Eric Mersch Email & Phone Number

Illinois, United States

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest (IL, WI, MN, IN, KS, MO, CO, NV) for a curated portfolio or premium spirits. Representing and growing the brands of the families and partners in our portfolio, establishing their presence and amplifying their voices, while adding clarity to an otherwise intimidating marketplace is my main goal. To do this, I focus on building and nurturing valuable, long-standing relationships with our distributor partners, customers and consumers while offering an authentic portfolio that exceeds the markets demands for specialized and high quality ingredients. Distributor management, sales, spirits and brand education are some of my skill that I use on a daily and weekly basis.

Illinois, United States

Responsible for evaluating and vetting new spirit brands for distribution within the state of Illinois, channel management for the craft portfolio in both the On and Off Premise as well as managing a team of 4 spirits sales consultants.

Greater Chicago Area

Responsible for the distribution of craft spirit brands along with brand development and education of sales representatives, buyers and consumers to build brand awareness and generate sales.

• Responsible for maintaining and growing 108 accounts in the Chicagoland market for the Diageo Portfolio.• Educated buyers on growing trends and new products within the beverage industry. Helped develop recipes for new products to help sell into accounts.• Skilled in providing customer service, order processing and cashier management.• Responsible for promotional negotiations with accounts for managed bar nights.• Provided guidance on cocktail menus and promotional print. Developed cocktails for menu.• Handled customer queries and complaints with patience and the ability to understand the customers concern.

• Perform educations on brand facts for consumers and gatekeepers in over 25 accounts per week.• Increase demand for brands as well as consumer/gatekeeper awareness through media outlets like; Facebook, Twitter & Foursquare.• Perform samplings of new products and gage consumer and gatekeeper reactions. Gain insight on gatekeeper and consumer trends.• Planned and executed special events for key gatekeepers within the market. These include but are not limited to brunches, roundtables, and happy hours.• Report on current POS and opportunities for new POS to be implemented within an account.• Activate key gatekeepers within the market by engaging them in industry related events.

Studying Hospitality and Hotel Management

• Increased sales on Tuesday nights by 10% by establishing a reliable customer base.• Responsibilities includes opening and closing of the bar, drawer check outs, comps, voids, and Bevin Co.• Helped cover shifts and train new staff for a new bar owned by the same company in the West Loop.• Over 1 year experience with Aloha POS system.• Bar is a neighbor hood bar/pub with a focus on gaining and retaining regulars, with good food, great drinks and quality service.

• Facilitated the implementation of a costing program to establish a profit margin and ultimately increase profitability of liquor sales. • Developed and maintained strong relationships with key contacts in radio and print businesses. • Negotiated trade deals and sponsorships for upcoming events with local businesses.• Managed the 72,000 square foot facility on a weekly basis. Handled customer complaints, scheduling issues, closing responsibilities, ordered liquor and beverage according to a strict budget. Restaurant averaged 2,500 customers per week and up to 5,000 during the holidays. Entertainment venue averaged another 500 plus in one weekend.• New product development: Collaborated with vendors and created a new drink menu, drink specials, and methods of promotions to increase sales.• Assisted in managing and planning live entertainment events.

• National Project Manager assistant whose responsibilities were to supervise asphalt, concrete and seal coat teams on the job site, handle and maintain customer relations on a day to day basis, help coordinate trucking and on site construction phasing in order to minimize loss of business during construction.• Worked for same company in the same position from May 2005- August 2005.

• Assisted in the opening of the club during the preconstruction phase.• Supervised staff of 15 regarding daily cleaning and maintenance responsibilities, the training of new staff, and mediated customer complaints.• Contributed to special event planning, sports tournaments, and health conferences.• Attended classes for CPR, AED, and First Aid certification.

Certificate, Entrepreneurship

Business Management and Entrepreneurship

B.A., Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Health

Activities and Societies: Phi Gamma Delta, Men's Volleyball, Men's Lacrosse. Psychology and Exercise Science

Bachelor'S Degree, Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies

Activities and Societies: Phi Gamma Delta, Volleyball, Lacrosse,