Life & Work with Ryan Glass

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Glass. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Ryan Glass, CEO of Blazin’ M Ranch, has been working in outdoor hospitality and family entertainment for the past four years. Prior to his work in this field, Ryan was a teacher and film/TV director and producer. Over the course of the past four years, Ryan has operated the Blazin M Ranch, an award-winning Chuckwagon Dinner Theatre and Wild West Town located next to Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Prior to acquiring the property from Dan and Lori Mabery in 2021, Ryan, his wife Leila, and his father, Peter, were developing an RV Campsite in Prescott called Honeyland Park.

They spent much time diligently researching RV Camping, Family Entertainment, and Glamping Industries. They hired several consulting firms to educate them while developing Honeyland Park, learning along the way about costs, build-out needs, and marketing and branding strategies. Fortunately and unfortunately, after much research and development work had already been completed, Honeyland park was not meant to be. The Glass team turned their focus towards Cottonwood and the surrounding Verde Valley to be the new home for their park. While researching new land sites, they stumbled across the sale of the Blazin’ M Ranch. The Ranch was a perfect start for an entertainment campground that they had been envisioning for the past two years. After the purchase, they successfully reopened the Blazin’ M Ranch from a 16-month hiatus due to COVID-19. They also began developing a glamping resort on part of the 9-acre parcel with the support of the City of Cottonwood and several consultants, land planners, and architects. In 2022, the Blazin’ M Ranch catered to over 24,000 paying customers for the Chuck Wagon Dinner Theater. They also planned and coordinated spring, summer, and fall festivals that attracted close to 15,000 additional guests from the local community. In 2023, Ryan and his team at Blazin’ M Ranch will be approaching the City of Cottonwood to secure the entitlements for a 26-unit Wild-West-themed glamping project called “Dream West”.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As Robert F. Kennedy said, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly”.

Of course, the road has had its share of obstacles and challenges along the way; from re-opening after a pandemic to balancing budgets to engaging with customers whose expectations may not have been met… it’s all been an opportunity for learning and growth.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Ryan Glass started his post-collegiate career as a Producer and Director for Film and Television projects. As early as age 23, Ryan was navigating the boardrooms of HBO, NBC, and other large production and distribution companies negotiating contracts and pitching projects. Always an avid world traveler, Ryan left his work in the US to help run a post-production and special effects facility in Hyderabad, India. Upon his return to the states, Ryan decided to take a hiatus from the world of entertainment to turn towards his other passion of teaching. Working in the South Bronx in the second poorest school district in the country, Ryan worked for 6 years as a High School Algebra teacher where he was able to positively affect the lives of several hundred students.

Always pursuing additional education, Ryan attended Columbia University’s Teachers College where he received a second Master’s Degree in School Leadership. After working in several other school positions including Assistant Principal, Ryan decided he needed a change of pace. He left the school system eager to put back on his entrepreneurial hat. In 2021 he, and his family, purchased the Blazin’ M Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner Theatre in Cottonwood, Arizona. Ryan is most proud of his role as husband to his wife Leila, and Dad to their three kids, Nico, Jewels, and Charm. He strives to lead with courage and kindness and to bring balance to every opportunity or challenge he encounters

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Ryan’s primary mentor is his father, Peter.

Although Ryan has spent years learning from various dedicated and diligent leaders, it is his relationship with his Dad to which he owes his ability to pursue his passion and have a purpose. Peter’s years as a researcher has inspired Ryan’s curiosity. Peter’s time as a chairman and Chief Medical Officer of large businesses, running multi-million dollar budgets has provided much experience for Ryan to lean on as CEO of Blazin’ M Ranch. Most of all, it is Peter’s generosity and quiet, caring leadership style that has shaped most of Ryan’s style as a leader himself.

Pricing:

• Adults = $67 plus tax
• Seniors = $57 plus tax
• Children = $39 plus tax
• Group Pricing available for parties of 20 or more

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blazinm.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblazinm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesternExperienceAtBlazinMRanch
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blazin-m-ranch-cottonwood

Image Credits
Blushing Cactus Photography