
Meet this month’s corporate team spotlight, Dan Bradt, District Manager! Dan was nominated for the spotlight by his peer, Kim, who said, “When I started with SAM he was a store manager and trained me and was always there for ongoing support. He has continued to grow with SAM and still is an ongoing great asset to our company.” Get to know Dan in the Q&A below!
Q: Can you introduce yourself and provide some background on your role within SAM? What are your primary responsibilities and areas of expertise?
A: My name is Dan Bradt, and this February marks 14 years with SAM. I started as a part‑time Assistant Store Manager and worked my way up to Store Manager, Trainer, District Manager in Training, and now District Manager—a role I’ve proudly held for the past three years. My primary responsibilities include overseeing site operations and staff within my district, while developing employees in sales, management, and overall industry knowledge. Some may call me a SiteLink expert, but I believe my true expertise is in people—developing and leading teams to reach their full potential.
Q: What attracted you to this role and our company?
A: Fourteen years ago, I made a complete career change after spending ten years with a photography company. I was responsible for developing and training photographers, but with limited opportunities for further growth, I began searching for my next step. I came across a SAM job posting in the newspaper and felt it could be the opportunity I was looking for. During my phone interview with our CEO, Alyssa, the passion and enthusiasm she had for the company is what sold me. At the time, SAM managed just 22 properties on the East Coast, and joining the team felt like the right move.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at SAM? Is there a specific aspect of your job or the company culture that you find particularly rewarding?
A: What I enjoy most about SAM is the family‑oriented culture we all share and the opportunity to develop people. Watching employees grow and knowing I played a part in their success is incredibly rewarding.
Q: Has a memorable life lesson or advice shaped your outlook or approach to life and work?
A: My approach to life and work is simple: embrace change. If you want to be great at something, you have to be willing to fail without losing enthusiasm. Rise up, keep moving forward, and trust the process. Nothing compares to the feeling of overcoming a challenge you once thought impossible. If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.
Q: Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy pursuing in your free time?
A: Outside of work, I love spending as much time as I can being silly with my kids. We dress up in costumes, run around, create stories, explore, and learn new things together. And between April and October, if I’m not with my family or at work, you’ll find me on the golf course.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
A: A fun fact about me: I’ve been a die‑hard Buffalo Bills fan my entire life. Go Bills!
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
A: To me, success isn’t just about the next promotion—it’s about growth, learning, and helping others succeed along the way. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your career is a journey, not a race. Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to take chances. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to grow while supporting others on their own path.