Rodney Strong received the honor of being named Wine Enthusiast’s American Winery of the Year in 2013. Introduced in 2000, each year the Wine Enthusiast honors those that have impacted the wine and spirits industry with their Wine Star Awards. With the designation of American Winery of the Year, the Wine Enthusiast has recognized Rodney Strong’s commitment to quality, luxury and Sonoma County.

Lead, develop and drive sales, planning & trade marketing strategy for top strategic off premise accounts across grocery, mass, drug and club channels. This leadership team position oversees nearly 38% of the company's annual volume contribution. Responsibilities include leading all annual planning, off premise program development and direct oversight of all team sales functions. Achievements include a 2015 sales revenue trend improvement of 9% and improved year-over-year retailer programming inclusion.

Operate $60MM in annual sales revenue for the national Kroger wine business. Responsible for total portfolio strategy, sales initiatives and trade development of our global brand portfolio including Beringer, Chateau St. Jean, Lindeman's and Penfolds. Manage a diverse cross functional team of talented individuals. P&L responsibilities with a sharp focus on profit mix and effective trade spend. Early results include: - Improved 2 year CAGR for profit and case volume with a +15pt trend change in year one - Grew case share versus competition in key price segments - BuIlt ROI evaluation model and demonstrated advanced return rates on key sales initiatives

Led national Kroger sales team and built a proven track record of winning. Managed new item sales operations strategy to prioritize strategic national accounts. Directed business process development for our extended leadership team. Organized national programming against the iconic brands Coors Light, Miller Lite, High Life & Blue Moon. Delivered against national sales volume, profit and distribution goals.

This leadership team position formulates all sales and marketing strategic planning initiatives for the Northeast Region. Provide strategic leadership to six General Managers and one Regional Chain Director through annual and trimester planning. Ensure delivery of company goals and expectations. Set cadence for region, chain, and distributor planning timelines and deliverables. Drive commercial mindset with key stakeholders identifying profit pool opportunities and managing budget allocations.

Managed nearly two million cases of volume in three regions, across seven states, and thirty one wholesalers. Drove gains of a combined +1.0 Nielsen share and dollar volume gains of $1.95MM in 2009 outperforming the category by 3.2%. Developed retailer specific programming that drove consumer engagement and increased velocity. Managed tactical and sales support budgets to drive positive ROI. Established retailer price promotions and merchandising planners for monthly chain priorities. Led distributor execution initiatives resulting in improved back room stock and reduction of out of stock occurrences. Selected achievements include:  Increased effective market assortment by 1584 PODs, 4x that of any competitor  Revitalized stagnant retail sales performance trends through improved processes  Introduced space planning procedures to reduce retailer stock issues, optimize effective assortment, and improve profitability with focus against velocity and margin packs  Earned 2009 company award for “Pride & Integrity

ELJ is an international company producing and distributing such products as Presidente Beer with dominant share in the Dominican Republic and selling over 1 million cases in the US annually. Managed all business functions of two New York wholesalers in this four tier market representing 400K case equivalents. Implemented monthly business review process. Oversaw sales support and tactical budgets. Managed three diverse direct reports with a comprehensive performance management approach. Reviewed all forecasting, orders, and depletions. Introduced a new 7oz package which accounted for 11% of the annual profit mix. Selected achievements include:  Reduced variable shipping costs by negotiating a new overseas shipping solution  Focused wholesalers against higher margin packs which delivered improved long term profitability

OBoening Brothers Incorporated has been a leading Miller Brewing Company wholesaler on Long Island, NY for over 100 years.Developed account base in eastern Suffolk County. Improved sales trends by effectively managing an extensive portfolio of over twenty five brand franchises. Developed relationships with external business partners. Increased distribution base with key customers.