Elisabeth Colbath
Fredericksburg,TX
Summary
Dedicated landscaping professional with strong project management skills. Proven ability to coordinate seasonal tasks and implement design improvements, resulting in visually appealing outdoor environments for winery patrons.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Groundskeeper and Vineyard Manager
Barons Creek Vineyards
Fredericksburg, TX
08.2020 - Current
- I started working at Barons Creek Vineyards while I was still working at Hilmy Cellars because they needed landscaping to enhance the outdoor aesthetics of the property, and someone to maintain their grape vineyards.
- Provided recommendations for landscape improvements and enhancements, including using more perennial and native plants to create a more sustainable landscape background, into which spots of colorful annual plants could be used seasonally to keep the beauty and interest alive.
- Pruned trees and bushes to improve visibility and shape. Also pruned and trained grapevines to grow in the trellis orientation designated by our winemaker.
- Monitored health of plants and trees, treating issues such as pests or disease to prevent spread. I also trained other grounds workers on how to properly water different plants, and maintained all watering schedules for the property and vineyards.
- Coordinated with external contractors for specialized maintenance projects.
- Performed seasonal landscaping tasks including planting flowers, bushes, and trees.
- Designed and implemented new landscape projects, especially photographic areas for the winery patrons. This included creating lists of specific plants for purchase, and, upon budget approval, procuring these plants from both wholesale and retail sources.
- Coordinated all holiday decorating for the property.
- Managed irrigation systems, including scheduling, repairs, and adjustments for optimal water usage.
- Checked machinery and performed routine maintenance to prevent malfunction.
- Assisted with the setup and breakdown of outdoor events, ensuring grounds were prepared and restored.
- Created beautiful outdoor vistas for visitors to relax in and enjoy.
Tasting Room Associate
Hilmy Cellars
Fredericksburg, TX
08.2019 - 05.2021
- I took a position to get back into the workforce after a three-year break to start my family.
- Created engaging retail displays to showcase featured wines.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of wine and wine production processes.
- Demonstrated advanced wine knowledge to assist guests with tasting choices.
- Performed floor moves, merchandising, display maintenance and housekeeping to keep sales areas well-stocked, organized and current.
- Helped with bottling and maintaining inventory numbers for the winery since they knew I had that experience.
- I completed the IWC (Intermediate Wine Certificate) course for sommeliers with the ISG (International Sommelier Guild) in order to gain more knowledge in a way that could boost my sales.
- Once COVID hit, I kept a job by switching to working in the vineyards and revamping the on-site landscaping. This is where my passion for plants really blossomed.
Assistant Store Manager
Walgreens
Austin, TX
08.2008 - 02.2016
- Led teams in planning, implementation and execution of merchandising and operating initiatives to streamline business effectiveness. This went further when I led a district team of select employees from each store in preparing a newly opening store for a 'Grand Opening,' or revamping an older store with all new sets, signage, etc.
- Handled scheduling for store shifts to achieve adequate staffing.
- Reviewed inventory and sales records to prepare reports for management and budget departments.
- Interviewed and vetted job applicants to make effective hiring decisions and fill vacancies with strong team members.
- Completed frequent walk-throughs and directed team members to correct issues impacting store appearance or professionalism.
- Delegated assignments based on team strengths to optimize floor coverage and service levels.
- Answered customer questions and addressed problems and complaints in person and via phone.
- Oversaw coaching and guidance of store employees to foster advancement in work operations.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked. This included not only the direct company ordering, but also all vendors and pharmaceutical companies.
- Regularly reviewed profit/loss data in order to anticipate problems before they got out of hand, and created action plans to reduce losses I could already foresee.
- Implemented campaigns and promotions, especially through merchandising, to help with developing goods and services.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance. Team member training was a very important aspect of my position.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- I approached my workday always with a "can-do" attitude, even when it was difficult due to changes in corporate strategies. I was very mindful to set strict deadlines for my team so that the store was always on time for seasonal changes, with merchandising, promotions, special events, and price changes that aligned with the company plan.
Account & Sales Manager
Texas Exotic Meats, LLC
Tyler, Texas
09.2003 - 10.2007
- Established new accounts and serviced existing accounts maintaining professional relationships, while maintaining a combined budget of $800,000 - $1,000,000.
- Duties included product promotions, retail box design, handling customer orders and shipping, inventory control and billing (QuickBooks and Excel), website design, and contacting customers to promote new sales items and answer questions.
- Procuring grant funds from the Texas Dept. of Agriculture ("Go Texas" Program) in order to further company growth and visibility within the industry.
- My efforts were focused on the introduction of our companies' products into restaurants across the United States and into retail grocery chains (Brookshire Grocery Co. & HEB) as well. I regularly checked on all retail locations to maintain inventory, merchandising, and pricing for our products.
- Number of staff managed: 6 to 10. This company was owned by my family and was only closed after we all agreed to sell the ranch that provided the meat for the business.
Education
Biology
The University of Texas At Austin
Austin, Texas, TXSkills
- Landscaping and gardening
- Project management
- Monitoring health of plants
- Seasonal change management
- Seasonal Decorations
- Detail-oriented
- Dedicated work ethic
- Retail merchandising savvy
- Inventory Management
- Teamwork oriented and a 'can-do' attitude
- Creativity in both design and problem-solving
- Passion for Plants!
Certification
PTCB certified Pharmacy Technician as of 2013
References
References available upon request.
Member
- Native Plant Society of Texas (Fredericksburg Chapter). I plan on taking certification courses through them in order to gain even more knowledge about landscaping with plants native to the Texas Hill Country.
Timeline
Groundskeeper and Vineyard Manager
Barons Creek Vineyards
08.2020 - Current
Tasting Room Associate
Hilmy Cellars
08.2019 - 05.2021
Assistant Store Manager
Walgreens
08.2008 - 02.2016
Account & Sales Manager
Texas Exotic Meats, LLC
09.2003 - 10.2007
Biology
The University of Texas At Austin