JAMES ESTES
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
High-energy sales and customer relations professional well-versed in communicating with different individuals and negotiating successful solutions. Focused on offering superior support and meeting all production targets. Creative in applying expertise in venue operations and menu development to building robust solutions that enhance loyalty, promote retention and support revenue objectives. Skilled in leadership functions such as training and mentoring new associates.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Agave Sales Specialist
I&A Agave Spirits
Los Angeles, CA
10.2022 - Current
- Stayed up to date on company products and services to support sales objectives.
- Negotiated prices and set up contracts to finalize sales agreements.
- Write, completed and filed documentation to finalize sales.
- Calculated production, delivery and installation costs to provide customers with accurate quotes.
- Compiled key customer data to plan selling strategies and identify specific client needs.
- Researched competitors, economics and other key facets to better understand current market trends.
- Liaised with vendors to coordinate delivery schedules and promote customer satisfaction.
- Conducted site visits to assess needs, demonstrate products and recommend strategic solutions for customer requirements.
- Developed key customer relationships to increase sales.
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and promotions.
- Developed customized sales techniques to successfully sell and upsell services to new and existing clients.
- Placed orders and answered customer questions in-person, through email and over phone to maximize customer service.
- Fostered relationships with customers to expand customer base and retain business.
- Identified customer needs to deliver relevant product solutions and promotions and meet target budgets.
- Monitored customer order process and addressed customer issues.
- Presented products and services to prospective and existing customers to meet client needs.
- Improved overall customer purchasing experiences to promote steady revenue.
- Developed targeted lists and new business opportunities, accelerating sales process to achieve results.
Brand Ambassador
Tequila Ocho
MENA & SEA
06.2015 - 04.2021
- Promoted positive company image through superior customer service experiences.
- Maintained consistent visual merchandising standards to highlight product features, attract customers and boost sales.
- Built relationships and personalized future client development opportunities by collecting customer data.
- Met and exceeded goals for high-volume personal sales through clientele development and product knowledge.
- Accessed brand social media pages to stay abreast of launches and campaigns.
- Prepared action plans to identify specific targets and project contacts and sales.
- Maximized engagement and growth by evaluating performance and benchmarking against competitor content.
- Built lasting relationships with customers by delivering first-call resolution and taking ownership of scenarios.
- Stayed on top of industry-related topics, trends and tools to impact social growth and engagement.
- Provided written responses to customer inquiries via e-mail, meeting service expectations.
- Increased client profits by establishing strong brand representation through face-to-face marketing.
- Conducted promotional efforts to increase trial and consumption of client brands.
- Worked cross-functionally with retail and marketing to drive brand consistency and alignment.
- Used social media monitoring platform to view conversations about brands and respond to inquiries.
- Organized and carried out promotional events, set up and tore down event sites and interacted with customers.
- Promoted products using Facebook and Instagram.
- Took high-quality photographs of products to support social media campaigns.
Brand Ambassador
Belvedere Vodka
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE
10.2014 - 05.2015
- Promoted positive company image through superior customer service experiences.
- Built relationships and personalized future client development opportunities by collecting customer data.
- Met and exceeded goals for high-volume personal sales through clientele development and product knowledge.
- Stayed on top of industry-related topics, trends and tools to impact social growth and engagement.
- Increased client profits by establishing strong brand representation through face-to-face marketing.
- Provided written responses to customer inquiries via e-mail, meeting service expectations.
- Organized and carried out promotional events, set up and tore down event sites and interacted with customers.
- Promoted products using Facebook and Instagram.
- Took high-quality photographs of products to support social media campaigns.
- Conducted promotional efforts to increase trial and consumption of client brands.
Bar Director
Nerano & BG Lounge
Beverly Hills, CA
12.2021 - 08.2022
- Interviewed, hired and trained staff to improve customer retention and bolster sales.
- Monitored cash intake to reduce discrepancies.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints to maximize satisfaction and loyalty.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Complied with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations while streamlining productivity initiatives.
- Restocked beer and liquor regularly and after special events.
- Maintained detailed inventory of bar supplies and stocked work areas.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings and special promotions.
- Monitored patron alcohol consumption to encourage safety.
- Planned and coordinated special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Controlled labor costs by adjusting schedules and workflows to align with anticipated customer demands.
- Reorganized bar stations to streamline service flow.
- Mitigated health risks and reduced safety hazards by creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment and sanitation standards.
- Created signature beverages to increase revenue and patron loyalty.
- Poured wine, beer and cocktails for patrons.
- Increased profits by overseeing inventory and strategically increasing menu prices.
- Increased revenue by promoting additional products and assisting with beverage menu.
- Pursued training opportunities to advance mixology knowledge and refine understanding of beer, wine and liquor.
- Developed and implemented bartender training programs, policies and procedures.
Group Executive Bartender
The Marini’s Group
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
12.2020 - 09.2021
- Maintained detailed inventory of bar supplies and stocked work areas.
- Created signature beverages to increase revenue and patron loyalty.
