Michael Birkenheier
Rare Whisky Manager The Dalmore & Fettercairn
Glendale,CA
Summary
With a proven track record at Whyte & Mackay, I excel in transforming rare whisky markets through strategic business development and robust team leadership. My expertise in import compliance and knack for generating customer insights have driven substantial growth, showcasing my ability to innovate and lead in dynamic environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Rare Whisky & Private Client Relationship Manager
Whyte & Mackay
City Of Los Angeles, California
04.2024 - Current
- Managed the import, registration, and sales of The United States Allocation of The Dalmore.
- Developed national and local incentive programs for our 6 distributor partners focusing entirely on The Dalmore aged 30 Years and older.
- Identified and engaged key partners in both sales channels across all non NABCA states.
- Coordinated Private Client relationships with the global Rare Whisky Team across The United States.
Single Malt Specialist West
Whyte & Mackay
City Of Los Angeles, California
10.2021 - 04.2024
- Personally managed rare whisky sales in excess of $400,000.00.
- Managed Off Sale, On Sale, and Private Client relationships for The Dalmore Highland Single Malt Whisky for California, Nevada, and Washington.
- Hosted experiential activations with high net-worth-individuals.
- Managed Whyte & Mackay relationships with E&J Gallo Spirit Consultants/Portfolio Ambassadors/Luxury Specialists for California, Nevada, and Washington.
- Developed High Image Accounts to increase market share against our competitive set.
- Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
National Prestige Brand Ambassador West
Strategic Group For Moet Hennessy
City Of Los Angeles, California
12.2019 - 04.2021
- Developed team communications and information for national sales meetings.
- Analyzed consumer usage patterns to identify trends and target key demographics.
- Led Distributor Partner, Local and National Sales teams in delivery of Precision Pour project, resulting in increased visibility of Hennessy Paradis Imperial.
- Trained various field teams in upselling techniques.
- Worked with Hennessy Private Client Manager to create elevated experienced catered to high-net-worth individuals.
- Educated trade and distributor or broker partners for portfolio benefit.
Brand Development Manager
Young's Market Company/Remy Cointreau
City Of Los Angeles, California
12.2017 - 12.2019
- Created full-fledged implementation plans, accounting for ROI, cost-benefit and other analyses
- Managed and motivated agency teams to promote collaboration and keep members on-task and productive
- Implemented training strategy for use by accounts to recruit customers to trade up to Remy XO Excellence and Louis XIII
- Responsible for planning and organizing sampling events by working hand-in-hand with retail store managers and leaders
- Developed strategy that drove growth of RCUSA portfolio over 250% gross profit
- Identified and developed High Image Hispanic Account list for 1738 Royal Accord and XO
- Engaged and developed largest Mount Gay Black Barrel Account in California (Cana Rum Bar)
- Developed strong relationships with large buying groups in Los Angeles
- Conceptualized brand identity and developed unique accompanying graphic style and tone for use in communications.
Managing Partner/Consultant
Menaka Lounge
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Concept development and menu design
- Hired and trained management and bar staff
- Sourced materials
- Controlled social media presence
- Implemented all operating systems
- Developed marketing strategy
- Acted as general manager for day-to-day restaurant functions including scheduling, foodservice and upholding excellent customer service
- Analyzed and presented financial standings and cost effectiveness to other partners and investors
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans
General Manger
Le Boutier
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Supervised and trained local and foreign staff
- Assisted in menu development
- Planned and executed on and offsite events
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning
- Reduced costs, managed delivery schedules and performed risk analysis to improve overall profitability
- Designed modern employee recognition program which boosted productivity and improved morale
Founding Partner
CLA Consulting
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Freelance hospitality consultant in Greater Southeast Asia
- Developed and operated concepts for local and foreign clients
- Specialized in menu and staff development
- Created training program for lower-level hospitality employees to increase sales and customer satisfaction
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by all employees
- Drove implementation of new market expansion to propel business forward and adapt to market changes
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress
Education
Some College (No Degree) - AS in Criminal Justice
City College of Chicago
Chicago, IL 2010.08 - 2012.08
Skills
Customer Insights
Resource allocation
Business development
Team leadership
Import Compliance
Documentation and reporting
Timeline
Rare Whisky & Private Client Relationship Manager
Whyte & Mackay
04.2024 - Current
Single Malt Specialist West
Whyte & Mackay
10.2021 - 04.2024
National Prestige Brand Ambassador West
Strategic Group For Moet Hennessy
12.2019 - 04.2021
Brand Development Manager
Young's Market Company/Remy Cointreau
12.2017 - 12.2019
Managing Partner/Consultant
Menaka Lounge
01.2016 - 12.2017
General Manger
Le Boutier
01.2015 - 01.2017
Founding Partner
CLA Consulting
01.2015 - 01.2017
Some College (No Degree) - AS in Criminal Justice
City College of Chicago
2010.08 - 2012.08
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