Billie Smith
Syracuse,NY
Summary
With a proven track record at Heritage Hill Brewhouse, I leveraged brewing expertise and sensory analysis to innovate recipes and enhance product quality, leading to a significant increase in sales revenue. My adeptness in supplier negotiation and fostering customer relations underscores my ability to drive business growth and operational efficiency.
Skilled at working with both manual and automated brewing equipment. Results-oriented and proactive with a hardworking mindset. Good communication and planning skills. Strong aptitude for crafting high-quality beverages and optimizing production processes. Known for fostering team collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and delivering consistent results. Expertise in recipe development, quality control, and operational efficiency. Respected for reliability, leadership, and innovative problem-solving.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Brewer
Heritage Hill Brewhouse
08.2020 - Current
- Worked directly with accounts to ensure timely delivery of products
- Developed innovative beer recipes, Averaging 1,000+ barrels produced annually on a 10bbl Brewhouse.
- Sourced high-quality ingredients from local suppliers, maintaining a NYS Farm Brewery License.
- Enhanced beer quality by implementing strict sanitation practices, monitoring fermentation processes and written SOPs
- Optimized fermentation schedules to maximize production capacity without compromising product quality.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies. Averaging $25,000+ In off site sales anually as an independent distributor
- Streamlined inventory control procedures, reducing spoilage rates and minimizing waste.
- Collaborated with restaurant team to create successful beer pairing and tasting events, driving increased revenue and repeat business.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, securing high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Developed new beer recipes for seasonal releases, driving increased customer interest and sales.
- Managed inventory of raw materials, ensuring consistent availability for production needs.
- Assigned daily work tasks and set weekly schedules.
- Checked specific gravity and pH of batches.
- Oversaw brewery expansion projects, enhancing production capabilities while maintaining budgetary constraints.
- Improved beer quality by implementing rigorous quality control measures and sanitation protocols.
Head Brewer/Sales General Manager
Talking Cursive Brewing Company
02.2019 - 08.2020
- Achieved consistent flavor profiles across multiple batches by diligently monitoring key brewing parameters such as temperature, pH levels, and gravity measurements.
- Optimized production processes using lean manufacturing principles for improved workflow efficiency and reduced downtime between batches.
- Collaborated with taproom management to curate an engaging guest experience that showcased the brewery's product offerings.
- Developed innovative beer recipes, resulting in a diverse product portfolio appealing to various customer preferences.
- Mentored assistant brewers, fostering a culture of teamwork and professional development within the brewery.
- Increased production efficiency through the optimization of brewing schedules and equipment maintenance routines.
- Managed inventory effectively, ensuring ample supply of raw materials and minimizing waste
- Averaged 500bbl production annually on a 7bbl Brewhouse
- $30,000 average anually on out of house account sales
- Led staff training programs on safety protocols and standard operating procedures, promoting a safe working environment within the brewery.
- Established a culture of excellence within the brewing team by setting high performance expectations and providing consistent feedback on individual contributions.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations by consistently updating knowledge on local, state, and federal requirements for breweries.
- Conducted regular quality control testing to ensure adherence to established standards for taste, appearance, aroma, and consistency.
- Supported marketing, customers service, and delivery processes with subject matter expertise.
- Checked specific gravity and pH of batches.
- Adhered to good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures.
- Completed frequent inspections to identify and resolve problems affecting performance.
- Implemented a comprehensive training program for new hires, boosting overall team productivity and knowledge.
- Streamlined sales processes for efficiency, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and reduced time-to-close ratios.
- Developed and maintained key client relationships, leading to long-term partnerships and increased repeat business.
- Expanded market reach by identifying growth opportunities and establishing new distribution channels.
Pommelier / Head Brewer
Anything But Beer
02.2017 - 02.2019
- Utilized data-driven decision-making to identify areas for operational improvement, leading to increased profitability and reduced waste.
- Established a culture of excellence within the brewing team by setting high performance expectations and providing consistent feedback on individual contributions.
- Conducted regular quality control testing to ensure adherence to established standards for taste, appearance, aroma, and consistency.
- Sourced high-quality ingredients from local suppliers, supporting sustainable agricultural practices while enhancing beer and cider flavor profiles.
- Took samples every to compare quality with specifications.
- Completed frequent inspections to identify and resolve problems affecting performance.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to promote new products and drive business growth.
Diesel Mechanic
MBI Syracuse
08.2013 - 02.2017
- Utilized hand tools and power tools to repair and maintain diesel engines according to industry standards.
- Performed preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, tires, and other vehicle systems.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed problems with brakes, steering, and transmissions.
- Completed checklist of fluid levels, air filter, tire pressure, and more as part of service orders.
- Maintained detailed records of all repairs, parts replacements, and services performed for reference during future work.
- Examined engines, transmissions and vehicle systems to diagnose issues.
- Troubleshot electrical system issues accurately to reduce the likelihood of recurring problems down the line.
- Inspected and adjusted brakes, steering systems and wheel bearings to address related issues.
- Installed new systems and components in vehicles.
- Disassembled and repaired diesel engines in automobiles, trucks, buses, and construction vehicles.
- Received Certificates in R134A Treatment and AWS Welding Certification.
- AWS Welding Certification
Education
High School Diploma -
Cicero North Syracuse
6002 NY-31, Cicero, NY 1303906-2013
Skills
- Packaging
- Yeast management
- Customer relations
- Safety procedures
- Raw material sourcing
- Standard operating procedures
- Sanitation protocols
- Supplier negotiation
- Sensory analysis
- Brewing expertise
- Waste reduction
- Recipe development
- Industry networking
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
New York State Craft Beer Competition:
2021 Gold Medal - Barrel Aged Non-Sour
2021 Silver Medal - Hazy IPA
2024 Gold Medal - Specialty Beer: Stouts & Porters
2024 Best New York Farm Beer - Specialty Beer: Stouts & Porters
Great American Beer Festival:
2024 Silver Medal - Dessert Stout/Pastry Stout
Independently Hosted One Hour Panel at 2022 New York State Brewers Conference: Brewing with Kviek Yeast
Certification
- OSHA Certified
- AWS Welding Certification
- Section 609 Certification - R134a Treatment
Timeline
Head Brewer
Heritage Hill Brewhouse
08.2020 - Current
Head Brewer/Sales General Manager
Talking Cursive Brewing Company
02.2019 - 08.2020
Pommelier / Head Brewer
Anything But Beer
02.2017 - 02.2019
Diesel Mechanic
MBI Syracuse
08.2013 - 02.2017
High School Diploma -
Cicero North Syracuse
Similar Profiles
Peter MorozPeter Moroz
Busser at Heritage Hill BrewhouseBusser at Heritage Hill Brewhouse
John AlvianiJohn Alviani
Assistant Property Manager at Heritage Hill DevelopmentsAssistant Property Manager at Heritage Hill Developments
Kamryn McGuireKamryn McGuire
Golf Course Assistant at Heritage Hill Golf CourseGolf Course Assistant at Heritage Hill Golf Course