Elise A. McCracken
SALES EXECUTIVE | DSD & NATIONAL ACCOUNTS| DISTRIBUTOR LEADERSHIP
Rogers
Summary
Strategic sales leader with 20+ years of experience in the beverage industry—spanning both supplier and distributor sides—driving revenue growth through national account strategy, distributor execution, and DSD (Direct Store Delivery) leadership. I’ve built and scaled divisions from the ground up, launched emerging brands, and driven volume across C-store, grocery, on-premise, and alternative retail channels.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
National Sales Director
The Nations Brewing Co
01.2023 - Current
- Leading distributor execution across 14 states for four beverage portfolios. Driving volume, route-level execution, and national account alignment through tailored programming, sales forecasting, and distributor coaching.
- Developing new market playbooks, onboarding new distributors and optimizing pricing and promotional cadence.
- Expanding business by building out market strategies and playbooks, launching in new states; tailoring distribution, pricing, and promotional strategies to support market-specific growth.
- Analyzing syndicated data (NielsenIQ, Circana, SPINS) to shape brand portfolio strategies and build annual business plans that improve sales performance, align distributor objectives, and increase brand visibility.
- Managing a team of six Sales Representatives/Brand Ambassadors and one National Chain Director, developing talent, fostering accountability, and advancing strategic account performance.
- Drove 40%+ increase in total company volume and profits in 2024, achieving year-over-year double-digit growth across three of four brand portfolios and single-digit growth on the fourth.
- Improved distributor alignment and execution through strategic business planning.
VP of Sales-Beer & THC Beverages
Best Brands Inc.
02.2017 - 12.2022
- Built a newly formed Beer Division into a multimillion-dollar asset and later launched the THC Division by securing high-potential supplier partnerships and fostering long-term relationships with emerging craft beverage brands—positioning Best Brands as a preferred distributor and driving rapid growth across both categories.
- Structured tactics for key placements in major retail chains including Walmart and Target, along with key on- and off-premise regional accounts, through strong supplier collaboration and data-driven retail sales strategies.
- Managed an overlay team of nine across Tennessee, supporting general sales teams and driving execution in high-volume chain and independent accounts, delivering sustained growth in highly competitive environments.
- Scaled Beer Division sales from $707K to $10M within two years, driving exponential revenue growth.
- Expanded annual sales volume from 23K to 275K case equivalents while consistently improving year-over-year gross profit margins.
- Positioned Best Brands as a preferred partner in both craft beer and emerging THC beverage categories.
On-Premise Division Manager
DET Distributing
11.2015 - 02.2017
- Initiated new craft supplier partnerships, revitalized existing relationships, and executed national on-premise account strategies—reversing a four-year sales decline and delivering double-digit growth.
- Reorganized the On-Premise Division to streamline operations, improve execution, and elevate service standards, while leading a team of 14 Sales Representatives and 3 Area Managers.
- Optimized distributor-level inventory management through forecasting and data analysis, reducing out-of-stocks, minimizing inventory waste, and improving seasonal performance across key brand portfolios.
- Developed and implemented new systems for sales training, beer education, and team building, improving team performance and contributing to the overall success of the division.
Regional Manager
Tenth & Blake (Molson Coors)
06.2011 - 11.2015
- Designed and implemented a three-year Craft & Import business plan across ten states, improving distributor selling effectiveness and delivering sustained market performance.
- Directed marketing, co-op, and trade budgets to support execution excellence, strengthen brand presence, and maximize ROI through targeted programming and strategic investments.
- Collaborated as the primary liaison between Tenth & Blake and Molson Coors Field Sales to align distributor strategies with field execution and drive consistent market results.
- Promoted to Beer Merchant Manager within two years, led five direct reports and aligned execution across ten high-volume distributors; nationally recognized as Beer Merchant Manager of the Year in 2014 for outstanding leadership and performance.
Field/Area Sales Manager
Molson Coors
05.2005 - 06.2011
- Drove significant gains in share, profit, volume, and distribution by launching new-to-market brands, introducing innovative packaging, and executing brand-building campaigns—including strategic pricing programs across key on and off-premise accounts such as Walmart and other high-volume retailers.
- Developed market strategies that expanded availability, improved brand presence, and elevated Molson Coors' positioning in local chains and independent accounts.
- Recognized as Regional Area Sales Manager of the Year for growing market share by 2+ points YOY throughout territories in a competitive stronghold’s environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communication: Sales/Marketing Emphasis
Missouri State University
Springfield, MOSkills
Microsoft Office 365
undefinedPassions
My passion lies in solving complex problems, developing high-performing teams, and delivering sustainable growth in highly competitive markets. I bring a hands-on approach to distributor accountability, territory optimization, and margin improvement—backed by deep experience across Beer, THC Beverages, Non-Alcoholic, and Functional/Wellness categories. Whether it’s entering new markets, managing multi-state distributor networks, or aligning field teams with national priorities, I thrive in fast-moving environments where strategy meets execution.
Additional Professional Experience
- Metro Manager, Coors Brewing Company, Kansas City, MO/KS
- Sales Quality Specialist, Coors Brewing Company, Omaha, NE
Timeline
National Sales Director
The Nations Brewing Co
01.2023 - Current
VP of Sales-Beer & THC Beverages
Best Brands Inc.
02.2017 - 12.2022
On-Premise Division Manager
DET Distributing
11.2015 - 02.2017
Regional Manager
Tenth & Blake (Molson Coors)
06.2011 - 11.2015
Field/Area Sales Manager
Molson Coors
05.2005 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Science - Communication: Sales/Marketing Emphasis
Missouri State University
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