LeShaunda Triplett Ard, C.S.W
Wine Professional
Marietta,GA
Summary
Wine professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in management, wine education, and luxury guest strategy. Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) since 2010, demonstrating deep technical expertise and strong relationship management skills. Background in real estate enhances negotiation abilities and understanding of luxury market demographics. Available for immediate transition and relocation to capitalize on opportunities in thriving wine markets.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Licensed Real Estate Professional
Entrepreneur/Certified Specialist of Wine
Marietta, USA
06.2018 - Current
- Facilitated residential real estate transactions in Georgia, overseeing listing, marketing, negotiation, and closing processes.
- Applied luxury market insights and staging strategies to enhance property presentation and attract buyers.
- Cultivated long-term client relationships through attentive service, effective communication, and market education.
- Coordinated with lenders, inspectors, and closing attorneys to ensure seamless and compliant transactions.
Sales Representative / Personal Assistant
Bacco Wines
Norcross, USA
07.2017 - 10.2017
- Supported Georgia's only female-operated wine distributor, focusing on wine bars and restaurants.
- Assisted with sales outreach, account follow-up, and operational coordination for key on-premise accounts.
- Provided product education and supported portfolio presentations for trade partners.
- Georgia's only female-operated wine distributor, focusing on wine bars and restaurants.
Wine Specialist / Store Management
Bells Ferry Liquor
Kennesaw, USA
05.2015 - 05.2017
- Generated reports on sales figures, customer feedback, and category performance to inform purchasing strategies.
- Managed inventory, ordering, and merchandising of wine selections for retail sales.
- Guided customers in wine selection, storage, serving temperatures, and food pairing.
- Ensured proper storage and inspected products for quality assurance.
- Developed promotional materials to boost customer engagement and product visibility.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality wines for store offerings.
- Trained staff on wine knowledge and customer service best practices to enhance sales.
- Organized community events promoting wine appreciation and local producers.
Beverage Head
Cost Plus World Market, Inc.
Smyrna, USA
09.2013 - 05.2015
- Led beverage department, managing assortment, merchandising, and guest experience optimization.
- Organized weekly tastings and new-product reviews to engage management and guests.
- Cultivated relationships with local wineries, breweries, and distilleries for unique offerings.
- Managed beverage budgets to align purchasing, labor, and supply expenses with company targets.
- Created promotional campaigns to boost awareness of specialty cocktails, wines, and beers.
- Ensured full compliance with alcohol service standards to prevent overserving or underage drinking.
- Reviewed customer feedback on beverage selections, adjusting offerings accordingly.
- Designed promotions enhancing profits while providing competitive deals to customers.
Wine Consultant
Bottle Shop
Kennesaw, USA
05.2013 - 08.2013
- Delivered tailored wine recommendations aligned with customer preferences and occasions.
- Educated clientele on wine styles, regions, and food pairing principles.
- Advised customers on optimal wine selections to enhance experiences.
- Developed promotional materials showcasing special wines and seasonal offerings.
- Researched wine trends to identify potential additions to store collection.
- Assisted customers by providing detailed information on flavor profiles of various wines.
- Ensured compliance with regulations governing alcohol consumption.
- Analyzed customer feedback surveys to pinpoint service delivery improvement areas.
Wine Sales Associate
Total Wine & More
Kennesaw, USA
08.2012 - 10.2012
- Educated patrons on wine varieties, regions, and proper storage techniques.
- Assisted customers with wine selections based on taste profiles and food pairings.
- Conducted tastings to promote new products and enhance customer engagement.
- Maintained inventory accuracy while organizing attractive displays for optimal presentation.
- Handled inquiries and resolved customer complaints professionally and efficiently.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss sales goals and strategies.
- Managed point-of-sale transactions accurately during checkout.
- Ensured compliance with local laws regarding sale of alcoholic beverages.
Wine Manager
Spec's Wines and Spirits
Houston, USA
06.2006 - 05.2010
- Oversaw wine purchasing, sales, and inventory management in high-volume retail setting.
- Established supplier relationships to negotiate favorable pricing and delivery terms.
- Updated wine lists reflecting trends to appeal to diverse customer base.
- Organized weekly tastings and staff training sessions on new products.
- Managed inventory levels ensuring product availability for customers.
- Developed promotional strategies driving wine sales and enhancing customer engagement.
- Conducted market research to stay informed on industry trends and consumer preferences.
- Ensured compliance with state laws governing sale of alcoholic beverages.
Guest Services / Night Attendant
StudioPLUS / Extended Stay America
Daytona Beach, USA
01.1990 - 01.2000
- Promoted from night attendant to full-time guest services with management cross-training (Daytona/Houston).
- Handled reservations, check-in/out, billing, and guest relations for extended-stay guests.
- Coordinated special event bookings and group reservations to optimize occupancy/revenue.
- Served as guest services trainer; supported housekeeping, maintenance, and inventory management.
Education
Fashion Merchandising - retail, visual merchandising, hospitality coursework
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MOGeneral Studies -
Butler Community College
Wichita, KSSkills
- Real estate strategy
- Creative execution
- Transaction management
- Compliance and regulations
- Client expectations
- Lifestyle staging
- Environmental branding
- Interior curation
- Property presentation
- Aesthetic details
- Emotional connection
- Perceived property value
- Market synergy
- Cross-promotion
- Luxury listings
- Community branding
- Market analysis
- Client relationship building
- Negotiation techniques
- Property marketing
- Sales strategy
- Customer relationship management
- Problem solving skills
- Effective communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Open house hosting
- Continuing education in wine knowledge
- Inventory management in wine sales
- Sales forecasting and market research strategies
- Promotional event coordination for wine tastings
Training
- Beverage Department Training - Cost Plus World Market
- Hospitality training: front desk operations, guest standards, conflict resolution, extended-stay management
- Supplier tastings and product knowledge programs
- Independent online wine studies
Target Location
Woodinville/Seattle, WA
Tampa, FL
Greenville, SC
Tucson; Phoenix
Houston, TX
Languages
Spanish
Limited
French
Elementary
German
Elementary
Certification
Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)
Timeline
Licensed Real Estate Professional
Entrepreneur/Certified Specialist of Wine
06.2018 - Current
Sales Representative / Personal Assistant
Bacco Wines
07.2017 - 10.2017
Wine Specialist / Store Management
Bells Ferry Liquor
05.2015 - 05.2017
Beverage Head
Cost Plus World Market, Inc.
09.2013 - 05.2015
Wine Consultant
Bottle Shop
05.2013 - 08.2013
Wine Sales Associate
Total Wine & More
08.2012 - 10.2012
Wine Manager
Spec's Wines and Spirits
06.2006 - 05.2010
Guest Services / Night Attendant
StudioPLUS / Extended Stay America
01.1990 - 01.2000
Fashion Merchandising - retail, visual merchandising, hospitality coursework
University of Central Missouri
General Studies -
Butler Community College