JOHN KENNEY
Centerville,MA
Summary
Results-driven Sales & Business Leader with 20+ years of experience scaling revenue, building high-performing teams, and driving market expansion across beverage, retail, and CPG environments. Proven track record of multimillion-dollar P&L ownership, team leadership, and strategic account development. Known for combining data-driven execution with strong relationship leadership to unlock growth across both startup-style and established organizations. Experienced in team leadership, brand building, and go-to-market strategy.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District Manager – South Shore, Cape & Islands
Baystate Wine & Spirits
West Bridgewater
01.2019 - Current
- Lead and develop a 6-person sales team across 800+ active accounts, driving consistent revenue growth in a highly competitive territory
- Drive sustained sales growth through strategic territory planning and high-value account targeting
- Manage forecasting and execution aligned to company revenue goals, improving accuracy and accountability across team performance
- Coach team on negotiation, upselling, and account expansion, increasing conversion rates and client retention
- Analyze real-time sales data to optimize execution, identify gaps, and drive performance improvements
- Partner with suppliers and leadership to strengthen portfolio positioning and competitive advantage
- Serve as a brand ambassador for premium and luxury portfolios, enhancing market presence and credibility
General Manager & Fine Wine Buyer
Portside Liquors
East Harwich, MA
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed full operations of $3.5M+ retail business, including P&L, inventory, staffing, and marketing
- Increased gross margin from 18% → 23% through optimized product mix and pricing strategy
- Led and developed a 20+ person team, implementing performance systems and training initiatives
- Developed high-value client relationships through curated wine experiences at luxury venues
- (Consulting Engagement)
Owner & Fine Wine Buyer
Harwich East Liquors
East Harwich, MA
01.2000 - 01.2016
- Built and scaled retail business from $500K → $2M+ in wine sales
- Increased average transaction value from $15 → $35 through merchandising and upselling strategies
- Developed customer database from 0 → 1,800+ engaged buyers
- Created and executed large-scale wine events (300+ attendees), generating $5K–$15K+ per event
- Successfully exited business while preserving brand equity and reducing liability
Education
BA - Communications
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA05.1995
Skills
- Sales Leadership & Team Development
- Revenue Growth & Forecasting
- Strategic Account Management
- Market Expansion & Territory Optimization
- Negotiation & Relationship Building
- Brand Development & Positioning
- Data-Driven Sales Strategy
- CRM & Analytics (VIP, iDig, Karma)
- Retail & Distribution Operations
Certification
- WSET Level II – Wine & Spirits Education Trust
- Cannabis Beverage Certification – Aficionado
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY
Wequaquet Heights Association, President, Led board operations for 60+ households, overseeing governance and community initiatives
Timeline
District Manager – South Shore, Cape & Islands
Baystate Wine & Spirits
01.2019 - Current
General Manager & Fine Wine Buyer
Portside Liquors
01.2016 - 01.2018
Owner & Fine Wine Buyer
Harwich East Liquors
01.2000 - 01.2016
BA - Communications
University of Massachusetts, Amherst