- Poured wine, beer and cocktails for patrons.
- Increased revenue by promoting additional products and assisting with beverage menu.
- Developed and implemented bartender training programs, policies and procedures.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment and sanitation standards.
- Reorganized bar stations to streamline service flow.
- Interviewed, hired and trained staff to improve customer retention and bolster sales.
Group Beverage Manager
PS150 Group
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
07.2019 - 11.2020
- Preserved excellent levels of internal and external customer service.
- Attracted, recruited and trained new employees.
- Set daily and weekly cleaning and equipment maintenance schedules.
- Purchased goods and ingredients needed to make beverages.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
- Exhibited thorough knowledge of foods, beverages, supervisory duties, service techniques and guest interactions.
- Worked closely with GM, chef and cooks to determine menu plans for special events or occasions.
- Minimized loss and misuse of equipment through proper restaurant supervision and staff training.
Director of Mixology
Huckleberry Hospitality Group
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
09.2017 - 05.2019
- Planned and implemented strategies to grow revenue.
- Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work and improve interdepartmental performance.
- Guided and motivated staff to drive maximum performance.
- Developed and presented new ideas and conceptualized new approaches and solutions.
- Managed staff, financials and key performance indicators to facilitate business operations.
- Successfully improved employment turnover through creating incentive and training programs.
- Analyzed problematic situations and occurrences to provide solutions and facilitate company survival and growth.
- Implemented and prepared comprehensive business plans to expand business.
- Partnered with staff to create professional development plans to support personal and business growth.
- Leveraged market knowledge and studied competitive landscape to drive revenue.
- Worked with department managers to formulate annual budgets.
- Researched and negotiated pricing to reduce cost of equipment and supplies.
- Supported work-life balance to improve staff morale.
- Built strong referral network to generate new business opportunities.
- Met with stakeholders to address issues and implement solutions.
- Recruited, hired and trained employees on operations and performance expectations.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships to promote positive work culture.
Co-Founder/Partner
Jack Rose
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
03.2017 - 04.2019
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
- Managed operations budgeting, accounts payable and accounts receivable and payroll.
- Conferred with customers to understand needs and finalize purchase orders.
- Kept records for production, inventory, income and expenses.
- Devised business and marketing plans and prepared monthly financial reports.
- Kept up-to-date on regulatory changes affecting business operations.
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Reconciled daily sales, prepared bank deposits and assessed financial transaction reports.
- Established favorable relationships with vendors and contractors, facilitating contract negotiation and development of marketing and sales strategies.
- Examined and inspected stock items for wear or defects.
- Determined pricing for products or services based on costs and competition.
- Mentored and trained new hires on sales techniques and customer service procedures.
- Met with service vendors or product suppliers to facilitate delivery.
- Conducted market research to stock latest inventory.
- Analyzed financial statements and trends to manage cash flow and make business decisions.
- Interviewed, trained and supervised employees.
Beverage Consultant
Fling Bar Services
MENA, SEA & EU
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Communicated effectively with clientele to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Answered customers' questions and addressed problems and complaints in person and via phone.
- Built strong, professional relationships through identification of client needs, which increased overall sales and opportunities.
- Learned customer needs and desires to suggest specific product options.
- Assisted customers during selection process and helped choose perfect products to meet individual needs.
- Met with store managers to discuss product needs, accomplish sales goals and facilitate sales growth.
- Assessed sales statistics to improve strategy and meet quotas.
- Developed relationships with customers and presented promotions that increased shelf space, sales and profit.
- Made recommendations to customers to promote brand effectiveness and product benefits.
- Promoted memorable shopping experiences resulting in increased customer retention and loyalty.
- Negotiated and closed deals with minimal oversight.
- Executed updated marketing plans to increase branding exposure, customer traffic and sales.
Bar Manager
Cavalli Club, Restaurant & Lounge
Dubai, UAE
09.2014 - 12.2015
- Interviewed, hired and trained staff to improve customer retention and bolster sales.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints to maximize satisfaction and loyalty.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Complied with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations while streamlining productivity initiatives.
- Restocked beer and liquor regularly and after special events.
- Monitored patron alcohol consumption to encourage safety.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings and special promotions.
- Planned and coordinated special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Reorganized bar stations to streamline service flow.
- Mitigated health risks and reduced safety hazards by creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment and sanitation standards.
- Developed and implemented bartender training programs, policies and procedures.
- Increased revenue by promoting additional products and assisting with beverage menu.
- Pursued training opportunities to advance mixology knowledge and refine understanding of beer, wine and liquor.
- Poured wine, beer and cocktails for patrons.
- Created signature beverages to increase revenue and patron loyalty.
Bar Manager
Conrad Hotels and Resorts
Dubai, UAE
07.2013 - 08.2014
- Interviewed, hired and trained staff to improve customer retention and bolster sales.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints to maximize satisfaction and loyalty.
- Complied with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations while streamlining productivity initiatives.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings and special promotions.
