Benjamin Watkins Email & Phone Number

Texas, United States

- Spearheaded comprehensive engagement strategies, acting as the primary point of contact for Congressional staffers, community leaders, and stakeholders, ensuring veteran resources were effectively communicated.- Led advocacy efforts, shaping public opinion on critical issues impacting veterans through presentations, events, and targeted campaigns.- Orchestrated high-profile events, such as town hall meetings, that expanded organizational visibility and strengthened community relationships.- Utilized data analytics tools to assess constituent engagement, providing leadership with actionable insights and improving outreach efficiency.

Northern Texas And Oklahoma

- Planned and executed over 470 local and regional events for post-9/11 veterans, maintaining a 98% approval rating and improving the quality of life for alumni and their families.- Managed a $100k annual budget for event execution and outreach activities, driving engagement with over 8500 veterans in the region.- Co-developed the gaming program and Project Odyssey (tabletop adventure-based initiative), expanding program offerings for veterans.

Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa

Place VR is a revolutionary new approach to economic development that harnesses emerging 360º video to create immersive experiences that drive business and workforce recruitment. As a division of Golden Shovel Agency, our productions combine a depth of experience in both virtual reality production and economic development to bring to life an entirely new strategy for leading edge development organizations. Immerse prospects in a virtual familiarization tour of your community, showcase available sites or engage prospective workers via a website, smartphone or at a trade show booth.

Southlake, Texas, United States

Teaching Storytelling, Video Editing, Videography, and other Motion Picture and Television courses

United States

• Winner of 2015 Emmy Award for Historical Documentary of WWII Nuremberg Trials Typist Larry Tillemans.• Telling stories of inspiration and truth. Starting from the concept of the story in preproduction, through production, and bringing everything to fruition in postproduction and distribution.• Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.• Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.• Strategic and operational planning of project budget, time, resources, and marketing.• Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of worldwide staff and oversee their activities.• Initiate market research studies or analyze their findings.• Consult marketing agencies on product specifications, such as design, color, or packaging.• Produced over 1500 productions with over 20 Virtual Reality 360 projects this year.• Partner with other Production companies and Advertising Agencies for content creation for the following.o PBSo March of Dimeso African Women’s Allianceo and many more

Saint Cloud

• Instructed residential and online courses to 10 – 30 traditional and non-traditional students each quarter, teaching Mobile App Development, Storytelling, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, Digital Video, Website design, HTML and CSS, and Marketing.• Used differentiated instruction for each student to help understand industry standards and real-world applications. • Coach students to best perform on assignments, tests, and real-life situations.• Assess student learning, provide feedback and support, and refer students for additional support when necessary.• Create and maintains course materials in compliance with College and regulatory requirements.• Facilitates highly effective and engaging learning environments in various teaching modalities, including residential, online, FLEX, and FLAT, meeting the diverse needs of learners.• Teaching Professionalism by:o modeling professional behavior and communication with students.o exhibiting appropriate behavior, language, demeanor, and dress.o collaborating with student support personnel providing academic and professional guidance.• Research and utilize digital content in courses to connect students to more resources• Utilize online grade books and communication techniques to further engage students in their learning; use online database tools for communicating with campus personnel and documenting necessary information• Participate in community service and College In-Service Training Programs and meetings. • Participate in professional organizations and professional development activities, including webinars, seminars, and conferences in the field of study.• Develop, review and adhere to academic policies and procedures for the College.• Actively participate in advisory boards, student organizations, and system committees.• Create, implement and evaluate an annual professional development plan.• Subject Matter Expert on course creation.

Saint Cloud, Mn

As the Business Development Specialist at DAYTA Marketing, I collaborated with the Business Development team on generating and managing leads. This included creating, building and maintaining relationships with potential clients within DAYTA Marketing’s ideal industries.•Assisted in 40% growth of the company from Q2-Q3.•Made over 300 calls to business each month.•Generated over 24 leads each month.•Set over 12 Sales meetings each month with potential clients.•Logged interactions and communication in Pipedrive CRM.•Assisted in developing the position's goals, standards, and duties.

