BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Accomplished sales executive Ryan Avery has joined Filmtools, Inc. as its Director of Business Development, a new unit that will be responsible for building advanced retail and international distribution capabilities.
For the past 6 years, Avery has been sales manager at Schneider Optics where he managed a dealer network covering the US, Canada and Europe and where he was responsible for developing business in broadcast, rental and film production markets.
“Ryan’s experience in our target markets is a critical factor,” said Filmtools’ CEO Stan McClain. “From his work at trade shows, on set visits and in social media, he has developed a terrific end-user network. Combining his expertise with our established presence in the industry will certainly help advance our near term growth objectives.”
Filmtools recently took steps to accelerate its growth through a strategic alliance with Paladin Capital Partners. The plan includes expansion of the company’s business development and sales functions as well as an aggressive effort to create a larger presence in markets overseas.
“These are goals that Ryan relates to and we are happy to have him on board,” McClain said.
Prior to his time at Schneider, Avery managed the professional sales department for Samy’s Camera in Orange County California. From 1996-2004, he was a store manager for Ritz Camera where he later was put in charge of multiple store locations.
Avery is a 2000 graduate of Hope International University who received his MBA in 2009 from The University of Phoenix. He also engaged in legal studies for a time at Pepperdine School of Law.
Along with Avery, the new Filmtools’ Business Development Unit will include Nick Lampke, who is manager of business development.
About Filmtools
Founded in 2000, Filmtools sells filmmaking equipment and supplies to the motion picture industry. Many of the company’s customers are production departments including camera, grip, electric and sound. In addition the company serves all the major film studios in Hollywood and throughout the world, and independent filmmakers and film students.
The Company’s retail store is located in Burbank, California and its online store is at www.filmtools.com. Filmtools has continuously been ranked by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Los Angeles County. CEO Stan McClain has worked on more than 500 commercials and more than 150 motion pictures and television shows, primarily as an aerial cinematographer.