Wine and Business Management Professional with over 20 years working for both start-ups & well-established businesses. Promoted several times at each organization. Currently working in a 100% remote position and thriving.
Hi, I’m
Jenna Buford
Gardnerville,NV
Summary
Overview
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Lucid Winery
General Manager
02.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Hired as a remote Sales Associate, promoted to Head of Sales, then General Manager. Fully remote position.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Responsible for maintaining and updating core applications like HubSpot, Quickbooks, Vinoshipper & our Website.
- Responsible for the creation and upkeep of all sales & marketing materials.
- Main point of contact for all inbound customer service correspondence and outbound email communication to our wine club & client database.
Eberle Winery
Tasting Room Manager
06.2018 - 02.2021
Job overview
- Managed daily tasting room operations, ensuring a clean, organized, and welcoming environment for guests.
- Collaborated with winery team to plan and execute successful special events and promotions.
- Trained new staff members on proper tasting room procedures, product knowledge, and customer service best practices.
- Provided excellent customer service with prompt attention to inquiries or concerns from both in-person guests and online correspondences.
- Assisted in the development of marketing materials for promotional events, tastings, and seasonal offerings.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure seamless integration of tasting room operations within the overall winery business strategy.
- Communicated regularly with upper management regarding tasting room performance, customer feedback, and opportunities for improvement.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Implemented reservations software which increased customer spend by 20%
- Spearheaded a full tasting room renovation that improved the flow of customer traffic, decreased bottlenecks, converted dead space into useable hospitality space, leading to increased sales & an improved client experience.
Classic Wines Of California
Sales Representative
03.2016 - 03.2017
Job overview
- Played a pivotal role in turning around a sales territory that had declining sales.
- Conducted product demonstrations to educate customers on features, benefits, and competitive advantages.
- Optimized territory coverage by strategically planning routes for maximum efficiency in meeting clients face-to-face.
- Increased repeat business by fostering trust-based relationships with key accounts through regular communication.
- Managed customer accounts to secure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive understanding of products, services, and competitors to enhance sales presentations.
- Met with existing customers and prospects to discuss business needs and recommend optimal solutions.
Mercer Winery
Regional Sales Manager
02.2009 - 01.2016
Job overview
- Hired in 2009 as DTC/Tasting Room Manager to open a new state-of-the-art tasting room & hospitality center.
- Promoted to Regional Sales Manager in 2013.
- Increased regional sales by implementing strategic marketing plans and nurturing key client relationships.
- Expanded market share within the region by identifying growth opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Participated in sales calls with direct reports to strengthen customer relationships and uncover possible opportunities for growth.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients in assigned sales territories.
- Contacted key accounts regularly and achieved high satisfaction scores by routinely re-assessing needs and resolving conflicts.
- Attended industry conferences and trade shows to stay up-to-date with market trends and customer needs.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Communicated product quality and market comparisons by creating sales presentations.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
Ridge Vineyards
Director of Events & Guest Services
08.2003 - 02.2009
Job overview
- Hired as a winery harvest intern, accepted a full-time position in the sales office, was promoted to Tasting Room Manager, and then to a final role as Director of Events & Guest Services.
- Reworked a well-established brand & hospitality experience so that it stayed true to its roots but improved the customer experience and overall operations efficiency.
- Enhanced event experiences by meticulously planning and executing high-profile corporate gatherings.
- Delivered memorable events that exceeded client expectations, leading to increased repeat business and referrals.
- Streamlined event logistics by implementing innovative project management strategies to ensure seamless execution.
- Made suggestions that led to the completion of renovating our tasting room & adding more space to host events, and create more paid private event experiences.
Education
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, CA
Bachelor of Science from Agricultural Business And Management
12.2003
University Overview
Minor in Viticulture
Concentration in Wine Marketing
Skills
- Organized & Self-Motivated
- Resourceful
- Relatable Competent Presenter
- Team Player
- Effective Leader
- Consistently Meet Goals
- Efficient Multi-Tasker
- Exceptional Interpersonal Communication
- Deadline-Oriented
- Proactive Problem Solver
- Sound Judgment
- Workflow Planning
- Account Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Seeks Process Improvements
- Grace Under Fire
References
References
References available upon request.Timeline
General Manager
Lucid Winery
02.2021 - Current
Tasting Room Manager
Eberle Winery
06.2018 - 02.2021
Sales Representative
Classic Wines Of California
03.2016 - 03.2017
Regional Sales Manager
Mercer Winery
02.2009 - 01.2016
Director of Events & Guest Services
Ridge Vineyards
08.2003 - 02.2009
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Bachelor of Science from Agricultural Business And Management