Waite Park, Minnesota

• Warmly welcome guests when they come to the showroom and create a strong friendly relationship.• Provide exceptional service throughout the guest’s experience.•Communicate effectively both in-person and over the phone to discover the customer's wants and needs.•Clarify wants and needs through open-ended and springboard questions.•Understanding what the guest wants, present the Car model according to customer ‘s taste and preferences.•Navigate and use various provided computer programs as selling tools.•Consult and guide guest to the appropriate next step based on their situation.•Facilitate steps of the sale, such as the vehicle appraisal process, taking test drives, and submitting finance applications.•Advise guest regarding payment options; loans and leasing banking terms.•Negotiate delivery and price variations.•Educate guest on how to use acquired vehicles after delivery.•Maintain a working knowledge of products and appropriately recommending them to guests.• Read, collect, and transcribe data in order to complete accurate paperwork.•Seek out opportunities for self-development, participate in training, and welcome performance feedback.•Maintain Manufacturer training compliance and certifications.•Build and maintain strong relationships and demonstrate excellent teamwork.•Maintain the sales area so vehicles and products are neatly and accurately displayed.•Established relationships with new customers –Maintained contact with existing customers through meetings, emails and by phone.•Update management daily; record of sales, appointments, and orders.•Track progress of existing orders by contacting or liaising with suppliers.•Maintain familiarity with used cars and stay updated regarding competitor’s products.•Keep up to date on changes in pricing, leasing programs, different incentives, campaigns, and tradeshows.•Placed top 25 Salespeople in the Luther Automotive Group.

Saint Cloud

• Managed a team of 12 fraud investigators.• Supervised the daily workflow of Fraud Operations including Suspicious Activity Report (SAR's) referrals, fraud alerts and surveillance, investigation documentation, or other fraud processes.• Assisted in strategically assigning cases to fit each team member's strengths to clear a 400+ case backlog in less than 60 days.• Focused on minimizing operational and fraud risk.• Participated in projects in a fraud advisory capacity.• Handled escalated fraud issues to minimize customer and/or business impact and fraud losses.• Ensured department compliance with Suspicious Activity Reporting and Elder Abuse reporting deadlines.• Assessed internal and external fraud trends to make recommendations on additional controls.• Traveled as needed to successfully perform position responsibilities.• Lead and coached verbal/non-verbal communication skills.• Research and made appropriate decisions regarding complex cases.• Presented ideas and information across all levels effectively with in-house members and vendors.

St. Cloud, Minnesota Area

• Lead Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity team meetings for 12 departments. • Lead departmental cross-training sessions for over 350 employees.• Wrote security articles for the in-house newsletter.• Create Video and Photo documentation for internal and external use.• Created Sales pitch videos that generated multimillion dollar contracts with a %90 close rate.• Set up Audio Video systems and maintained functionality by upgrading as needed.• Assisted clients in producing content to create media buzz for upcoming print releases.• Created FTP (File Transfer Protocol) accounts for Clients and Vendors to upload print material for production.• Automated FTP account personalization protocol.• Created and maintained Standard Operations Procedures (SOP's).• Addressed non-routine and difficult inquiries to maintain production by investigating alternative methods of maintenance (preventative, predictive, and emergency), and installations.• Implemented, instructed and supported Virtual meeting software.• Implemented LEAN practices by automating process cutting pre-production time by %40.• Worked with outside vendors for purchasing, installation, and implementation of equipment and software.• Maintained weekly critical software updates to prevent Millions in company financial losses.• Provide data-flow support for various systems.• Maintain systems critical to in-house data processing.• Implemented new personalization technologies.• Utilize remote server admin tools to maintain a high level of availability for services.• Work with multiple OS to include Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10.• Utilize Active Directory for users and computer access.• Log all requests for assistance in Help Desk program; supply reports and root cause analysis to IT Leader.• Installed anti-virus and malware software to prevent infection.• Quarantined infected devices, investigate off the network, clean or wipe device per need.• Maintained iOS-based smartphones, and tablets.

Minnesota

• Under the supervision of the Creative Services Manager responsible for producing audio/video advertisement for contracted clients and in-house productions while meeting quality industry and federal standards specifically set for content and technical requirements. • Lead and supervised script writing, taping, editing, and directing commercials for advertisement sales and Local Origination clients with remote teams located in different offices. • Oversaw preparation of sets for production to include location scouting, set design, lighting design, auditioning actors, costumes, and props needed for spot productions, productions for industrial clientele, and local origination productions. • Operated video equipment required for production, including lights, cameras, dolly, jib, slider, audio and switching equipment.• Worked with Business owners and CEO’s to create content that drove business.• Maintained over $500k in equipment by cleaning lenses, gears, and replacing common wear and tear items.• Produced nearly 1300 productions.• Contributed to the company vision of being the industry leader in customer service by delivering quality and timely content for both internal and external customers.• Joined and participated in industry activities as well as local volunteering.• Central Minnesota Make the Water Connection volunteer to educate and instruct High School students in creating local PSA’s centered around water conservation.• Recognized quarterly for outstanding work.• Meet production schedules and deadlines and performed other duties as requested by supervisor.

