BLANCHE ORBE
Rutherford,NJ
Summary
Experienced wine and spirits professional with a proactive communication style, embracing both "Yes, And" and "No, But" approaches. Excels in building long-lasting, trusting relationships. As a results-driven sales and marketing expert, having a proven track record of driving brand growth and expanding market share through strategic sales programs and marketing initiatives. Leader in cross-functional collaboration has consistently achieved organizational goals. Specializes in developing and implementing dynamic pricing strategies that significantly enhance profitability. Approach consistently delivers measurable results and would be a valuable asset for organizations seeking a dynamic leader. Results-driven manager experienced in financial statement review, auditing and reporting. Well-versed in producing reports, evaluating department operations and handling month- and year-end closings. Results-driven leader experienced in financial statement review, auditing and reporting. Well-versed in producing reports, evaluating department operations and handling month- and year-end closings. Meticulous, conscientious and methodical in approach. Proactive professional with strong background in financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting. Develops and implements financial plans and delivers strategic financial advice.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Portfolio Manager
Independence Wine & Spirits
06.2019 - Current
- Oversee the management of 45+ suppliers for a NY/NJ distributor generating $20M in revenue, and effectively coordinate operations, sales activation, and communication for over 100 brands, ensuring seamless management and optimal performance with the team
- Lead internal projects encompassing onboarding, education, and company events, resulting in the creation of a new website, new and effective trade materials, annual portfolio tastings, 30 new suppliers with $8M+ in revenue
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments, including operations, finance, public relations, brand management and marketing, leading to enhanced processes and communication
- Define and refine price positioning strategies and inventory forecast and purchasing
Managing Director
Wine In-Motion
09.2016 - 06.2019
- Managed boutique importer and distributor with $3M+ in revenue
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to executed merger of two US companies
- Developed and implemented strategic sales plans for 18 brands covering 32 states in 40+ distributors
- Developed and executed marketing strategies, communication plans, product launches, and line extensions
- Managed a team of 3 in office (operations, accounting and trade marketing) and 5 sales reps
Territory Manager
MundoVino, The Winebow Group
06.2015 - 08.2016
- Managed sales and distribution goals in the NY, NJ, and PA territories, overseeing all distribution teams, and conducted wine education and tastings for distributor sales forces and trade members
Brand Manager
Palm Bay International
01.2014 - 06.2015
- Accountable for the end-to-end development, implementation, communication of Consumer and Trade Marketing strategies for prominent South American and Portuguese brands totaling 450K cases and $2M budget
- Led cross-functional teams, in-house public relations team, external advertising agency, and wineries to formulate and implement brand strategies, programming, budgeting and sales execution
Brand Manager
Esporão Wines & Olive Oils
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Launched, from ground up, all marketing efforts in U.S for Wine and Olive Oil brands making Esporao today, a prominent brand
- Developed strategic positioning, communication and all consumer and trade marketing activity
- Managed sales in New England growing territory by 25% and opened 3 new states in region
Northeast Regional Sales Manager
Picard Wines & Spirits
06.2007 - 10.2009
- Led sales efforts for a Burgundy producer by developing and executing commercial plans in collaboration with the market, focusing on the Northeast region, managing distributor partners, and increased sales by 30%
Education
B.B.A., Marketing -
BERNARD M. BARUCH COLLEGE, CUNY
New York, NY20 week viticulture -
American Sommelier Association
Pass with Merit -
WSET Level 3-Advanced Certificate
Certified Spanish Wine Educator, Wine Academy of Spain
Skills
- Marketing Strategy
- Sales Strategy
- Sales Forecasting
- Supplier Management
- Inventory Management
- Brand Management
- Relationship Builder
- Team Leadership and Coaching
- Budget / P&L Management
Articles
- Sevenfifty Daily: https://daily.sevenfifty.com/carving-an-entrepreneurial-path-through-the-wine-industry/
- Grok Nation: https://groknation.com/home/wine-week-blanche-orbe-portuguese-wine/
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Portfolio Manager
Independence Wine & Spirits
06.2019 - Current
Managing Director
Wine In-Motion
09.2016 - 06.2019
Territory Manager
MundoVino, The Winebow Group
06.2015 - 08.2016
Brand Manager
Palm Bay International
01.2014 - 06.2015
Brand Manager
Esporão Wines & Olive Oils
01.2010 - 12.2013
Northeast Regional Sales Manager
Picard Wines & Spirits
06.2007 - 10.2009
B.B.A., Marketing -
BERNARD M. BARUCH COLLEGE, CUNY
20 week viticulture -
American Sommelier Association
Pass with Merit -
WSET Level 3-Advanced Certificate
Certified Spanish Wine Educator, Wine Academy of Spain
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