Michael Kowal
Renton,WA
Summary
Results-driven sales leader with over 5 years of experience in beverage alcohol at Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits and a background in hospitality management. Demonstrated success in driving revenue growth, exceeding KPIs, and developing key accounts while fostering strong relationships with distributors and suppliers. Certified sommelier with extensive product knowledge and a proven record in sales training and brand activation within the Western WA on-premise channel. Aiming to leverage expertise in the On-Premise Channel Manager role at Suntory Global Spirits to enhance volume, value, and market share.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Consultant
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
Renton, WA
05.2025 - Current
- Achieve critical company-wide goals while growing territory performance by 5.89% in dollar volume and 4.24% in case depletions through targeted on-premise strategies and key-account execution.
- Conduct regular ride-alongs and quarterly meetings with distributor leadership and key on-premise accounts to present programming, track execution, and address shortfalls with corrective action plans.
- Partner directly with Southern Glazers leadership and key on-premise accounts to set and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual volume, value, and KPI targets.
- Develop and execute promotional events and sales blitzes that strengthen brand presence and drive new account growth across Western WA.
- Collaborate with suppliers to secure premium wine and spirits placements while coordinating inventory logistics for consistent availability.
Sales Consultant
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
Omaha, NE
10.2021 - 05.2025
- Increased overall revenue 25% (FY 2021–2022) and 18.22% (FY 2022–2023) through consultative selling, negotiation, and targeted promotional programs.
- Partnered with suppliers to place high-KPI products in key accounts via detailed sales presentations and market data.
- Applied in-depth product knowledge to recommend spirits and wine solutions, expanding the customer base and securing large-volume on-premise placements.
Assistant Beverage Manager
Happy Hollow Club
Omaha, NE
04.2019 - 10.2021
- Led and mentored teams of servers and dining room staff across multiple venues, delivering hands-on sales training on wine service and product knowledge to elevate team performance and revenue.
- Oversaw full wine, beer, and spirits program, including selection, ordering, inventory control, and supplier negotiations that secured volume pricing and availability.
- Acted as floor sommelier, pairing wines with food specials and organizing tastings and events that increased product interest and sales.
Bar Manager
Shadow Ridge Country Club
Omaha, NE
09.2018 - 04.2019
- Supervised bar and dining room staff to deliver prompt, compliant on-premise service and maximized per-guest revenue through upselling and inventory management.
- Conducted staff training on product knowledge, upselling techniques, and alcohol-service compliance to maintain high standards and drive revenue.
Bartender/Server
Happy Hollow Club
Omaha, NE
11.2017 - 09.2018
- Delivered high-volume white-cloth service while upholding alcohol awareness protocols and maximizing sales through upselling and personalized guest experiences.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE05-2020
Skills
- On-Premise Channel Management
- Key Account Development & Management
- KPI Tracking & Reporting
- Distributor Partnership & Goal Setting
- Sales Training & Brand Education
- Promotional Event Planning & Execution
- Revenue Growth & Consultative Selling
- Supplier Negotiations & Placements
- Inventory Logistics & Promotions
- Compliance (State & Federal Alcohol Laws)
Certification
- Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers, 12/01/18
- WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
- WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
- WSET Level 1 Award in Sake
Timeline
Sales Consultant
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
05.2025 - Current
Sales Consultant
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
10.2021 - 05.2025
Assistant Beverage Manager
Happy Hollow Club
04.2019 - 10.2021
Bar Manager
Shadow Ridge Country Club
09.2018 - 04.2019
Bartender/Server
Happy Hollow Club
11.2017 - 09.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business
Bellevue University