The Rainmaker Academy Graduate Feature: Dennis Blanton
Dennis Blanton is a Shareholder and Practice Leader of LBMC’s Chattanooga office. He has broad-based experience obtained from working with closely held companies and their owners, primarily in the manufacturing, distribution, and service industries.
He completed The Rainmaker Academy in 2011. About his experience he says, “After spending the early years of my career without much formal training in the area of growing your business, I was fortunate to join LBMC. One of the first investments they made in me was to enroll me in the Rainmaker Academy. The instructors did a great job of helping me understand that development of a structured approach to growing business and helping clients was critical. Also, it was at Rainmaker that I learned the importance of understanding that “selling” is “helping”. That concept has stuck with me and been something I’ve tried to pass along to others. I don’t think its too much of a stretch to say that my experience with Rainmaker had a significant positive impact on my career.”
Throughout his years in both private industry and public accounting, Dennis has been exposed to a broad range of businesses, worked with many different business executives and owners, and experienced both challenges and triumphs. Those experiences helped him develop his ability to listen to people and understand their needs. By doing so he can then effectively address those needs by utilizing the resources of LBMC.
Dennis has been married for 38 years to his wife Monica and has three children, Alexander, Wes, and Miriam. He graduated from the University of Tennessee and is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He also enjoys volunteering with young adults, such as the YMCA where he currently serves as the Board Chairman, the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Gary Rollins College of Business at the University of Tn-Chattanooga, and TN Achieves as a mentor to high school students.
Dennis looks forward to retirement in May to enjoy more time golfing, hiking, playing pickleball, and cooking for his family.
Interested in exploring The Rainmaker Academy for your firm? Visit: https://therainmakercompanies.com/events/the-rainmaker-academy-2023-2024/
