Misty Gray
Nashville,TN
Summary
- Goal-oriented and accomplished manager with over 24 years of distinguished experience in the Sales and Beverage industries. Proven leader with a consistent record of driving revenue growth, strengthening customer relationships, and fostering high-performing teams. Dedicated to streamlining operations, optimizing employee talent, and delivering exceptional customer satisfaction.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales for On-Premise
Lipman Brothers
06.2025 - Current
- Leading a multi-level team of 6 Managers, 16 Sales Representatives, and 3 Sales Support Specialists, promoting collaboration and accountability to drive results.
- Manage a portfolio of 950+ customer accounts while maintaining relationships with 700+ suppliers to ensure product availability, profitability, and market responsiveness.
- Establish and execute sales targets, implementing strategies, and go-to-market plans to maximize revenue and goal opportunities. Retain and expand key accounts by leveraging strong relationship management and strategic sales initiatives.
Sales Director of Spirits in On-Premise
Lipman Brothers
09.2023 - 06.2025
- Trained and developed 20 Sales Representatives on a portfolio of over 200 supplier brands, enhancing product knowledge and sales performance. Accounted for over $51,000,000 in yearly revenue.
- Partnered with major suppliers including Tito’s, Brown-Forman, Diageo, William Grant, Proximo, Bacardi, Sazerac, Gallo, Heaven Hill, Pernod Ricard, and Constellation Brands to strengthen market presence and drive revenue growth.
- Created and advanced key sales initiatives aligned with company goals, achieving approximately 50% of all well placements and 50% of cocktail placements across Middle Tennessee.
- Led and mentored two additional Spirit Managers, promoting collaboration and consistency in execution across teams.
- Collaborated with Business Unit Directors to develop market programs, promotional strategies, and competitive pricing for go-to-market success.
Market Manager on Premise
Lipman Brothers Inc.
07.2014 - 09.2023
- Guided over 20 Sales Representatives, developing many into promoted roles and fostering individual career growth.
- Consistently led the on-premise team to top performance, achieving multiple years as the #1 team in on-premise sales growth, approximately $22,000,000 in revenue per year.
- Directly managed up to 8 Sales Representatives over an 8-year period, overseeing more than 300 customer accounts ranging from high-volume Broadway venues to outer-market territories.
- Built and maintained strong supplier partnerships with over 700 suppliers, driving collaboration and market execution.
Director of Outlets
Hilton
04.2001 - 05.2014
- Opened the hotel in 2001 as a Bartender at Eddie George’s Sports Grill and advanced through multiple roles to lead overall beverage operations for the property.
- Oversaw all beverage operations, including catering/banquets and multiple outlets team of 50 employees—featuring Eddie George’s Sports Grill, one of Nashville’s first high-profile hotel restaurants and a multi-year “Best in Nashville” award winner.
- Developed and maintained relationships with distributors and suppliers to maximize product quality, pricing, and promotional opportunities.
- Created and implemented comprehensive training manuals for all front-of-house positions to ensure consistent service standards and team development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Communication
University of Alabama At Huntsville
Huntsville, AL06-2000
Skills
- Exceptional communication, organization, and multi-tasking abilities
- Proven leadership in team development, coaching, and performance management
- Skilled in motivating and managing people to achieve and exceed goals
- Strong customer relationship management and service-oriented focus
- Expertise in building and maintaining supplier partnerships
- Experienced in recruitment, onboarding, and training of high-performing staff
- Strategic business development and account growth execution
- Proficient in market analysis, identifying and capitalizing on local trends
Accomplishments
- Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1 Certification
- WSET 2 Wine and Spirits Certification
- Cicerone Certified Beer Server Certification
- Les Dames d' Escoffier of Nashville
Timeline
Director of Sales for On-Premise
Lipman Brothers
06.2025 - Current
Sales Director of Spirits in On-Premise
Lipman Brothers
09.2023 - 06.2025
Market Manager on Premise
Lipman Brothers Inc.
07.2014 - 09.2023
Director of Outlets
Hilton
04.2001 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Business Communication
University of Alabama At Huntsville