AUSTIN JAY
Petaluma,California
Summary
Dynamic sales manager with a proven track record at Griffo Distillery, excelling in innovative sales strategies and relationship building. Expertise in beverage development and exceptional customer service led to significant revenue growth and enhanced brand visibility. Adept at training and guiding teams, ensuring operational excellence and market success.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
North Bay Sales Manager
Griffo Distillery
Petaluma, California
09.2023 - Current
- Developed innovative sales strategies to enhance market penetration and boost revenue.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with distributors and key accounts.
- Collaborated with marketing to create promotional materials that resonated with target audiences.
- Took over core Sales Director functions, including territory planning, high-value account oversight, and sales reporting, ensuring operational stability and supporting team performance in an unfilled leadership role.
- Executed successful sales campaigns that resulted in a significant increase in product visibility.
- Managed the planning and execution of off-site events across retail and large-format venues, introducing bespoke cocktail creations to amplify brand storytelling, boost sampling engagement, and support brand recognition.
- Achieved 46% year-over-year growth in case sales by optimizing distributor relationships, executing targeted brand programs, and driving strategic account activation.
Lead Bartender/Trainer
The Shuckery/Luma Bar and Eatery
Petaluma, CA
06.2021 - 10.2023
- As the right hand to the Bar Director, worked in tandem with the Bar Director in some aspects of the bar such as beer purchasing, product and menu development, and bar/beverage service at both locations
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills while providing exceptional and ongoing instruction to trainees.
- Assisted in development and improvisation of a unique cocktail focused bar program in keeping up with the ever changing trends of the local and national cocktail community.
- Maintained and developed professional relationships with produce, beer, and liquor distributors to purchase local and trending products.
- Created, maintained, and improved standard operating procedures for cocktail creation and preparation.
- Achieved a successful cocktail program that demonstrated proof of concept leading to the opening of a second restaurant with similar goals.
- Transferred in December 2022 to newly opened restaurant with the goal of creating a new cocktail focused concept with similar responsibilities.
Lead Bartender
Brewster's Beer Garden
Petaluma, CA
04.2018 - 01.2021
- Curated and crafted high volumes of cocktails and craft beers for 480-seat beer garden.
- Performed exemplary bar service while simultaneously making drinks for the entire restaurant.
- Promoted to bar lead; acted as liaison between bar staff and bar manager to address and solve any concerns and issues.
- Promoted to beer buyer; developed ongoing beer education for staff.
- Developed strong relationships with beer and liquor sales representatives.
Education
BS - Psychology, Business Management
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Completion of General Education -
Santa Rosa Junior College
Petaluma, CAPetaluma, CA
Skills
- Interpersonal relationships
- Recipe development
- Beverage expertise
- Influence and persuasion
- Bar management
- Accountability and reliability
- Customer service excellence
- Sales strategies
- Upselling and cross-selling
- Education and guidance
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication proficiency
Certification
- Food Handlers - Current
- RBS - Current
- Cicerone Beer Server
Timeline
North Bay Sales Manager
Griffo Distillery
09.2023 - Current
Lead Bartender/Trainer
The Shuckery/Luma Bar and Eatery
06.2021 - 10.2023
Lead Bartender
Brewster's Beer Garden
04.2018 - 01.2021
BS - Psychology, Business Management
University of California-Irvine
Completion of General Education -
Santa Rosa Junior College