Griffin Blackburn
Dallas
Summary
Results-driven Lead Bartender with expertise in cocktail menu development, developing engaging marketing strategies, and a passion for building relationships. Known for extensive spirits and cocktail knowledge, and executing successful beverage programs that elevate customer satisfaction and drive brand loyalty.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Bartender
The Adolphus Hotel
11.2021 - Current
- Supervised bar operations, ensuring compliance with safety and health regulations.
- Mentored junior bartenders, enhancing team skills and service quality.
- Developed signature cocktail menu, increasing customer satisfaction and engagement.
- Created and Executed ticketed Cocktail and spirits Classes for Guests covering topics such as Lillet, Japanese Whisky, Gin, Margaritas, and Tequila.
- Built relationships with vendors to manage orders and negotiate costs.
- Created a training organization for staff named, The Adolphus Beverage Council. TABC invited suppliers to teach staff about categories and their brands.
- Participated in Photoshoots as marketing material for the Adolphus.
- Partnered with the Sales team to represent the hotel as a Beverage Professional to win new new business.
On Premise Sales Representative
REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
01.2021 - 09.2021
- Executed promotional events to drive brand awareness and engage consumers effectively.
- Conducted regular client visits to maintain relationships, foster loyalty, and identify new opportunities for revenue growth.
- Served as a knowledgeable resource for customers by staying current on industry trends and product offerings.
- Provided exceptional customer service to ensure repeat business from satisfied clients.
- Boosted brand visibility through strategic placement of promotional materials in high-traffic areas.
- Developed territory management plans to optimize time allocation and maximize sales results.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create engaging promotional campaigns that drove sales growth.
- Created exciting Cocktail Features, Menu Cocktails, and Pairing promotions to gain menu placement, and elevate product offerings in accounts.
Bartender
The Grove
05.2020 - 10.2020
- Crafted and served innovative cocktails, enhancing customer satisfaction and bar experience.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring timely replenishment of supplies and minimizing waste.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, adhering to health and safety standards.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
Field Marketing Representative
Otter Products
08.2013 - 06.2018
- Developed and executed targeted marketing campaigns to drive product awareness and engagement.
- Collaborated with sales teams to align marketing strategies with business objectives.
- Caputred, Analyzed, and Reported on Consumer sentiment in the field to share with the Sales, Marketing, and Events teams.
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring seamless execution and brand representation.
- Consistently surpassed monthly and quarterly goals, contributing to the territories increased sell through.
- Built strong relationships with territory decision makers.
- Executed local and national consumer facing events such as Trade shows, XGames, US Open of Surf, Wal Mart Shareholders Meeting, Bestbuy Managers meeting, and CES.
- Partnered with local clients to perform product trainings, sales events, celebratory events, and promotional events.
- Managed a schedule of inter-territory travel to consistently meet with local partners.
- Responsibly managed a budget used for travel, entertainment, and promotion.
Education
Bar Certified - Spirits And Bartending
Bar 5 Day
Hyde Park02.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing
The University of Texas At Tyler
Tyler,TX12.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations And Advertising
Tyler Junior College
Tyler,TX08.2010
Skills
- Superb Presentation abilities
- Suggestive selling
- Proficient in mixology
- Customer service expertise
- Menu development
- Team training and development
- Engaging personality
- Relationship and Community Builder
Affiliations
~ USBG member, Dallas, TX.
~ Squirrel, Camp Runamok
- Spring, 2022
- Fall, 2022
- Spring, 2025
~ Student, Portland Cocktail Week
- Oct, 2022, 2023, 2024
~ Attendee, Tales of The Cocktail, 2024, 2025
Certification
- Agave Advocate, CRT, 2023
- Agave Master, WSET, 2025
- Bar Certified, Bar5 Day, 2026
- Completed, Eh,B,C's of Canadian Whiskey, 2025
- Completed, Dr. Joy Spence Rum Cohort, 2024
- Attendee, Behind the Barrel, Wild Turkey 2023
- Attendee, Backstage, Jack Daniels, 2025
- Attendee, Patron Hacienda, 2025
Timeline
Lead Bartender
The Adolphus Hotel
11.2021 - Current
On Premise Sales Representative
REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
01.2021 - 09.2021
Bartender
The Grove
05.2020 - 10.2020
Field Marketing Representative
Otter Products
08.2013 - 06.2018
Bar Certified - Spirits And Bartending
Bar 5 Day
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing
The University of Texas At Tyler
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations And Advertising
Tyler Junior College