FRANCOIS VERA
New York
Summary
Strategic brand developer with expertise in brand strategy and relationship building. Drives product positioning and market trends through innovative marketing events and strategic partnerships, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement. Specializes in creating impactful experiences via event sponsorship and product sampling.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Peroni Brand Developer
Peroni USA / Team Enterprises
Los Angeles
04.2017 - 05.2019
- Established relationships with hospitality business owners and staff throughout Los Angeles County.
- Spearheaded brand awareness initiatives by sponsoring events and conducting product sampling at accounts.
- Educated staff on product offerings to increase customer engagement.
- Pursued daily account closures from targeted lists while identifying new opportunities.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance market presence within Pathways.
Facundo Rum Specialist
Facundo Rum / Bacardi USA / Team Enterprises
Los Angeles
11.2013 - 04.2017
- Strengthened relationships with staff and decision makers through regular account visits and sample provision.
- Focused on brand development by securing menu placements and enhancing brand awareness.
- Secured menu placements and enhanced brand awareness to drive brand development.
- Promoted products by organizing tasting events for industry professionals and enthusiasts.
General Manager & Beverage Director
Houston Hospitality
Los Angeles
09.2013 - 01.2017
- Created innovative cocktail program and six menus, enhancing customer experience and driving sales.
- Trained bartenders in American and Japanese techniques, elevating service quality and drink preparation.
- Coordinated event bookings, scheduling, ordering, payroll, and bar sales initiatives to streamline operations.
- Trained bartenders in American and Japanese techniques to enhance skillset.
- Managed event bookings, scheduling, ordering, payroll, and bar sales initiatives.
- Operated Parisian speakeasy cocktail bar in affluent Larchmont Village/Hancock Park area.
Bar Consultant
Chateau Marmont Hotel Bar
Los Angeles
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Designed and developed lobby bar for globally recognized hotel, enhancing guest experience and brand reputation.
- Created cocktail program and trained staff across all hotel bars, improving service consistency and guest satisfaction.
- Developed unique cocktail menus for each bar, increasing guest engagement and contributing to overall bar performance.
- Designed and developed lobby bar for renowned hotel recognized globally.
Manager
213 Inc. now known as Pour with Heart
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Hired and trained bar staff, establishing a curated spirits selection at pre-prohibition venue.
- Ensured cocktail menu consistency by sourcing affordable, high-quality spirits.
- Contributed to re-opening the oldest bar in Los Angeles, developed by Sasha Petraske and Eric Alperin.
- Maintained cocktail menu quality with affordable, high-quality spirits.
- Hired bar staff and established spirits selection at pre-prohibition venue.
- Specialized in classic cocktails to deliver authentic drinking experiences.
Manager
Cosmo Bar
San Francisco
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Developed menu featuring classic cocktails from various cultures to appeal to diverse customer base.
- Organized events that fostered a community of regular customers.
- Managed operations at international student hotel and local bar
Education
AA - Graphic Design
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA01-2009
BA - Business Administration
UNIVERSIDADE DE BRASILIA-UNB "BRASILIA STATE UNIVERSITY"
12-1999
Skills
- Brand development
- Brand strategy
- Product positioning
- Digital marketing
- Sales strategy
- Market trends
- Event sponsorship
- Product sampling
- Strategic partnerships
- Marketing events
- Budget development
- Loyalty programs
- Relationship building
References
- Jason Achondo, General Manager, Harvard & Stone, 503.933.6988
- Juan Coronado, Bacardi, 917.774.9810
- Pablo Moix, Old Lightning, 818.404.1144
- Mark Houston, Proprietor, Houston Hospitality, 323.485.4874
- Chad Salomon, Slow & Low, 917.273.2962
- Nelson Lemus, Chinola, 301808631
Timeline
Peroni Brand Developer
Peroni USA / Team Enterprises
04.2017 - 05.2019
Facundo Rum Specialist
Facundo Rum / Bacardi USA / Team Enterprises
11.2013 - 04.2017
General Manager & Beverage Director
Houston Hospitality
09.2013 - 01.2017
Bar Consultant
Chateau Marmont Hotel Bar
01.2012 - 01.2013
Manager
213 Inc. now known as Pour with Heart
01.2008 - 01.2010
Manager
Cosmo Bar
01.2005 - 01.2007
AA - Graphic Design
Santa Monica College
BA - Business Administration
UNIVERSIDADE DE BRASILIA-UNB "BRASILIA STATE UNIVERSITY"