COLIN FISHER
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Business Development Representative with a proven track record at Goose Island Beer Company, excelling in consultative sales strategy and relationship management. Leveraged strong analytical skills to exceed sales targets and foster partnerships, while demonstrating comprehensive craft beer knowledge and effective merchandising techniques.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Representative
Goose Island Beer Company
Chicago, Illinois
10.2017 - Current
- Manage the highest volume territory, achieving or exceeding sales targets for both on- and off-premise accounts, including chain grocery.
- Utilize and prove proficiency at AB sales tool and analytical softwar
- Trained and mentored staff on product knowledge and customer service techniques.
- Proven ability in execution of Key Account programs, display standards, and impactful merchandising
- Consistently surpass KPI targets while proving agility to target specific channels to align with company priorities
- High capability in building and managing relationships with distributor partners, including Chain Account Managers, Sales Representatives, and other key decision makers
- Highly effective inter-department relationships within Goose Island, working cross-functionally with Production, Marketing, Sales, and Operational teams to optimize performance and improve overall sales route-to-market.
- Strong capability in relationship navigation within the AB region and national teams.
- Recently exceeded company incentive goals by gaining and maintaining over 150 new on-premise PODs in H2 2025.
Beer Department Supervisor
Binny's Beverage Depot
Chicago, Illinois
06.2017 - 10.2017
- Transferred by corporate to train staff by providing proper buying instructions, inventory management and beer education for accurate and helpful recommendations and insight.
- Work with staff to demonstrate and teach merchandising techniques and proper product rotation.
- Implemented a system of auditing departments to ensure signage and pricing is correct and current.
Beer Buyer
Binny's Beverage Depot
Chicago, Illinois
10.2014 - 06.2017
- Surpassed sales goals during both years spent at our Downtown location. In 2015 we increased sales by 5% over projected growth, and in 2016 by 8.5% over projection.
- Created a process to ensure all signage and promotional materials are displayed prominently and in compliance with Liquor Commission regulations.
- Increased customer interest and loyalty by actively seeking and contracting with new and emerging brands and distributors.
- Trained staff in beer consulting position allowing them to advance to buying positions, both at our downtown and other locations.
- Worked with corporate sales team and distributors to implement programs leading to highest sales returns.
- Able to perform management duties, as well as able to assist in all areas and aspects of store functions.
Beer Buyer/Bar Manager
Binny's Beverage Depot
Chicago, Illinois
06.2015 - 11.2015
- Temporary transfer to assume department head responsibilities and assuming the lead buying role for the summer season.
- Focused on streamlining communications between multiple locations ordering departments, wedding planning and internet sales to ensure both order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
- Concentrated on time management between buying for, and managing, both a tasting room and sales floor while continuing the lead focus on maximum customer experience.
Store Associate/ Beer Consultant
Binny's Beverage Depot
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
10.2012 - 10.2014
- Began career with Binny's as seasonal part time store associate, and quickly worked my way up to a full time Beer Consultant position.
- Trained under existing beer buyer learning basic operations and ordering procedures.
- Through independent research and training from seasoned staff, I was able to quickly gain knowledge and a passion for beers of all styles.
- After being promoted to Beer Buyer of Buffalo Grove, I requested a store transfer to any city store in search of greater challenge and the opportunity to work at a higher volume store. At this point my goal was to further grow my product knowledge and to be closer to the Chicago craft beer environment.
Education
Certified Beer Server -
Cicerone Certification Program
Chicago, IL01-2020
Some College (No Degree) -
Harper Community College
Palatine, ILSkills
- High Proficiency in AB Company Systems: PowerBi, VIP iDig, HERO Analytics
- Strong, existing relationships with key decision makers in the on and off premise channel, including Binny's and Mariano's beer buyers
- Comprehensive craft beer knowledge
- Practiced at brand presentations to educate and build partnerships
- In depth knowledge and understanding of beer trends
- Proven abilities in consultative sales strategy
- Merchandising
- Event planning
- Draft systems technician
Timeline
Business Development Representative
Goose Island Beer Company
10.2017 - Current
Beer Department Supervisor
Binny's Beverage Depot
06.2017 - 10.2017
Beer Buyer/Bar Manager
Binny's Beverage Depot
06.2015 - 11.2015
Beer Buyer
Binny's Beverage Depot
10.2014 - 06.2017
Store Associate/ Beer Consultant
Binny's Beverage Depot
10.2012 - 10.2014
Certified Beer Server -
Cicerone Certification Program
Some College (No Degree) -
Harper Community College