Experience

Kings County Distillery

• United States
• Food and Beverage Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Head Blender/Production Manager

  • May 2013 - Present

  As Head Blender and Production Manager of Kings County Distillery, I am responsible for managing all production, warehousing, maturation, blending and bottling for our signature products. Product quality and integrity of flavor for all of our distillate and infusions is under my purview. I oversee the day-to-day operations of the factory, warehouse and bottling line to ensure efficiency and organization is maintained among my uniquely talented staff of whiskey men and women. My passion for whiskey, respect for the industry and drive to continue Kings County’s innovative excellence is at the forefront of my blending strategy. I am a hands-on member of Kings County’s daily operations and an enthusiastic advocate for whiskey, its history and traditional production techniques. Recently, the distillery has earned it’s best showing on the 2019 awards circuit - most notably garnering two Double-Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and taking home two of only 4 gold medals handed out in the whiskey category at the American Craft Spirits Competition. Show less



Nicole Austin, LLC

• Greater New York City Area

• Blending Consultant

  • Jul 2016 - Dec 2016

  Assist in formulating blends from aged stocks of whiskey for clients in need of professional spirits evaluation. Assist in formulating blends from aged stocks of whiskey for clients in need of professional spirits evaluation.



Quad

• United States
• Advertising Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Imaging Specialist/ Color Retoucher

  • Feb 2008 - Oct 2016

  Retouching, color correction and digital layout for The New Yorker magazine. I worked in-house at Conde Nast with the production, art, photo and covers departments providing technical service and advice on color and image output, design applications and overall graphics support. Former work includes other Conde Nast titles, J. Crew and Ann Taylor, Slam, Sail, Soap Opera Weekly, Soap Opera Digest, Automobile. Retouching, color correction and digital layout for The New Yorker magazine. I worked in-house at Conde Nast with the production, art, photo and covers departments providing technical service and advice on color and image output, design applications and overall graphics support. Former work includes other Conde Nast titles, J. Crew and Ann Taylor, Slam, Sail, Soap Opera Weekly, Soap Opera Digest, Automobile.



Power & Motoryacht Magazine

• Production Coordinator

  • Jan 2006 - Feb 2008

  Owned and operated by Source Interlink Media (formerly Primedia). Managed the trafficking, pre-press review and advertising deadline schedules for the monthly Power & Motoryacht magazine (including the largest issue to date) as well as supplemental titles such as Voyaging, Big Game Tournament Guide and Yacht Owners Guide. In addition, I worked closely with the art and marketing departments providing technical graphic support. During my time I also executed dual roles of Production Coordinator and Production Manager over an 8 month timeframe, successfully ensuring that publications met their press deadlines. In doing so I was able to learn a great deal about the publishing environment and gained experience in magazine mapping, insert preparation, estimating, budget and deadline controls, deadline troubleshooting, color approvals and press checks. Show less



Whitmore Group

• Production Manager - Digital Imaging Division

  • Sep 2004 - Dec 2005

  Educated in conventional and digital print processes, receiving training in each of the departments: Sales, Estimating, Customer Service, Color Theory and Management, Pre-Press, Manufacturing, Shipping and Direct Mail. Part of a two person team that grew a start up division in its second year of operation into a profit center for the company. Through dedication, efficiency and improved workflows, we were able to add clients, grow revenues and double output. Created production schedules, trafficked jobs, advised on equipment capabilities and limitations and managed pre-press and press personnel. Responsible for all estimating, logistics, supply management and billing. Show less