Richard Lopus
Traverse City,Michigan
Summary
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues. Excellent team builder and developer of talent. Considerable wine knowledge and public speaking experience. Well versed in all of Michigan's MLCC regulations.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President Sales Development/Vice President On-Premise Sales
Great Lakes Wine & Spirits
01.2001 - 07.2025
- Senior Sales Management at Michigan’s largest wine wholesaler. In addition to sales responsibility, responsible for acquiring new agencies, recruitment and training of staff, compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations, managed marketing team, produced a quarterly full-color sales catalogue & newsletter. Also responsible for planning/organizing numerous trade tastings and educational events, as well as helping to coordinate consumer events.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive profitability.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive business strategies aligned with market trends and consumer demands.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to foster partnerships and expand market presence.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
Regional Manager
Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
03.1998 - 01.2001
- Regional manager for Washington’s largest, most prestigious wine producer and marketer. Managed twenty-eight wholesalers within Midwest region (including Michigan), educating and helping to enable these wholesalers to achieve sales goals and represent Ste. Michelle’s global portfolio in the correct and expected manner. Also presented to the retail and on-premise trade, selling our portfolio and the Washington category as a whole.
- Led regional sales initiatives, driving market growth and brand visibility across multiple territories.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for expansion, resulting in improved competitive positioning.
- Fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing partnerships and expanding distribution channels effectively.
- Expanded regional presence by researching potential markets, developing strategic partnerships, and opening new locations.
On-Premise Sales Manager
J. Lewis Cooper Company
05.1992 - 03.1998
- Complete responsibility for all on-premise sales functions-wine & spirits including continual sales growth, recruitment, training and retention of staff, acquisition of new brands, compliance with all state laws and regulations, education of retail trade clients, and overall relations with wine & spirits trade.
Founder, President/General Manager
Decanter Imports
01.1985 - 05.1991
- Opened from ‘ground up’ a wine importer/distributor (a Michigan corporation). Total fiscal, managerial and philosophical responsibility, including administration, human resources, compliance with all regulations, recruitment and retention of staff. Profitable from year one.
The Merchant of Vino
12.1980 - 01.1985
- Primary responsibility for wine purchases, sales and customer relations, supervised staff responsible for stocking and merchandising store, daily cash management, produced numerous quarterly sales catalogues, conducted numerous off-site tastings and winery dinners. M of V was named a Top 10 retailer in U.S. Traveled extensively.
Education
Hotel Restaurant Management -
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MISkills
- Over 45 years of experience in retail, wholesale, and supplier wine sales and sales management
- Extensive knowledge of wine and wine production
- Understanding of on-premise and off-premise wine sales and marketing and the differences in each
- Two terms on Michigan’s Grape & Wine Industry Council
- National Board Member of Society of Wine Educators
- Extensive travel to the world’s leading wine regions
- Long-serving Judge for the MGWIC Wine & Spirits Competition
- Independent, self-motivated, with extensive experience in public speaking & wine education
- Critical thinking
- Client relationship building
- Training and mentoring
Certification
Certified Wine Educator (CWE)
Wine & Spirits Education Trust 'Level III' (WSET Advanced)
Certified Sake Professional (CSP)
Timeline
Vice President Sales Development/Vice President On-Premise Sales
Great Lakes Wine & Spirits
01.2001 - 07.2025
Regional Manager
Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
03.1998 - 01.2001
On-Premise Sales Manager
J. Lewis Cooper Company
05.1992 - 03.1998
Founder, President/General Manager
Decanter Imports
01.1985 - 05.1991
The Merchant of Vino
12.1980 - 01.1985
Hotel Restaurant Management -
Michigan State University