Brent Van Dyke

EXPERIENCE

Blackwalnut llc | AUG 2023 – Present
Director of Projects and Production

Blackwalnut is an Emmy award-winning fabrication studio that creates scenic environments for television, exhibits, live events, brand activations and theater. Focusing mainly on broadcast news and sports sets, you have more than likely seen our work on tv during the Olympics, your preferred news station and Presidential debates.

• Regularly coordinate with clients and department heads to align project timing and deliverables: drafting dept, purchasing, fabrication director, install teams, project reporting and client communication.

   

• Directly manage an admin staff of 6 people including project managers, purchasing and billing departments

   

• Manage sales pipeline, developing new leads, manage RFP’s, perform estimating and take offs, contract writing  and invoicing, along with project reviews and P&L reports

   

• Directly project manage projects above the $800K mark and coordinate multiple projects at once.

  
  Portfolio: www.blackwalnut.tv

ARCH Production & Design NYC | MAY 2015 – 2023
Managing Partner, Creative Director

ARCH is a custom design and fabrication studio that focuses on interactive exhibits, immersive environments, and experiential activations. ARCH can  bring any request to life!

• Successfully doubled company growth for five consecutive years, reaching new heights in revenue and market presence.
• Created and implemented brand identity that resonated with clients, leading to increased brand recognition.
• Designed and programmed the company website, optimizing SEO for improved online visibility and lead generation.
• Directly contributed to $2.7 million in sales during 2019 through effective leadership and client engagement.
  

Leadership and Management:

• Daily operations oversight, leading a diverse team of 15+ professionals, including draftspersons, engineers, sales teams, project managers, programers, management staff, fabricators, and crew members.
• Pioneered the establishment of a sales department, crafting sales materials, standard contracts, and training programs.
• Provided comprehensive project management and production leadership, ensuring seamless project execution company wide.
  

Strategic Planning and Execution:

•  Developed and refined protocols for estimating, material orders, logistics, vendor coordination, and inventory control, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Orchestrated design packages, production plans, and quality control processes to ensure consistent and high-quality deliverables.
• Created administration protocols for HR, payroll, and billing, streamlining internal processes and compliance.

Client Relationships and Creative Direction:

• Nurtured and maintained client relationships, delivering creative direction for design, theme, and fabrication.
• Presented bid packages and project reports to clients, showcasing the company’s expertise and project feasibility.

Notable Clients:

• Nike, Gucci, IDL Worldwide, Museum of Sex, Museum of Ice Cream, Eatscon Food Festival, SGK, and others.
  
  Portfolio: www.arch-nyc.com/work/

PINKS, NYC
Lead Producer, Brand Developer, F&B Manager

OCT 2014 – MAY 2015
Led the branding, design, and fabrication production for the opening of an East Village venue with biker/hotrod stylings. Project included brand vision, custom prop fabrication and sourcing, interior esthetic design, F&B implementation, and building systems installation.

Mysteryland USA, Bethel, NY —Production Manager
APR 2014 – OCT 2014 & APR 2015 – OCT 2015
On-site coordination and logistics management of 20+ immersive art installations for a large music and arts festival during its annual residency at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

The Slipper Room, NYC — Logistics / Scenic Production Manager

JAN 2013- FEB 2014
Design development and production of a 40s burlesque-themed performing arts theater and lounge. Floor plan design layout, interior design, tech design and install, F&B service design and layout, prop creation, decor, and finishing installation.

PEX Summer Festival, NYC — Event Producer

SUMMERS 2012 – 2014
Concept creation, scenic fabrication, installation, and on-site management of a 6K sq ft immersive theatrical experience for the annual summer event.

2012 Festival /   2013 Festival /  2014 Festival

Escape to New York Festival, South Hampton, NY —Producer

AUGUST 2011
Responsible for the concept, scenic design, fabrication, and installation of the main stage set, cocktail bar, and lounge. 

Flavorpill, NYC — Sales Associate

2009
Digital sales and customer acquisition for an online cultural magazine.

Various, NYC  — Mixologist to Brand Ambassador

2001- 2011

Over a decade of experience in NYC’s hottest clubs, hotel bars and restaurants. From lead bartender to F&B manager, my service industry knowledge, leadership and sales skills combined to lead into ambassadorship for well known spirit brands.

Highlighted Bars: 

EDUCATION

Middle Tennessee State University
2001 BFA
Music Production and Business (major),
Music Theory (minor)
with additional focus in  Acting and  Theater Technical Design

Billi Shakes, NYC — Brand Manager & Music Producer
Brand management, stage show development and scenic design, original composition, live on-stage  performer, and recording engineer.
www.billishakesmusic.com/music/

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