1stFive Close-Ups: Screenvision's Kevin Fritts and Mike Bauman

Given that Kevin (pictured at right) and Mike have different job responsibilities, distinct life experiences, divergent approaches to their careers and unique personalities they are similar in what sets them apart from the pack: They both embody the values and competitive spirit of the Screenvision Media brand, and they embrace the power of relationships, innovation, collaboration, passion and the magic of storytelling.

Kevin grew up in Dallas and graduated from Fairfield University with a degree in communications.  He followed his brother's footsteps into the media ecosystem where he started his career as assistant buyer for two years at Initiative, working on the Hyundai/Kia account.  It was in this role that he first met Andrew Gyves and Christine Martino, who head up National Sales at Screenvision Media.  He became hooked on the platform and their collaborative style. (His LinkedIn profile tells more.)

Kevin's enthusiasm for cinema coupled with his agency experience intrigued Andrew. However, what ultimately sold him was Kevin's astute understanding of teamwork, stemming from time as a Division 1 Varsity Lacrosse player at Fairfield University.  He quickly earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and resourceful solutions provider and, of course, a goal-oriented team player.  According to Andrew, Kevin instantly knew how to contribute to the sales team -- where no assignment is too large or small for him.  "Kevin is passionate about our product and consistently looking to overturn new opportunities -- and he is determined to make the Screenvision National Sales team a contender," Andrew noted. 

"Playing lacrosse for my entire life taught me that to be successful and be your best you have to be willing to put in the time and effort," Kevin explained.  "By starting as an assistant buyer, I was constantly observing and communicating with the sales side of the business, which made me realize that it would be a good fit for me, so I made the switch.  I can see myself growing within Screenvision, as in my experience the leadership and mentorship is unparalleled."

Like Kevin, Mike (pictured at left) embodies similar personality traits and a strong work ethic.  He came to Screenvision Media from Central Michigan University where he was a broadcast major and a member of the National Broadcasting Society, Film Society and Intramural Hockey Team.  His first job out of college was with CBS Radio where he grew local media partnerships in the Greater Detroit area.  He was recruited to Screenvision and ultimately hired into what Jai Ramakrishnan, Vice President of Local Sales (Mid-West), described as a creative, client solutions role.  His LinkedIn profile summary best describes why Mike is a standout: "Delivering the most dynamic impression on the market, in front of the best programming on the planet."  Like Kevin, Mike lives his "brand."

In addition to being self-starters, team players and creative problem-solvers, Mike and Kevin are making themselves masters of media, which is essential as ad sales becomes increasingly competitive in the multi-platform, multi-channel, multi-media world.  They both understand that to succeed in this space they must be passionate students of all platforms.

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