Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Eldon Larson

Centennial,CO

Summary

Hard-driving business leader offering skill in strategic business planning and team development. I skillfully recruit and train employees at all levels to meet customer and business demands. Articulate, forward-thinking and resourceful in meeting unique needs. As Owner/President of Wine Experience Cafe & World Cellar, I spearheaded operations, achieving significant achievement in fine dinning and retail based on the world of wine. I used my extensive experience and creative ideas to thrive even through recession and the COVID pandemic. I seek a full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing my forty years as a wine professional and managerial expertise.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner/President

Wine Experience Cafe & World Cellar
05.2007 - Current
  • Managed day-to-day business operations. Wine selections, pricing, payroll, purchasing, daily sales transactions and invoices.
  • Managed event calender. Performed 500+ Wine Dinners, Live Music Events, Wine Tastings & Seminars on and off our premises.
  • Managed daily operations to ensure our fine dinning establishment performed at a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
  • Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
  • Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement while recognizing outstanding achievements as well.
  • Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
  • Reduced staff turnover rate with effective leadership, open communication, and employee development opportunities.
  • Development and implementation of new seasonal menus plus special wine dinner menus.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures through streamlined processes, efficient scheduling, and strategic vendor negotiations.
  • Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.


Wine Business Manager

Beverage Distributors (Charmer Sunbelt)
03.2005 - 05.2007
  • Worked with wine suppliers on market pricing and sales incentives, while maintaining strong relationships. My portfolio of brands included Banfi, Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Constellation (Franciscan), Silver Oak, GL Steinke, Canon de Colorado and many others.
  • Negotiated mutually agreed upon monthly, quarterly and yearly sales goals..
  • Developed initial sales roadmaps and market strategies to promote successful product launches.
  • Advised purchasing manager to insure proper inventory that coincide with sales goals and take advantage of SPA and DA supplier programs.

Western Regional Sales Manager

Firestone Winery
02.2003 - 02.2005
  • Worked with my distribution network managing twelve western states on market pricing and sales incentives, while maintaining strong relationships.
  • Negotiated mutually agreed upon monthly, quarterly and yearly sales goals.
  • Developed market strategies to promote Firestone and Curtis wineries, making sure that all the various liquor laws were followed in a multi state region.
  • Advised purchasing manager to insure proper inventory for my brands was maintained.
  • Increased regional sales by implementing effective marketing strategies and identifying new business opportunities.
  • Implemented sales training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the sales team, contributing to improved performance across the region.
  • Generated detailed sales reports and forecasts to analyze performance and track progress.
  • Evaluated costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve profit targets.

Wine Sales Manager

Beverage Distributors
02.1991 - 02.2003
  • Managed five sales division managers with a sales force of thirty street level sales consultants.
  • Worked with wine suppliers on market pricing and sales incentives, while maintaining strong relationships. My portfolio of brands included Winebow, Seagram Classics, Seagram Chateau & Estates, Banfi, Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Huneeus Franciscan Estates, Silver Oak, William Grant, and many others.
  • Negotiated mutually agreed upon monthly, quarterly and yearly sales goals..
  • Developed initial sales roadmaps and market strategies to promote successful product launches.
  • Advised purchasing manager to insure proper inventory that coincide with sales goals and take advantage of SPA and DA supplier programs.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.


Colorado State Manager

Vintners International
03.1987 - 12.1990
  • Worked with my Colorado distributors on market pricing and sales incentives, while maintaining strong relationships.
  • Negotiated mutually agreed upon monthly, quarterly and yearly sales goals.
  • Developed market strategies to promote our wineries through on & off premises activity i.e. new distribution, retail displays and promotions.
  • Advised purchasing manager to insure proper inventory for my brands was maintained.
  • Increased regional sales by implementing effective marketing strategies and identifying new business opportunities.
  • Implemented sales training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the sales team, contributing to improved performance across the region.
  • Generated detailed sales reports and forecasts to analyze performance and track progress.
  • Evaluated costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve profit targets.

Key Account Manager/Division Manager

Beverage Distributors
03.1984 - 03.1987
  • Managed off premises sales division
  • Manged key account sales for the four largest retail accounts in Colorado.
  • Conducted regular account reviews to assess performance of our brands, identify areas for growth and strategize future opportunities.
  • Coordinated with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of products and services, meeting client expectations.
  • Developed and delivered presentations to key customers to position our brands

Skills

  • Relationship Building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Business Planning
  • Budget Development
  • Management Team Leadership

Timeline

Owner/President

Wine Experience Cafe & World Cellar
05.2007 - Current

Wine Business Manager

Beverage Distributors (Charmer Sunbelt)
03.2005 - 05.2007

Western Regional Sales Manager

Firestone Winery
02.2003 - 02.2005

Wine Sales Manager

Beverage Distributors
02.1991 - 02.2003

Colorado State Manager

Vintners International
03.1987 - 12.1990

Key Account Manager/Division Manager

Beverage Distributors
03.1984 - 03.1987

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Eldon Larson