Brandon Rowan Taylor
Oakland
Summary
Owner with extensive business experience focused on enhancing profitability through innovative strategies and continuous improvement initiatives. Expertise in financial administration, regulatory compliance, and meticulous recordkeeping. Proven track record of driving operational efficiency and achieving measurable results.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner, Chef/Sommelier
BRTable
Oakland
06.2015 - Current
- Manage production of events of diverse scales.
- Executed culinary services as personal chef and sommelier for exclusive events and parties.
- Introduced premier luxury retreat property, setting stage for subsequent projects.
- Address diverse needs for high-touch clientele, while continuously building relationships.
- Manage budgets and cost/benefit analysis for a myriad of events.
- Developed and implemented successful sales strategies to meet business goals.
- Organized events such as trade shows and conferences.
- Conducted market research activities and competitive analysis to facilitate implementation of aggressive company marketing strategy.
Event Director
Revival Bar + Kitchen
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed on-site logistics during events, such as registration set-up, audio and visual equipment setup and breakdown.
- Met with potential clients to perform site inspections and give tours of facility, meeting rooms and offered activities.
- Drove growth in event management business by continuously researching and implementing improved strategies to exceed client expectations.
- Monitored event budgets to ensure accuracy and efficiency in spending.
- Designed contracts, collected fees, and booked venues for events.
Director of Events
FOGG Theater
San Francisco
03.2014 - 03.2020
- Manage all aspects of FOGG events while adhering to specified budget
- Serve as central communication point for Development team regarding all events.
- Cultivate relationships with key theater benefactors.
Sommelier
LongBranch Saloon
09.2014 - 09.2015
- Made wine recommendations with knowledge and confidence of correct wine and food pairings.
- Oversaw daily operations of the restaurant's bar including hiring, scheduling, and supervising staff members.
- Maintained records of all transactions related to purchasing, storing, and selling wine.
- Compiled detailed reports outlining sales trends by type of wine or region.
- Provided guidance to restaurant staff regarding customer service for guests ordering wine.
Sales Manager
Copa Fina Wines
Greater Bay Area
02.2013 - 10.2014
- Sourced wines from twenty-three Argentinian and Chilean wineries.
- Represent South American wine brands through engaging tastings and educational events.
- Delivered expert knowledge of food pairing across diverse cuisines.
- Identified and developed new markets for products or services.
- Analyzed data to identify trends in customer behavior and develop plans accordingly.
Sommelier
Shakewell
Oakland
04.2014 - 09.2014
- Searched, selected and purchased wine from around world in conjunction with restaurant manager and purchasing.
- Provided guidance to restaurant staff regarding customer service for guests ordering wine.
- Sorted beverages upon receipt, storing wines on shelves on sides to keep corks moist and refrigerating white and sparkling wines.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Collaborated with chefs to create special menus that incorporated appropriate food-wine pairings.
Sommelier
Forbes Mill Steakhouse
01.2012 - 04.2014
- Reviewed wine list regularly in line with current trends, list appeals to diverse customer base.
- Created ultimate wine experience by advising guests on wine choices and serving with accuracy and flair.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations in accordance with local laws.
- Reviewed wine labels and vintages to recommend the best options for customers.
Sales Manager
Strange Wines
South Bay
03.2012 - 02.2013
- Showcased portfolio of 63 wineries spanning Palo Alto to Monterey.
- Established presence of brands in marketplace for first time
- Conducted engaging wine and food education tastings, fostering culinary awareness
Territory Manager
Southern Wine & Spirits
San Jose
09.2009 - 03.2012
- Directed sales and distribution of Constellation portfolio across 45 wineries.
- Implemented new product strategy for Svedka Vodka, achieving 257% rise in sales across 29 months
- Fostered client confidence via routine and engaging sales calls, in-depth understanding of product offerings and industry developments, and influential sales presentations.
Sommelier
The Moss Room
09.2008 - 09.2009
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Monitored stock levels to ensure appropriate amounts of product were always available in storage areas.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Inspected bottles for signs of spoilage or damage before serving them to customers.
Education
Level III - somm
Court of Master Sommeliers, London
01.2006
BA - Psychology & Political Science
University of California, Davis
01.2005
Cultural Studies & Italian Language
Universita per Straneri, Siena Italy
01.2003
Skills
- Event coordination
- Culinary management
- Financial oversight
- Market penetration approach
- Market analysis
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
Timeline
Event Director
Revival Bar + Kitchen
01.2019 - 03.2020
Owner, Chef/Sommelier
BRTable
06.2015 - Current
Sommelier
LongBranch Saloon
09.2014 - 09.2015
Sommelier
Shakewell
04.2014 - 09.2014
Director of Events
FOGG Theater
03.2014 - 03.2020
Sales Manager
Copa Fina Wines
02.2013 - 10.2014
Sales Manager
Strange Wines
03.2012 - 02.2013
Sommelier
Forbes Mill Steakhouse
01.2012 - 04.2014
Territory Manager
Southern Wine & Spirits
09.2009 - 03.2012
Sommelier
The Moss Room
09.2008 - 09.2009
Level III - somm
Court of Master Sommeliers, London
BA - Psychology & Political Science
University of California, Davis
Cultural Studies & Italian Language
Universita per Straneri, Siena Italy
Similar Profiles
Miranda FrancisMiranda Francis
Camp Counselor, Skills Teacher at Camp WinnarainbowCamp Counselor, Skills Teacher at Camp Winnarainbow
Ebony SpiresEbony Spires
Intervention Specialist at EBACIntervention Specialist at EBAC
DANNY SAETEURNDANNY SAETEURN
Warehouse Associate at Randstad Temp Agency USAWarehouse Associate at Randstad Temp Agency USA
Karyme ArreolaKaryme Arreola
Babysitter at NatalieBabysitter at Natalie
JOSE Maria RUIZ BREAJOSE Maria RUIZ BREA
CHEF DE RANG - SOMMELIER at Restaurant LES FONTAINES BLANCHESCHEF DE RANG - SOMMELIER at Restaurant LES FONTAINES BLANCHES