JESSICA RAKOWER
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/jessicarakower,Hollywood, FL
Summary
Accomplished wine professional with over 15 years of expertise as a Sales Representative, adept in managing both on-premise and off-premise accounts. Proven ability to assess customer needs and implement strategic wine placements that drive significant sales growth. Committed to enhancing client experiences through engaging tastings, insightful education on unique wines, and comprehensive training for restaurant staff. Multilingual in English, Spanish, and French, with a strong focus on fostering lasting client relationships and maximizing reorder rates.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Coach
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Plantation, FL
02.2022 - 10.2024
- Provided personalized, one-on-one support to individuals navigating mental health challenges by identifying their needs, developing actionable plans, and setting meaningful goals
- Encouraged positive habits, offered accountability, and fostered resilience to help clients enhance their overall well-being and lead more fulfilling lives
Wine Sales Representative
Hidalgo Imports
Doral, FL
10.2018 - 03.2020
- Represented 50 wineries and about 380 wines, predominantly a Spanish selection alongside Argentinian, Chilean, Italian, and French wines, catering to approximately 50 accounts across Broward County's wine shops, restaurants, and hotels
- Collaborated closely with wine buyers to curate unique wine menus tailored to their guests' preferences while optimizing revenue margins
- Boosted sales through over 12 in-store wine tastings and conducted training sessions for restaurant staff, enhancing their knowledge and ability to promote the wines effectively
Wine Sales Representative
Monsieur Touton Selection
Washington, DC
02.2013 - 06.2018
- Represented a comprehensive portfolio of over 4,000 SKUs, showcasing wines from premier regions across the globe, to 60 high-profile accounts within the competitive District of Columbia market
- Collaborated with esteemed restaurants, sommeliers, and notable establishments such as Whole Foods Market and Dean & Deluca
- Conducted extensive training programs for restaurant staff and organized numerous in-store tastings to introduce customers to the portfolio, driving brand recognition and significantly boosting sales
Wine Sales Representative
Republic National Distributing Company
Baltimore, MD
11.2008 - 12.2010
- Represented 'The Estates Group,' a division of RNDC's luxury and estates wine portfolio, managing sales to both Montgomery County-owned stores and privately owned establishments within a territory of approximately 120 accounts
- Organized and conducted over 50 in-store tastings and hosted five exclusive winery dinners to promote brand awareness and drive sales
Kosher Wine Division Regional Sales Manager
Monsieur Touton Selection
New York, NY
02.2005 - 10.2008
- Established and developed the Kosher Wine Division from inception, growing it into a thriving segment with an annual revenue of $2.5 million by curating a unique and extensive selection of kosher wines from nine countries
- Provided hands-on expertise to a team of over 45 sales representatives across 10 states, educating them on the nuances of kosher wines and supporting customer visits to showcase the portfolio and conduct tastings
- Partnered with inventory and purchasing teams, as well as Italian and Spanish producers, to share insights on U.S
- Kosher wine trends, enabling them to better align their offerings with market demands
- Collaborated with the creative department to design impactful marketing materials, including shelf talkers and promotional flyers, to enhance brand visibility and drive sales growth
Kosher Wine Sales Consultant
Blue Star Wines
Philadelphia, PA
02.2004 - 01.2005
- Served as a Wholesale Consultant, managing approximately 10 on-premise accounts in the Greater Philadelphia Area and offering a curated portfolio of over 100 kosher wines from around the world
- Additionally, worked in the retail market at a prominent Judaica store, successfully expanding the client database, establishing a wine club, and organizing regular Friday wine tastings
- Provided personalized hand-selling to educate customers on wine regions and descriptions, enhancing their wine knowledge and driving sales growth
Education
B.A. - Psychology
Florida International University
Miami, FL, USASkills
- Sales Strategy Development
- Effective Networking
- Results-Oriented
- Strong Verbal Communication
- Client Relations
- Consistent Sales Performance
Wine Education and Experience
- Cantina Gabrielle, Lazio, Italy, Collaborated with the winemaker to explore new blends tailored for the U.S. kosher market.
- Ella Valley Vineyards, Jerusalem, Israel, Gained in-depth knowledge of terroir and winemaking techniques through an on-site visit with the winery manager.
- Chateau Lafon-Roche, Bordeaux, France, Completed a week-long residency at the chateau, including visits to renowned wineries such as Chateau Lafitte-Rothschild, Chateau Pontet-Canet, Chateau Lynch-Bages, and Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere.
- Jackson Family, Napa, California, Participated in an immersive week-long sales trip, visiting notable wineries including Freemark Abbey, Matanzas Creek, La Crema, Stonestreet, Kendall-Jackson, Edmeades, and Lokoya.
- Maison Louis Latour, Burgundy, France, Attended a 10-day seminar visiting the Burgundy wine sub-regions and tasting its wines. Awarded 1st place in a blind tasting among 18 participants.
- Bodegas Otazu, Navarra, Spain, Experienced an overnight stay and tasting guided tour, gaining insights into the winery's operations and production methods.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
French
Professional
Timeline
Mental Health Coach
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
02.2022 - 10.2024
Wine Sales Representative
Hidalgo Imports
10.2018 - 03.2020
Wine Sales Representative
Monsieur Touton Selection
02.2013 - 06.2018
Wine Sales Representative
Republic National Distributing Company
11.2008 - 12.2010
Kosher Wine Division Regional Sales Manager
Monsieur Touton Selection
02.2005 - 10.2008
Kosher Wine Sales Consultant
Blue Star Wines
02.2004 - 01.2005
B.A. - Psychology
Florida International University
Similar Profiles
Qalbia AminQalbia Amin
Volunteer at National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMIVolunteer at National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI
Mary A FinchMary A Finch
Office Manager/Data Entry Specialist/ Program Educator (Teacher)/Payroll Assistant at The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater ToledoOffice Manager/Data Entry Specialist/ Program Educator (Teacher)/Payroll Assistant at The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Toledo
Racquel GibsonRacquel Gibson
Volunteer at NAMI - National Alliance Of Mental IllnessVolunteer at NAMI - National Alliance Of Mental Illness