JAMES FITZGERALD
RIVERVIEW
Summary
I built my career within the wine and spirits industry, where I have developed significant expertise in distributor management and the relationships between suppliers, accounts, and sales teams that are responsible for driving success. I am a motivated self-starter and leader who is known for being flexible, reliable, and able to build long-term relationships at all levels of the business. I am proud of the reputation that has been built around being a representative of a brand with integrity, professionalism, and a charismatic approach that has created long-term success. My success has been built around a strong understanding that sales are not a one-time event; success comes from a consumer who enjoys the product and comes back for more.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Off Premise Wine/Liquor Sales Consultant
BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE
12.2024 - Current
- Manage sales and execution for wine and liquor portfolio within Publix accounts
- Drive revenue growth through distributor collaboration and in-store execution
- Analyze sales performance and adjust strategies to exceed monthly goals
- Strengthen relationships with key retail accounts to increase sell-through
- Key Achievements:
- Achieved 97%+ goal attainment in 2025, including multiple months at 100%
- Ranked Top 3 in division for revenue growth
- Expanded role from wine to wine & spirits based on performance
National Sales Manager
EGV Holdings USA (EG Vodka)
11.2018 - 01.2024
- Led sales strategy, marketing planning, and budget management across multiple markets
- Rebranded product line and developed sales plan to ensure growth
- Coordinate market visits and distributor meetings for VP’s and owners
- Built and managed sales team across multiple states and distributors
- Built and maintained distributor relationships to drive brand growth
- Conducted strategic business planning and execution with distributor partners
- Managed key account relationships and ensured strong market presence
- Account visits and brand education through seminars and training
- Developed strong relations with sales force
- Key Achievements:
- Generated $1M+ annual revenue (7,500 cases/year)
- Successfully launched new products across multiple distributors
- Developed sales plan and executed through key distributor sales force
- Developed and maintained relationships with key accounts
Regional Sales Manager
Nolet Spirits U.S.A. (Nolet's Gin/Ketel One Vodka)
04.2007 - 01.2018
- Managed distributor networks across Florida, Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama
- Developed national account programs and executed large-scale brand rollouts
- Led strategic planning for pricing, programming, and sales growth
- Account visits and support through training and education on all brands
- Maintained distributor relationships through work withs and training
- Developed “Home Court Program” for On premise and Off premise drink programs and display rollouts
- Executed pricing philosophy and brand integrity
- Developed sales plan and executed state meetings for consistent brand attention
- Analyzed sales data per brand, per outlet and per state to ensure proper growth achievement
- Coordinate market visits for key personnel and owners
- Key Achievements:
- Drove $47M+ annual sales (165,000 cases/year)
- Played key role in national account cocktail rollout initiatives
- Develop sales plan for new item launch
- Executed roll out events for key accounts and buyers
- Maintained below budget execution
- Planned several educational incentive trips for key distributor personnel
District Sales Manager
Republic National Distributing Co.
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Managed territory sales strategy and team development
- Led training initiatives to improve product knowledge and sales execution
- Expanded business across Tampa Bay region
- Key Achievements:
- Delivered $800K annual territory revenue growth
District Sales Manager
Southern Wine & Spirits
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Focused on grocery wine sales and supplier relationship management
- Led merchandising and display strategies to increase visibility and sales
- Key Achievements:
- Achieved $1.2M annual sales per territory
Grocery Manager
Publix Supermarkets
01.1986 - 01.1999
- 1st Grocery Manager in the company. Rolled out pilot program
- Implemented inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce waste effectively.
- Developed visual merchandising standards that improved product placement and increased sales revenue.
Education
Collage School Diploma -
University of South Florida
Training Courses - undefined
Cornell University
Course #101 and #102 - undefined
Wine Spectator
Course #101 and #102 - undefined
Kobrand Wine
Training and Communication Course - undefined
Dale Carnegie
High School Diploma - undefined
Robinson High School
Florida01-1989
Skills
- Multi-State Distributor Management
- Strategic Sales Planning & Execution
- Revenue Growth & Market Expansion
- Key Account Development (On & Off Premise)
- Pricing Strategy & Budget Management
- Sales Forecasting & Performance Analytics
- Team Leadership & Training
- Relationship Building & Negotiation
- Wine & Spirits Industry Expertise
- Proficiency in Excel, Power Point, Word and Outlook
DISTRIBUTORS MANAGED
- Glazers of Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana
- Youngs Market of California
- Artisan of Florida
- IWC of Florida
- Crown of Georgia
- RNDC of Arizona
- Athens of Tennessee
Timeline
Off Premise Wine/Liquor Sales Consultant
BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE
12.2024 - Current
National Sales Manager
EGV Holdings USA (EG Vodka)
11.2018 - 01.2024
Regional Sales Manager
Nolet Spirits U.S.A. (Nolet's Gin/Ketel One Vodka)
04.2007 - 01.2018
District Sales Manager
Republic National Distributing Co.
01.2004 - 01.2007
District Sales Manager
Southern Wine & Spirits
01.1999 - 01.2003
Grocery Manager
Publix Supermarkets
01.1986 - 01.1999
Training Courses - undefined
Cornell University
Course #101 and #102 - undefined
Wine Spectator
Course #101 and #102 - undefined
Kobrand Wine
Training and Communication Course - undefined
Dale Carnegie
High School Diploma - undefined
Robinson High School
Collage School Diploma -
University of South Florida