Ryan D Means
Welcome to my site, take a look around and get to know me better!
My wife, Libby, and I were married on a Princess Cruise in 2018. We love to travel, especially to beaches. In April of 2022 we welcomed our son, Hayes, into our world. While Hayes has had some difficult days in his short life, he has also taught us a joy we never knew possible, and is a constant reminder that it is possible to be positive in all situations, no matter how bad things may look, feel or seem.
In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, photography and videography, and spending time with our 2 dogs and occasional foster dogs/puppies on our mini-farm. I also spend a large amount of time studying emerging technologies, learning new software, and even teaching myself some coding and web technology. I am passionate about UI/UX, with experience using Adobe XD and more recently Figma, with which I have designed various app and website interfaces.
I have had a wide variety of positions over my career, in a broad range of industries. Currently, I am the Director of Education and Engagement for an SaaS company in the Real Estate sector. This position encompasses a wide variety of roles and affords me the ability to hone a vast array of skills and knowledge, while also having the opportunity to impact a broad range of projects. Prior to accepting my current position I was an IT Trainer for a Real Estate brokerage, and before that I ran my own wholesale distribution business, which came with many benefits, but also many challenges that allowed me to grow and develop many skills that will be useful for the rest of my career. Before running my own company, I started my career as a shift manager at a local Ice Cream parlor, where I learned many of my management skills, eventually being promoted to Assistant Manager, and acting as General Manager during my GM's maternity leave. From there I took on many management roles, mostly specializing in Operations Management, Marketing and Technology.
In the sections below you will find samples of my training manuals and training videos. There is also a set of Skills and Abilities, which are links to additional info about how I gained the skill, a specific story about that skill, or something else to give you a better understanding of my abilities. After looking around, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Technical Writing & Design
Over the course of my employment as Director of Education and Engagement, as well as an IT Trainer, I have designed and written a wide variety of training manuals for an array of software platforms. Each manual was designed with our Com best practices and methodology in mind when determining the terminology and which features were presented. The 3 manuals selected represent a cross-section of what I have designed, and are intended to show my diversity of understanding in both high level business decisions and goals, as well as the lower level functionality to enable the Realtors to perform their best. I use a variety of software to create the manuals, including TechSmith's SnagIt, Microsoft's Visio, and Adobe's Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat.
FlexMLS Specialty Training Manual
Designed in 2014
In 2014, our local MLS switched the platform the Realtors used to access and maintain the listing database. The new system, FlexMLS, was a massive upgrade to what the agents were used to using, and required a vast array of training classes. In January of 2014, we held 36 "Basics" classes with a 100-page manual I co-designed. Later that year, I designed this "Specialty" manual to teach the agents, in conjunction with a series of 60-minute training classes and training videos, how to go above and beyond what they were taught in Basics.
Contactually - Getting Started
Designed in 2018
One of the most important pieces of software for any salesperson, although it is especially important for Realtors, is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management). I designed this manual to use in conjunction with a 90-minute "Getting Started" ILT session. The session was intended to assist the agents with a variety of tasks including; setting up their profiles and email signatures, linking their email, phones and calendars with their new CRM, teaching them enough about the software to get started using it, and most importantly, getting the system working for their business.
SkySlope
Designed in 2017
Another important software for Realtors and Brokerages alike is Transaction Management software. In 2017, our Brokerage decided to go paperless with our transaction management and enable better compliance management at the same time. This manual was intended to teach the Realtors how to store their contracts and other important documents, safely. We also used this system with various document checklists to ensure all listings and transactions had all legally required documents.
Instructional Video Sample
Segment of a 6.5 minute video recorded in 2019
Recorded in front of a green screen, this was one of a series of videos teaching Realtors how to automate Market Reports to their contact database. I have written, recorded and edited numerous videos of varying complexity, complete with high quality audio, multiple camera feeds, and other assets.
