT: As a regional manager we need to give a lot of support to many people involved in our projects. We work with the architect, end user, general contractor, reps, and Parasoleil internal team to make sure we provide the best service and quality products. Each one of our project partners and customers have different concerns at times that we need to address.
JB: Managing time so we can be more proactive in sales along with managing the various relationships; architects, GC’s, subcontractors, reps. Each have different hot button issues and different aspects of the project that are important to them.
RZ: I think the number one challenge for me is always working to maintain alignment in our core strengths and values while also delivering on our customer’s needs and vision, whether it be a handful of panels in an outdoor kitchen or a several thousand square foot parking structure cladding project.
How has the Sales process and team evolved over time?
BT: We have changed as a company and are continuing to grow. We will continue to look at larger projects and projects that other companies cant perform. Our process inside will keep changing to meet the demand.
JB: We have brought on some very talented sales team members in order to split up the US into three regions which also helps us manage our independent rep network. We’ve streamlined our sales estimating and booking process and added a project management team which frees up our Regional Manager’s to focus on more sales related activities.
RZ: Our sales processes, like pretty much every aspect of life over the past 18 months, has evolved to include much less face-to-face interaction while still striving for meaningful interaction and engagement with the design community and our other clients.
Tell us one thing people don’t know about you.
BT: I love to spend time with family and friends. I am a very loyal person who enjoys lending a hand or encouragement to help people reach goals. I think it’s my football days, but I really like see people and teammates I care about succeed.
JB: I used to be a heavy equipment operator (Dozers, crawlers, Excavators) for an excavating company.
RZ: Mowing my lawn is one of my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy gardening, and by gardening, I mean digging holes and planting things where my wife tells me.
