Passionate Wine Director with 27 years of experience in the world of fine wine brand development. Proven success in distributor management and creating profitable markets.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing house renovation
Kayserberg Vignoble
France
06.2026 - Current
Proprietor
J. SOIF, LLC.
Chicago, IL
07.2020 - 12.2022
Established distribution company of French and Spanish organic, estate and family-owned wines.
Secured sales distribution with major chain retailer Binny’s Beverage Depot in second year of operation.
Developed diverse client portfolio including both James Beard and Michelin level restaurants.
Managed sales team of three.
Ensured effective inventory management to maintain optimal stock levels. Forecasted wine depletions to maintain inventory levels.
Developed website, podcasts, and Instagram account to enhance marketing outreach.
Organized consumer wine tastings and trained restaurant staff to improve product knowledge and customer engagement.
Sales Representative
Martine’s Wines
Chicago, IL
04.2016 - 03.2020
Achieved $350,000 in sales within first 6 months by implementing targeted marketing strategies.
Cultivated and maintained relationships with key accounts to drive long-term partnerships.
Organized market visits for winery principals to enhance brand visibility and client engagement.
Midwest Regional Manager
The Sorting Table
Chicago, IL
01.2010 - 03.2016
Established profitable territory across IL, OH, MN, IA, IN, MO, WI, KY, NE, contributing to overall sales growth.
New territory is now grossing $3,500,000.00 in sales.
Enhanced market presence for both international and domestic brands.
Executed pre-sales initiatives for Triennes Rose, Domaine Dujac, Roblet Monnot, Zind Humbrecht, Domaine Bernard Moreau, Castello Di Ama, Trig Point, and Snowden Napa Cab, enhancing brand visibility and market presence.
Developed distribution channels in national chain retailers Costco, Whole Foods Market, and Del Frisco’s restaurants, expanding market reach.
Oversaw large and small distribution channels to improve operations.
Sales Representative
Novovino Wine Company
Chicago, IL
02.2008 - 01.2010
Served as primary salesperson for key accounts in Chicago, improving customer satisfaction.
Established sales route that generated $500,000 in first year.
Coordinated with winemakers to host events, increasing customer engagement and brand awareness.
Key Account Sales Representative
Monsieur Touton Selection
Chicago, IL
05.2006 - 02.2008
Cultivated business relationships with Whole Foods Market, enhancing brand presence.
Managed J. et F. Lurton floor program for Costco Chain, increasing product visibility.
Developed $600,000 sales route over two years, expanding market reach.
Organized a wine tasting event for Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, featuring Chateau Palmer wines.
Northeast & Midwest Regional Manager
Maison Louis Latour
Chicago, IL
07.1999 - 01.2005
Increased sales by 20% in New York State in first quarter of taking over this market.
Oversaw fifteen-state territory, driving sales initiatives across diverse markets.
Successfully executed pre-sales in Northeast and Midwest territories.
Consistently managed portfolio of over 100 appellations.
Executed distribution initiatives in key markets to improve visibility.
Facilitated distributor sales meetings to enhance product knowledge and drive sales strategies.
Trained distributor sales staff on product features and benefits.
Coordinated special events and tastings to engage customers and increase product visibility.
Responsible for implementation of focus programs.
Effectively worked with salespeople both on and off premise.
Midwest Regional Manager
Maison Louis Latour
Chicago, IL
01.1999 - 01.2003
Successfully exceeded yearly sales goals for seven consecutive years.
Increased sales in Midwest market by 30%.
Grew Ohio market to 5,000+ cases, significantly enhancing market presence.
Oversaw ten-state territory, ensuring alignment with company sales strategies.
Created Private Label BTG program with Mon Ami Gabi Bistro chain.
Secured distribution of new brands from France and New Zealand, expanding product offerings.
Fine Wine Account Manager
Judge & Dolph
Chicago, IL
02.1998 - 06.1999
Managed foreign and domestic fine wine portfolio, including Winebow, Frederick Wildman & Sons, Kobrand, and William Grant & Sons.
Increased sales by 15% in downtown on premise sales route.
Secured sales incentive from Diageo & Estates and William Hill by consistently meeting performance targets.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Emerson College
Boston, MA
01-1988
Skills
Project management
Exceptional knowledge of Wine
Distributor management
Market expansion
Track record
Self-motivated
Detail-oriented
Excellent communication
Teamwork and collaboration
Dependable and responsible
Affiliations
Inducted in the Confraria do Vinho do Porto, Portugal Oct '17