New Hire Spotlight: Blake Harvey, Business Development Manager

What drew you to the Business Development Manager position at Red Team?

In my previous role as a consultant, I was able to talk to clients and solve their complex issues by using analytical methods. Most of my day-to-day consisted of sitting in front of a computer, but I found I thoroughly enjoyed—and got the most energy from—speaking with clients, talking through their issues, and providing input. Since client interactions weren’t a large part of my day, I decided to transition my career into sales so I could spend more time doing what I enjoy! Being a very ambitious person, the business development manager position sounded like a great fit for me due to the high amount of responsibility and ability to grow my network in the government contracting industry. After meeting the leadership team through the recruitment process, I felt very confident in the future of Red Team and felt it would be a great place to work. A challenging position at a growing company drew me to the position at Red Team.

What are you most looking forward to in your new position?

Learning as much as I can. I believe in continuous learning and never getting complacent. I am looking forward to learning the ropes of a sales career and expanding my knowledge of the federal contracting space.

Have you always lived in the DC Metro area? If not, what drew you to the area?

I was born and raised in Leesburg, VA, graduated from Loudoun County High School, and completed my undergrad at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. After college, I was naturally drawn back to the DC Metro area since most of my friends and family are close by.

What are your interests outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy the outdoors. Whether that be doing something active like hiking, fly fishing, cycling, running, golfing, relaxing and going to the beach, boating at Smith Mountain Lake, sitting by the pool, or firing up some charcoal and grilling. I just love to be outdoors.

In the past 5 years, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned?

I’ve learned that you always need at least one mentor or “coach,” and preferably a few. The best athletes in the world have coaches and I think a mentor is extremely valuable when trying to navigate your career and make the big life decisions.

What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?

A perfect day would be sleeping in, cooking a big breakfast and making some coffee, then going on a hike or just hanging out by the pool. After that I’d make a quick lunch and go to the gym and get a great workout in. To end the day, I would fire up the grill and have some friends over for drinks and dinner.

If you could be an animal, what would it be and why?

I would be an elephant so that I would always have a group of friends around me, be able to eat all day long, and of course never forget anything!

Tell us 3 things most people don’t know about you…

1. I used to have a lazy eye until I got surgery on my 6th birthday to get it fixed.

2. I have family in northern Italy that I have never met but plan on visiting soon.

3. I love to cook and enjoy learning how to cook new cuisines and dishes — most recently I learned how to make pizza! I’m not much of a baker though…