Blake Ashdown
2471 Overglen Court, East Lansing, Michigan, 48823 517.819.6643
OBJECTIVE Teaching Position, Entrepreneurship, Michigan State University.
PROFILE
Blake Ashdown a successful entrepreneur who has started 10 different businesses over the past
25 years. The scope of his business experience includes commercial and recreational real estate
development, sales, recreational vehicle dealerships, commercial real estate acquisitions and
investments, Hotel development and operations, consulting services including strategic planning,
marketing, and training.
· Combines academic know how with marketplace realities.
· Strong strategic thinker.
· Marketing professional.
· Outstanding speaker/communicator
· Excellent teaching skills.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1971- First National Corporation, Vice President, Marketing and Sales.
1980 First National, a holding company, was one of the largest land sales companies
in the nation during the 1960’s. My responsibilities included the development of all marketing and sales programs to liquidate an inventory of over 2,500 lots and over 500 acres at 35 subdivisions located throughout the US. Completed sell out in 1974.
1975 Became an equity partner in the company, responsible for all operations and the sales of The Woodlin Club and Leisure Lake Resort.
Assigned to oversee the acquisition and operations of the Woodlin Club, a tennis, swim and ski club, restaurant and banquet facility, located in Schenectady, New York. Negotiated the sale of the business 18 months later.
Developed the first condominium RV Resort in Michigan, Leisure Lake Resort,
425 units, sold out in 12 months.
1980 Founded Pacesetter Properties, Inc. Developed Cedar Shores, RV Resort Condominium
378 units, sold out 18 months.
1980 Strawberry RV Sales. Established 5 RV Dealerships throughout Michigan.
1983 Michigan Resort Properties, Inc. Resort real estate Marketing and Sales firm.
1985 Evergreen Properties, Inc. Land and Commercial Development firm.
Waldenwoods Resort, Deer Creek Resort, Lighthouse Village.
1990 Resort Properties South, Acquired 100 unit lake front condominium, Lake Wales FL.
Sold out in 10 months.
1992 Orlando Resort Group, acquired 65 acres bordering Walt Disney World Resort.
Developed and operated 150 Suite Resort Property and 450 site upscale RV Resort
Grew revenues from 0 to $6,000,000, including $2,000,000 NOI, in 60 months.
Sold business to Lehman Brothers in 1998.
1995 Acquired Turtle Lake Resort out of bankruptcy for $100,000, and sold 90 days later.
Very favorable price.
1997 SMART Team, Consulting services to large hospitality firms, including strategic
planning, marketing, branding, and training center. Three year consulting contract with
Lehman Brothers, to develop strategic planning for company’s 35 hospitality properties,
branding strategy, marketing programs and Leadership Development for the Company.
1998 Hospitality/RV University. Develop leadership development and training programs for the Hospitality and RV industry’s.
2000 Acquired 65 acres for development adjoining Walt Disney World Resort.
Sold the property in 2003 to British Development Firm.
2002 Emagineering, LLC Internet technology and web marketing firm. Emagineering
has acquired over 200 hotel and resort clients. The firm has developed web sites for each client, hosts individual web sites and provides internet marketing services.
My role is limited to providing capital and consulting services.
2005 Founded SureVista Solutions, LLC. Business Consulting Firm specializing in Business Development, Strategic Planning, Customer Satisfaction.
EXECUTIVE/CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
Frequent speaker at America Resort Development Association National Conventions.
Frequent Speaker at Coast to Coast National Conventions.
Frequent Speaker at National Association RV Resorts Conventions.
Frequent Speaker at Corporate Events and Meetings.
Recent Guest Speaker, MBA Course, Michigan State University.
Recent Guest Speaker, MBA Course, Spring Arbor College.
Strategic Planning Workshops in both the profit and non-profit sectors.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS, AFFILIATIONS AND BOARD SERVICE
Former Chairman, Michigan RV & Manufactured Housing Association.
Former Chairman, Michigan Vacation Ownership Council.
Former Board Member, Florida ARVC
Former Trustee, Lansing Christian Schools.
Chairman of the Board, Trinity Church.
Former Board Member, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Former Chairman, Board Member National Center for Fathering.
Licensed Real Estate Broker (not active).
Professional of the Year Award, presented by the American Resort Development Association.
Registered Resort Professional (RRP) designation by the American Resort Development Association.
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES
Business Forum, Unitia, Nigeria, 2003.
Tuymen Seminary, Tuymen Russia, 2004.
Education BA, Business Administration, Michigan State University.