Jim Lilly
Murrieta
Summary
Wine and spirits sales leader with over 25 years of experience in driving revenue growth and managing distributor partnerships. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets and expanding account bases through strong buyer relationships. Expertise in category management, pricing compliance, and P&L oversight, with a focus on leveraging data insights for strategic execution. Skilled in cultivating partnerships, retaining key accounts, and implementing effective pricing models to enhance profitability.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Account Specialist, Chains
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC)
Tustin
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Executed national chain programming at Albertsons and Pavilions, optimizing schematics and planograms for enhanced shelf execution.
- Achieved 20% sales lift in featured SKUs within six months through successful launch of Bordeaux Program at Pavilions.
- Collaborated with buyers to refine product assortments, securing 200+ cases via coordinated retail events.
Chain Account Specialist
Winebow
Benicia
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Managed Cluster 1 & 2 chain accounts within the Albertsons companies, driving growth in premium imported wine portfolios.
- Delivered quarterly sales presentations that secured new item approvals and expanded shelf space by 35%.
- Ensured program compliance and merchandising execution, reducing out-of-stocks through strong in-store relationships.
Sales Representative
Wine Warehouse
Commerce
01.2011 - 01.2020
- Increased territory sales 12% YoY for three consecutive years, outperforming company benchmarks by 5%.
- Expanded account base by 15% via proactive prospecting and referrals; managed 80+ key accounts, including Pechanga, Pala, and Harrah’s casinos and South Coast Winery.
- Earned Salesman of the Month honors three times by driving top-20% account performance through tastings, rapid follow-up, and strong buyer rapport.
Entrepreneur / Consultant
Temecula Valley Wine Company & Jim Lilly Consulting
Temecula
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Founded and operated wine shop and tasting bar with over 600 SKUs.
- Managed a team of 12, overseeing all P&L operations.
- Launched multiple wine clubs, achieving over 2,500 members and 20% annual growth.
Western Region Area Manager
Winesellers
Sonoma
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Achieved Top National Salesman honors during Winesellers’ 1999 launch.
- Managed distributor relationships across four states to optimize sales performance.
- Increased Southern California sales by 15% through targeted training and pricing strategies.
- Conducted educational programs for distributors to enhance brand knowledge and sales techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business and Management
Skills
- Strong communication
- Organizational skills
- Presentation abilities
- Leading cross-functional teams
- Leading field-based sales teams
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Excel
- Word
- PowerPoint
- Shelf optimization
- Product assortment
- Sales forecasting
- Strategic planning
- Persuasion skills
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Sales presentations
Certification
Certified Specialist Wine Society of Wine Educators 2005
Education And Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Business and Management
- Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)
- Certified Beer Server
Selected Achievements
- Consistently achieved 12%–20% annual sales growth by securing new accounts through prospecting, ABC postings, and hosting tasting events and staff trainings.
- Launched the Bordeaux Program at Pavilions Markets, achieving a 20% SKU sales lift within six months.
- Built a 2,500+ customer base through innovative wine clubs (1-, 2-, 3-bottle, and food & wine tiers), consumer tastings, and charity events driving 20% annual membership growth.
- Top nationwide salesman for Winesellers’ new product line launch in 1999.
Timeline
Account Specialist, Chains
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC)
01.2024 - 01.2025
Chain Account Specialist
Winebow
01.2020 - 01.2024
Sales Representative
Wine Warehouse
01.2011 - 01.2020
Entrepreneur / Consultant
Temecula Valley Wine Company & Jim Lilly Consulting
01.2004 - 01.2011
Western Region Area Manager
Winesellers
01.1999 - 01.2003