National and regional sales of small production, family-owned, sustainable/organic/biodynamic wines from France, Spain, Slovenia, and beyond for a mid-sized importer.• Worked daily with brand managers, sales representatives, and directly with accounts to increase sales in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming, traveling to each market at least twice… Show more National and regional sales of small production, family-owned, sustainable/organic/biodynamic wines from France, Spain, Slovenia, and beyond for a mid-sized importer.• Worked daily with brand managers, sales representatives, and directly with accounts to increase sales in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming, traveling to each market at least twice yearly.• Traveled to Europe at least yearly to meet with producers and search for new wines to import.• Researched markets at street level as well as looking at marketing research numbers, past sales, trends, and market changes in order to project sales growth, determine marketing strategies, and watch for new key accounts.• Overhauled pricing and discount schedules due to major industry tariffs in order to increase sales, distribution, and profitability during a historically difficult time in the beverage industry.• Negotiated contracts with new distributors and developed innovative distribution strategies in California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Oregon, and Washington, quickly developing them into some of our leading markets.• Researched and developed our Direct-to-Retail distribution model in California, Illinois, Colorado, and Washington, D.C.• Oversaw product and producer development, including decision making on which wines to import, and product specifications such as design, color, and packaging.• Wrote all company wine tasting notes, food pairings, educational, and marketing materials.• Designed and developed branded merchandise, marketing campaigns, social media presence, and press policies, using them in collaboration with advertising and sales staff to promote our wines, private labeling, logistics, and compliance services. Show less

General management and purchasing of a high-end boutique retailer with a focus on classic and natural wines, serious cocktails ingredients, and concierge service from the most knowledgeable staff in the industry.• Grew H&F Bottle Shop overall sales by more than 20% for two consecutive years.• Oversaw all aspects of store operations.• Bought and managed over $150,000 in beverage inventory.• Consistently led in total sales on the floor.• Hired, managed, and trained a staff… Show more General management and purchasing of a high-end boutique retailer with a focus on classic and natural wines, serious cocktails ingredients, and concierge service from the most knowledgeable staff in the industry.• Grew H&F Bottle Shop overall sales by more than 20% for two consecutive years.• Oversaw all aspects of store operations.• Bought and managed over $150,000 in beverage inventory.• Consistently led in total sales on the floor.• Hired, managed, and trained a staff of ten.• Inaugurated staff product tastings and education program.• Founded a retail books and periodicals program that generated an additional $30,000 in sales and attracted in-store appearances from well-known authors.• Initiated major changes in packaging, point-of-sale system, and inventory procedures resulting in an annual savings of nearly $70,000.• Booked, managed, and operated offsite tasting events for both private and corporate clients, growing that aspect of the business over 600% in only five months. Show less

General Manager and Specialty Food and Wine Buyer for a multi-unit restaurant and gourmet grocery group that included a destination fine dining restaurant.• Increased Marché Provisions yearly wine sales from $12,000 to $540,000 in 5 years.• Managed fine dining wine sales through a recession, growing sales by almost 30% while maintaining a much lower inventory.• Led a major retail store and restaurant redesign and remodel.• Successfully created and grew to profitability two… Show more General Manager and Specialty Food and Wine Buyer for a multi-unit restaurant and gourmet grocery group that included a destination fine dining restaurant.• Increased Marché Provisions yearly wine sales from $12,000 to $540,000 in 5 years.• Managed fine dining wine sales through a recession, growing sales by almost 30% while maintaining a much lower inventory.• Led a major retail store and restaurant redesign and remodel.• Successfully created and grew to profitability two specialty food departments.• Purchased, received, processed, and merchandised all wine, beer and specialty food for both retail and fine dining locations.• Managed a four-location beverage and food inventory of nearly $300,000, maintaining proper margin and stock levels.• Functioned as retail sales floor lead for all wines and specialty foods.• Evaluated and purchased large kitchen and retail equipment, point-of-sale systems, and inventory software.• Managed and trained a 20 to 30 person staff.• Organized and conducted frequent classes, dinners, and large events centered around our wines and specialty foods.• Consulted on and blended our very popular house label pinot noir and pinot gris for five vintages.• Served as primary social media contact and spokesperson. Show less

Handled, sold and purchased specialty food items and beers for this very busy, long-established local legend. I also frequently answered customer questions about wine and spirits, as well as helped maintain contact with important commercial accounts.