Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Personal Information
Certification
Timeline
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Billy Killin

Los Angeles,USA

Summary

Life long hospitality professional with a well rounded grasp on the industry. Strong ability to foster relationships through genuine interaction and honest communication. Creative, focused, driven, and always hospitality leading. Experienced in commercially minded advocacy success. Spirits professional and nerd, ready to join you for a dram. Happy imbibing!

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Agave Master/CBU Lead

Bacardi USA
04.2024 - Current
  • Brand Ambassador for all of Bacardi USA Agave spirits, including Patrón Tequila, Cazadores Tequila, and Ilegal Mezcal.
  • As CBU Lead, I communicate through distributer and supplier channels across the West side of the country, and fill in with market visits, educations, and other tools in our belt when opportunities arise.
  • Lead our West Coast Ambassador team in continued education and support through our markets.
  • Continue to support the Los Angeles commercial and distributor teams with Ambassador assets across all three Agave brands.
  • Responsible for accumulating all support requests on the West coast and identifying opportunities for growth and activations throughout our brands.

Brand Ambassador

Patrón Tequila
06.2022 - Current
  • Developed and executed creative marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and drive sales for Patrón Tequila in the Los Angeles market
  • Helped to significantly grow sales percentages and Bartender engagement within the Southern California Hospitality community
  • Built and reinvigorated a following for Patrón Tequila throughout Los Angeles with an Advocacy forward, but commercially minded approach
  • Collaborate with local mixologists and bartenders in Los Angeles to create innovative cocktail recipes using Patrón Tequila, and promote them at various events and venues
  • Organized and hosted educational workshops and tastings for bartenders and mixologists in the Los Angeles area to enhance their knowledge of Patrón Tequila and its unique qualities
  • Built and maintained relationships with key trade in Los Angeles and within North America
  • Successfully adapted to many pivots and curve balls thrown while maintaining decorum and brand messaging as the 'face' of the brand

Consultant/General Manager

The Outfitter Bar
09.2021 - 02.2022
  • Hired for a six month consultancy to bring this program to life and operating at a higher level of operations and hospitality.
  • Oversaw staff, daily operations, events and inventory, implementing systems to track all moving forward.
  • Worked closely with Chef on menu creation (both FOH & BOH), specials, catering and events.
  • Created a sustainable bar program while setting the restaurant up with equipment, manuals, and training to maintain the highest level of service at their establishment.
  • Worked within and managed budget during day to day operations.
  • Created, trained, and maintained a hospitality driven ethos for all staff moving forward.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to increase sales and profitability, taking into consideration local market trends and competition.

Brand Ambassador/Hospitality Consultant

Flor de Cana
05.2020 - 02.2021
  • Part time national Brand Ambassador
  • Part time national Cocktail/Hospitality consultant

AGM/Bar Manager

Viaggio
09.2018 - 03.2020
  • Was involved in the every aspect of building this restaurant, from conception to successful launch
  • Interviewed, hired, and trained staff on bar practices, hospitality standards and productivity strategies which improved customer retention and bolstered sales
  • Curated the Bar program from the ground up
  • Fostered a team atmosphere by including staff in all education and cocktail development
  • Controlled labor costs by adjusting schedules and workflows to better align with individual strengths and expected customer demands
  • Provided quality control when creating house-made infusions, daily juice and preparations to eliminate downtime and maximize revenue
  • Kept detailed inventories of bar supplies and kept work areas stocked to maintain workflow efficiently

Bartender

Chantecler
09.2017 - 09.2018
  • Developed a strong rapport with patrons, resulting in repeat business and increased loyalty.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink recipes, mixing techniques, and customer service skills to enhance overall performance.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene standards for the health and safety of customers.
  • Managed inventory efficiently, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for peak periods.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
  • Boosted bar profitability, mentoring team members on routine procedures and productivity strategies.

Bar Manager

Kasa Moto
04.2015 - 09.2018
  • Cultivated team atmosphere, involving full staff in all aspects of education and cocktail development
  • Planned and updated menus to capitalize on changing trends in customer preferences
  • Dropped inventory costs by evaluating and adjusting vendor options to obtain more favourable pricing
  • Devised innovative strategies for increasing bar revenue by introducing new concepts and signature drinks, developing promotions and creating customer engagement events
  • Pursued training opportunities to advance mixology knowledge and refine understanding of beer, wine and liquor
  • Controlled labor costs by adjusting schedules and workflows to better align with individual strengths and expected customer demands
  • Managed 3 bars within the venue, along with direct supervision of 20 Bartenders and collective management of 90 front of house staff
  • Lead and developed a team of bartenders to consistently deliver exceptional service and create a memorable experience for guests

Bartender

The Commodore
09.2016 - 04.2017
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
  • Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.

Education

Foundations of Distilling Certification - Distilation

Institute of Brewing And Distilling
Online
03-2025

Skills

  • Extensive spirits knowledge
  • Effective communication and understanding between distribution channels
  • Team building
  • Hospitality focused
  • Strong relationship skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Working within budget
  • Working understanding of mutually beneficial tools for advocacy to complement commercial success

Accomplishments

  • Media training with appearances on Television, Radio, and Podcasts
  • International guest shifts at world renowned bars
  • 2017 Winner - Canadian Cantineros competition with Havana Club
  • 2018 Winner - Jack Daniels BBQ Hill competition
  • 2020 Winner - Restaurant Canada's National "Beyond the Rail" competition
  • Part of the lead execution team for the first ever Toronto Cocktail Conference
  • Judged National finals of multiple competitions as a recognized leader in our industry

Personal Information

Title: Brand Ambassador

Certification

  • WSET 1 - Spirits
  • WSET 2 - Spirits
  • WSET 1 - Wine
  • Bar Smarts Graduate

Timeline

Agave Master/CBU Lead

Bacardi USA
04.2024 - Current

Brand Ambassador

Patrón Tequila
06.2022 - Current

Consultant/General Manager

The Outfitter Bar
09.2021 - 02.2022

Brand Ambassador/Hospitality Consultant

Flor de Cana
05.2020 - 02.2021

AGM/Bar Manager

Viaggio
09.2018 - 03.2020

Bartender

Chantecler
09.2017 - 09.2018

Bartender

The Commodore
09.2016 - 04.2017

Bar Manager

Kasa Moto
04.2015 - 09.2018

Foundations of Distilling Certification - Distilation

Institute of Brewing And Distilling

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