Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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James Cunningham

CHARLOTTE,NC

Summary

Dynamic sales leader with a proven track record at Jackson Family Wines, driving a consistent 5% annual growth in case depletions. Expert in sales strategy and account management, with a focus on building strong client relationships and executing effective pricing strategies. Recognized for exceptional performance, leveraging negotiation skills to deliver impactful results. Career goals include expanding market presence and enhancing team performance through innovative sales techniques.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Mid Atlantic Regional Sales Manager

Jackson Family Wines
Charlotte, North Carolina
03.2015 - 04.2025
  • Oversaw wine sales across six states via collaboration with fifteen distributors.
  • Oversaw yearly cases of 300,000 resulting in $6 million in sales.
  • Developed pricing strategies and incentives to enhance sales.
  • Achieved annual savings of nearly 10% through strategic reduction of depletion allowance.
  • Achieved sustained growth in case depletions, averaging a 5% increase annually across eight years.
  • Recognized as the top Regional Manager nationwide in 2021.
  • Implemented development strategies for District and Key Account Managers, fostering growth in their respective areas.
  • Led quarterly meetings with distributors to establish standards and align plans.
  • Organized trade shows, exhibitions, and other events to showcase products.
  • Established relationships with key accounts in the region through personal visits and account support.

Wine Director/Restaurant Manager

The Peninsula Club
Cornelius, North Carolina
09.2012 - 03.2015
  • Elevated wine program sales to $1.5 Million from an initial $250k over a span of 2.5 years.
  • Provided expertise on wine selection for events such as Wine Dinners, Chef Tables, and Sommelier Seminars.
  • Oversaw a team of more than 30 employees across multiple establishments.

Sommelier

Vivace
Charlotte, North Carolina
09.2011 - 09.2012
  • Handled management duties for extensive collection exceeding 300 wine bottles.
  • Doubled the expected yearly revenue growth from +10% to +20%.
  • Recommended bottles from the cellar based on customer preference and budget constraints.

Sommelier Intern

The French Laundry
Yountville, CA
06.2011 - 09.2011
  • Managed wine inventory worth $5 million.
  • Maintained accurate records of all inventory and purchases.
  • Monitored stock levels in order to maintain adequate supply while minimizing overstocking issues.
  • Provided assistance to Sommeliers during service hours.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Tourism And Hospitality Management

Johnson And Wales University
Charlotte, NC
06-2005

Skills

  • Sales strategy
  • Market analysis
  • Pricing strategy
  • Account management
  • Customer relationship management
  • Sales forecasting
  • Event planning
  • Data analysis
  • Negotiation and persuasion
  • Operations

Affiliations

  • Pickleball
  • Big Sports Fan
  • F45
  • Golf
  • Traveling
  • Talented Home Chef
  • Hiking

Accomplishments

  • Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers 2014
  • National Blue Ring Winner Jackson Family Wines 2021 (MVP)
  • National Santa Barbara Month Winner (3 times)
  • National Oregon Month Winner (2 times)
  • National Hawaii Incentive Winner
  • National France Incentive Winner
  • National Spain Incentive Winner
  • National Cambria Winery Winner
  • National Hartford Court Winery Winner
  • Winner of other smaller incentives throughout 10 years at Jackson Family

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Mid Atlantic Regional Sales Manager

Jackson Family Wines
03.2015 - 04.2025

Wine Director/Restaurant Manager

The Peninsula Club
09.2012 - 03.2015

Sommelier

Vivace
09.2011 - 09.2012

Sommelier Intern

The French Laundry
06.2011 - 09.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Tourism And Hospitality Management

Johnson And Wales University
James Cunningham