Experience

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  Romano Beverage

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Operations Manager

    • Mar 2019 - Dec 2019
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Manage operations and warehouse functions for start-up Chicago adult beverage distributor.• Lead initiatives to manage, supervise and support accounts receivable, order processing, product receiving, invoicing, state compliance, customer-supplier set up for billing • Manage systems for verification of products received for sale and compliance• Coordinate billing to supplier for promotional support/participation including reimbursement for key placements and temporary price reductions• Develop processes to manage sample support for sales calls and consumer point-of-sale • Supervise warehouse functions, safety and performance. Manage warehouse personnel and third-party delivery companies; work onsite for special projects• Audit deliveries for discrepancies and file claims accordingly• Create product profile for accurate portfolio presentation, pricing, promotions and compliance• Deliver interdepartmental support for operational systems interactions (sales to warehouse to accounting)• Manage inventory system development for thousands of like and diverse SKUs (multiple vintages, varietals, appellations and labels)• Develop templates for invoices and other departmental reports• Troubleshoot and coordinate implementation of new systems with third-party industry operations software team

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  Compass Wines and Spirits

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Sales & Operations Manager

    • Feb 2012 - Mar 2019
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Manage operations functions and sales force for small startup Chicago distributor.• Conceived and executed processes for inventory control, compliance, sample product, and other operational functions• Interfaced with parent corporation accounting and inventory functions; liaised with state entities to resolve compliance issues• Managed third-party logistics. Supervised warehouse functions, safety and performance. Managed warehouse personnel and third-party delivery companies; worked onsite for special projects• Responsible for managing, supervising and supporting eight-person sales team• Led staff training for all accounts• Personally established and serviced business with high-profile on-premise accounts

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  H2Vino

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Sales Representative

    • Mar 2008 - Jul 2010
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Managed Metro Chicago Territory development for start-up distributor.• Delivered consistent growth and built territory sales to over $700,000 annually• Launched three premium portfolios, achieved market penetration of 90% of all active accounts• Maintained and developed chain retail business including market-leading Binny’s Beverage Depot

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  Distinctive Wines & Spirits

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Sales Representative, Brand Specialist - Key Accounts Manager

    • Sep 2004 - Mar 2008
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Managed inventory, importing, pricing, product sales and promotions for French and Italian portfolios in on-and off-premise channels.• Delivered consistent growth and built sales 15% annually to $1.3 million on run of 120 active accounts• Ranked #1 to #3 consistently among all sales representatives• Top salesman for Hess, Gruet, Montes, Toso, Colome and Robert Kacher Selections• Provided weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales projections and goals on account-by-account basis

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  Robert Kacher Selections

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Midwest District Sales Manager

    • Sep 2003 - Sep 2004
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Managed wholesalers/distributors for four competitive and high-volume states: IL, WI, MN and OH. • Targeted key and high-profile accounts with distributor sales staff and conducted solo sales• Maintained progressive promotional, educational, and administrative programs• Developed and implemented brand-building events: wine dinners, seminar tastings, trade shows

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  CONNOISSEUR WINES LTD

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Sales Consultant

    • Jan 2002 - Jan 2003
    • Greater Chicago Area

    • Managed chain accounts including market leaders Binny’s and Sam’s

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  Great Lakes Wine Company

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Sales Consultant

    • Jan 1993 - Jan 2002
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Responsible for managing key account relationships, on- and off-premise, for three states.• Delivered consistent growth and built Chicago-Metro territory sales to over $1.3 million annually • Introduced clients to targeted product lines and expedited orders• Maintained inventory according to seasonal and established consumption by accounts• Researched and maintained product and market information; prepared proposals, training materials, POS • Escorted trade associates to sales, promotional, and educational events

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  Printers Row Restaurant

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Dining Room Manager / Server

    • Jan 1984 - Jan 1993
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Front-of-house management of award-winning, pioneering chef-owned retail foodservice establishment. • Supervised and trained wait staff of 20 for high customer service levels appropriate to fine dining• Conducted ongoing staff training for seasonal and daily changes to menu• Purchased and inventoried supplies• Managed staff schedules, delegated tasks for opening, operating and closing the restaurant• Maintained equitable, safe, compliant operations; established and implemented policies and procedures• Worked with chef-owner and management to refine and execute service; addressed staff questions, conflicts and requests