- Planned and coordinated special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Reorganized bar stations to streamline service flow.
- Mitigated health risks and reduced safety hazards by creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment and sanitation standards.
- Developed and implemented bartender training programs, policies and procedures.
- Increased revenue by promoting additional products and assisting with beverage menu.
- Pursued training opportunities to advance mixology knowledge and refine understanding of beer, wine and liquor.
- Poured wine, beer and cocktails for patrons.
- Created signature beverages to increase revenue and patron loyalty.
Bar Supervisor
Opium Dim Sum & Cocktail Parlour
London, UK
11.2012 - 07.2013
- Performed opening and closing procedures each day.
- Balanced tills, handled cash, processed credit card payment batches and prepared bank deposits.
- Maintained detailed inventory of bar supplies and stocked work areas.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings and special promotions.
- Counted registered, resolved discrepancies and prepared daily deposits.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment and sanitation standards.
- Poured wine, beer and cocktails for patrons.
- Monitored cash intake to reduce discrepancies.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints to maximize satisfaction and loyalty.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Reorganized bar stations to streamline service flow.
- Created signature beverages to increase revenue and patron loyalty.
- Pursued training opportunities to advance mixology knowledge and refine understanding of beer, wine and liquor.
Bartender
Quo Vadis Fine Dining Restaurant and Members Lounge
London, UK
11.2011 - 11.2012
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Managed bar area, cocktail design and menu and handled inventory, regulation compliance and customer relationships.
- Upsold customers from shelf to premium brands to help boost sales.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings and special promotions.
- Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment and sanitation standards.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Mixed and served both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for patrons by following standard recipes and procedures.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
- Displayed and retained extensive knowledge of liquors, wines and entrees.
- Poured wine, beer and cocktails for patrons.
Barback
La Perla Bar
London, UK
09.2010 - 11.2011
- Removed, washed and polished empty glasses, took plates to kitchen and discarded trash.
- Maintained spotless, well-stocked bar organized and ready for customer demands.
- Replenished bar glasses, garnishes and condiments.
- Studied bartenders to learn recipes for different mixed cocktails.
- Removed and disposed of bags from trash receptacles in and around bar area.
- Used POS system to ring up customers and open and close tabs.
- Poured drinks using standard pour according to specifications.
- Cleaned bar and table surfaces throughout shift to help reduce risk of pathogens.
- Cleaned up spills and brought replacement items to tables.
- Stocked refrigerating units with wines or bottled beer and replaced empty beer kegs.
- Sliced and pitted fruit used to garnish drinks.
- Disinfected bathrooms and resupplied with proper paper products.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Theory and Composition
University of Westminster
London01.2012
Certification - Audio Production/Entertainment Business
Musician’s Institute
Hollywood, CA01.2007
Associate of Arts - Psychology/Philosophy
Fullerton College
Fullerton, CA01.2006
High School Diploma -
Los Altos High School
Hacienda Heights, CA01.2002
Skills
- Inventory Management
- Responsible Alcohol Service
- Team Leadership
- Service Oriented
- Vendor Relations
- Cost Control
- Bar Management
- Shift Scheduling
- Menu Pricing and Writing
- Portion Control
- Investigating Complaints
- Problem Solving
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Training and Onboarding
- Quality Assurance
- Profit Optimization
- Money Handling
- Equipment Maintenance and Repairs
- Managing Deliveries
- Front of House Management
- Supply Ordering
- Staff Training
- Relationship Building
- Delegating Assignments and Tasks
- Back of House Management
- Supply Ordering and Management
- Health Code Compliance
References
REFERENCES UPON REQUEST
Timeline
Agave Sales Specialist
I&A Agave Spirits
10.2022 - Current
Bar Director
Nerano & BG Lounge
12.2021 - 08.2022
Group Executive Bartender
The Marini’s Group
12.2020 - 09.2021
Group Beverage Manager
PS150 Group
07.2019 - 11.2020
Director of Mixology
Huckleberry Hospitality Group
09.2017 - 05.2019
Co-Founder/Partner
Jack Rose
03.2017 - 04.2019
Beverage Consultant
Fling Bar Services
01.2016 - 01.2017
Brand Ambassador
Tequila Ocho
06.2015 - 04.2021
Brand Ambassador
Belvedere Vodka
10.2014 - 05.2015
Bar Manager
Cavalli Club, Restaurant & Lounge
09.2014 - 12.2015
Bar Manager
Conrad Hotels and Resorts
07.2013 - 08.2014
Bar Supervisor
Opium Dim Sum & Cocktail Parlour
11.2012 - 07.2013
Bartender
Quo Vadis Fine Dining Restaurant and Members Lounge
11.2011 - 11.2012
Barback
La Perla Bar
09.2010 - 11.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Music Theory and Composition
University of Westminster
Certification - Audio Production/Entertainment Business
Musician’s Institute
Associate of Arts - Psychology/Philosophy
Fullerton College
High School Diploma -
Los Altos High School
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