Established more than one thousand years ago, Il Borro has ancient and mysterious origins, now lost in the mists of time. The estate’s event-filled history would go on to include some of Europe’s noblest families: the Medici Tornaquinici of Florence; the Torriani of Milan; the prince of Hohenlohe Waldenburg, and finally, from 1904, the Savoy dynasty. In the 1950’s, Il Borro passed to Prince Amedeo Duke of Savoy-Aosta, and in 1993 the Duke sold the entire property to Ferruccio Ferragamo.Ferruccio Ferragamo, aided by his son Salvatore Ferragamo (presently CEO of Il Borro) began extensive restoration and refurbishment of this ancient place, which still bore the scars of the World War II. At the heart of the entire restoration project was a desire to bring the estate back to life, preserving its traditions and history while embracing modern innovations that make this place a perfect continuum between past, present and future.The Il Borro estate is located about 45 minutes south of Florence within the Valdarno Valley of Tuscany (Valdarno di Sopra D.O.C). The Valdarno di Sopra D.O.C. designation was one of the original four wine appellations within Tuscany recognized by Cosimo de' Medici III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. In 1716, he issued an edict legislating the first official designations within Tuscany: Valdarno di Sopra; Chianti Classico; Carmignano and Pomino. Today, Valdarno di Sopra D.O.C. is working toward becoming the very first Italian wine denomination requiring organic production. At Il Borro, the conversion to organic farming began with the 2015 vintage and all the wines produced on the Il Borro estate are now exclusively made with certified organically grown grapes.

Serving as a leader, motivator and expert relative to the successful operation and execution of all Non-Perishable departments including: Dry Grocery, Dairy, Frozen Foods, Healthy Living, Beer & Wine and Bulk Foods. This position is responsible for ensuring that we delight our customers, satisfy our partners, and meet all company objectives. This position is also responsible for maintaining inventory controls, sales, payroll, merchandising, service, and quality standards. The majority of the time spent using independent judgment in making employment-related and business decisions including, but not limited to product and department related strategies, hiring, promoting, disciplining, suspending, discharging, rewarding or otherwise engaging in resolving employee related matters.

Positively impacted this department by offering solid analytical, communication and interpersonal skills to maximize sales and to provide customers with an exceptional shopping experience. Responsible for the total operations of the Wine Department and its financial results. Also responsible for developing and leading the retail sales team in providing customer service at the highest level with an enthusiastic culture of product knowledge, sincere customer service and professional salesmanship. Recognized with the following awards: 2014 Central Market Merchant of the Year; 2015 Central Market Merchant of the Year and the 2016 Non-Perishables Manager of the Year.

Responsibilities include overseeing the entire department operation. Also responsible for leading the retail sales team to provide customer service at the highest level. Additional duties include category management with an intense focus on ordering, receiving and inventory control.

Demonstrated the ability to lead others, not relying on a position of authority but one of influence, encouragement and clearly defined expectations. Successfully initiated a comprehensive and quantifiable developmental program for a seventy unit Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) retail chain. The instructional program specifically encouraged all General Managers and Area Supervisors to nurture an enthusiastic culture of product knowledge, sincere customer service and professional salesmanship. Implementation was then supported by inviting top qualifying leadership teams on worldwide excursions focusing on unique industrial related educational experiences. Also organized and initiated an effective inventory liquidation program. Actively Identified and liquidated $2.3 million (cost value) of distressed inventory throughout a four month company-wide promotion. This was accomplished through coordinated team efforts and direct communication with front line division leaders and multiple cross-functional departments.• Experienced corporate wine buyer skilled in Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (R.M.S), Advanced Receiving and Advanced Purchasing (R.I.T.E) and Retalon Inventory Forecasting and Management Tools. Highly skilled in wine evaluations with regards to quality and commercial value to make informed selections in a variety of situations. Adept in Bordeaux Futures, Bridge Buys, Replenishments, Private Label Development and Inventory Controls.• Passed the first three exams of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and became WSET Certified by completing the Advanced Certificate level with merit. This qualification gives a thorough understanding of the principal wines and spirits of the world and their commercial importance in the world’s market. This qualification also assists those who are required to make professional evaluations of wines and spirits with regards to their quality and commercial value.

Proven and successful track record of leading all the “business to consumer” marketing and advertising initiatives for this multi-unit retailer. Innovative with targeted marketing, sales, advertising and brand development utilizing a dynamic hands-on approach. Developed and executed an effective annual marketing strategy concurrently incorporating multi-platform and interactive advertising campaigns. All traditional and non-traditional advertising techniques were integrated into the overall marketing methodology. These unique multi-channel campaigns were created to align with the fundamental philosophies of the corporation under the direction of the President and Chief Operations Officer. Supervised an internal marketing team of two full-time professionals, plus an outside advertising agency while simultaneously controlling a marketing budget of $670,000.00. Project development and initiation was constantly focused on striving for the highest return on investment through creative concept development, motivational sales team training, vigorous media negotiations, and performance analysis of each promotion. Articulate and directive in ensuring a complete and comprehensive team understanding to successfully orchestrate multiple complex promotional activities with demanding and unyielding deadlines.• Knowledgeable and proficient in planning, negotiating and implementing every type of traditional advertising campaign including: TV, Radio, Newspaper, Magazine Ads, Billboards, Direct Mail, Brochures and Loyalty Card Programs. Skilled in creating, developing and executing almost all digital channel initiatives including: Email Design and Creation (HTML), Website Content Management (CMS), Social Media Copywriting and Brand Development through Twitter; LinkedIn, Facebook, Google, Groupon, YouTube and Local Celebrity Blogs.

Actively recruited to manage a brand new start-up concept wine retail store and engage it’s surrounding high income residential communities. Responsible for the total store operations including labor cost control, inventory management systems, purchase planning, sales team development and personnel training. Correspondingly Initiated effective internet based sales and grand opening promotions. Awarded the professional title of Certified Specialist of Wine.The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Exam is a rigorous assessment, which tests a candidate's wine knowledge and mastery of key elements within the worlds of viticulture and wine production. Specific topics tested included: Physiology of Taste; Wine Composition and Chemistry; Faults; Viticulture and Enology; Labels, Laws and Wine Regions; The U.S. Wine Industry; Food and Wine Pairing; Wine Etiquette and Responsible Beverage Alcohol Service.

Increased total annual wine sales at the flagship retail store within four years by personalizing and improving the comprehensive customer service experience. The category sales increase of 10.75% compares favorably to the industry's standardized annual increase of 8.3% during the same timeframe. Secondary responsibilities included training new wine consultants on how to maintain and achieve set corporate goals for increasing total wine sales and profitability. Also successfully graduated from the first exam administered by The Court of Master Sommeliers.The Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Course and Exam was administered over a two day period with candidates receiving intensive review, instruction and training by a team of Master Sommeliers. The exam is the first of four required steps to becoming a Master Sommelier. The Court’s intensive educational program guides aspiring Masters through four increasingly rigorous levels of coursework and examination, culminating in the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination, which only 190 individuals worldwide have completed successfully. The title of Master Sommelier is reserved only for individuals who have successfully completed all four levels of the Court of Master Sommeliers educational program.

Executed all restaurant operations under the direction and guidance of the General Manager. Hired, trained, and supervised a staff of over twenty people. Responsible for the entire alcoholic beverage ordering and control systems. Conscientiously increased the aggregate bar revenue by decreasing the wine costs from 41.28% to 33.91% and spirit costs from 20.58% to 14.91%