Production company that became All Things Possible LLC in late 2010

Arden Hills, Mn

• Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.• Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.• Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.• Confer with legal staff to resolve copyright infringement or royalty sharing problems.• Trained team in omnichannel strategies, integrated marketing programs, building marketing plans, content creation with all Adobe products, and other training as assigned.• Counseled, Coached, and provided bi-annual evaluations of direct reports.• Supervised and led the training of British and German PSYOPS leaders.• Leader and trainer of a 12-person Audio/Visual Team.• Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.• Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.• Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of marketing or sales staff and oversee their daily activities.• Consult with product development personnel on product specifications, such as design, color, or packaging.• Use sales forecasting or strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.• Negotiate contracts with vendors or distributors to manage product distribution, establish distribution networks, or develop distribution strategies.• Initiate market research studies, or analyze their findings.• Conduct economic or commercial surveys to identify potential markets for products or services.• Recommend modifications to products, packaging, production processes, or other characteristics to improve products' environmental soundness or sustainability.

Foley, Minnesota

• Supported people with disabilities in their homes.• Supported people with behavioral or physical challenges.• Fostered increased independence by coaching daily living skills. • Accompanied people as they pursued their normal daily activities.• Assisted with personal cares.• Cooked dinner, and assisted in all of the other daily living activities.• Overnight emergency care.• Administered medications under the supervision of RN Staff.• Daily and Hourly documented residents’ charts.

Willmar And Mankato Minnesota

• Communicated with news outlets about current films and reviews.• Wrote and posted movie times for voicemail and news release.• Distribute media kits and information packets to the appropriate audience.• Planned and coordinated special events for theatre rental and privet showings.• Maintained and updated Calendar to reflect current and upcoming events.• Assessed staffing needs and scheduled sufficient staff.• Managed, directed and trained over 70 employees.• Promoted, and coached employees as needed.• Conducted weekly staff meetings which increasing efficiency and reducing errors by 25%. • Counted safe, and registers before and after employee shifts to ensure the accuracy of funds.• Eliminated daily cash intake deposit errors by establishing an accountability and secure deposit protocol. • Created a positive customer service experience resulting in repeat customer visits.• Ran Movie Theater to include thread projectors, splice film, clean theaters, count stock, input stock into the computer, and nightly deposits.

• Up daily at dawn to do duties before going to school, then resumed duties after getting home. • Duties throughout the years grew as I did and included: • Feeding calves and milking cows using milking machinery. • As needed assisted in animal births, and then cared for newborn livestock.• Clean and disinfect buildings, yards, and remove manure.• Cleaned and sanitized milking equipment, storage tanks, collection cups, and cows' udders, and ensured that procedures were followed to maintain sanitary conditions for handling of milk.• Helped to control the spread of disease and parasites in herds, by using vaccination and medication, and by separating sick animals.• Helped maintain pastures to ensure that animals have enough feed, employing pasture-conservation measures such as arranging rotational grazing. • Purchase or make and store livestock feed.• Set up and operate farm machinery to perform crop production duties such as tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, harvesting, and hauling crops.• Lubricate, adjust, and make minor repairs to farm equipment, grease guns, and hand tools.• Assemble, position, and secure structures, and fences, using hand and power tools. • Maintain facilities such as fencing, water supplies, and outdoor housing and shelters.

Master Of Fine Arts (Mfa), Motion Pictures & Television, 3.986 Gpa

Activities and Societies: President's Honor List 2012 - 2014. Magna cum Laude.- Focused on Directing and Producing, learning all aspects.

Digital Video And Multi Media Production

- Studied advanced Digital Video and Multimedia Production techniques, including video editing, storytelling, and project management..

Information/Psychological Warfare And Military Media Relations

- Trained in Psychological Operations with a focus on media relations and market research to develop and deploy psychological tactics..

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Theatre And Dance, 3.15 Gpa

- Studied Theatre (Acting) and Dance, enhancing skills in public speaking, storytelling, and creative expression. - Developed strong.

Associate Of Arts - Aa, Speech And Theatre

- Studied Speech and Theatre along with general liberal arts courses, gaining foundational skills in public communication and performing.