Rick Kuri
Mission Viejo,CA
Summary
Experienced in sales execution and distributor management, consistently achieving corporate, supplier, and customer business objectives. Strong track record of successful outcomes through leadership and brand building expertise. Passionate about motivating and developing talent, as well as improving performance.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Western Region Sales Manager (CA, AZ, NV, HI, WA, AK)
Tilray Brands - Breckenridge Distillery
10.2021 - 01.2025
- Worked closely with distributors PM and finance managers to implement effective programming and incentives for distributors sales teams in my region for increased portfolio POD penetration in the market.
- Consistent collaboration with distributors sales managers, portfolio managers, finance managers in each individual state to stay aligned with strategic brand planning, opportunities and overall market execution. '25 FYTD Jun-Dec Reg +15.9%, Ca +6.1%.
- Managed company programming and expense budgets effectively, ensuring optimal ROI corporate/marketing initiatives.
- Direct and manage a team of (4) Market Managers in key markets in my region ensuring they are motivated and fully prepared with an execution plan and sales tools to ensure high level execution.
- Enhanced team collaboration through weekly team meetings, frequent individual communication to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Our team developed strong distributor relationships by attending team meetings, educational tastings, trade shows and industry events to help support and motivate sales teams and key accounts.
Account Executive, Strategic Retail
Epic Wines and Spirits
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Managing key retail accounts responsible for growing our market share selling new distribution, TPR’s, planner support, advertising, coupons/cross merchandising
- Strong supplier relationships and collaboration lead to strategic account planning and execution which resulted in successful business trends ending +44% in 2020
- Weekly communication with our merchandising team covering programming and account opportunities
Regional Manager / Consultant – Southern California
Classic Liquor Importers - Royal Elite Vodka
01.2018 - 09.2019
- Responsible for managing distributor during brand re-launch focusing on building market share with new distribution, new marketing and POS, incentives for On & Off Premise channels
- Maintained strong distributor communication by attending team meetings, trade shows and promotional events to help support and motivate sales teams
- Strong focus on field workdays with distributor in key accounts executing new distribution and brand education
Sales / Management
Young’s Market Company
06.2001 - 08.2017
Director, Chain Merchandising – Spirits
Young’s Market Company
05.2016 - 08.2017
- Collaborated with suppliers to manage brand goals and incentives, store level execution and tracking for supplier brands and key programs
- Coordinated 8-10 supplier sales blitzes and market surveys per year with suppliers, division directors and district managers
- Weekly field time with suppliers and merchandising team helping sell programs, train, and develop our team
Director of Sales, Pharmacy Division Ca (CVS, Rite Aid, Target)
Young’s Market Company
09.2013 - 05.2016
- Managed Ca channel team (5) responsible for working closely with account buyers and executing regional & national programming
- Jointly worked with national account team and suppliers on developing channel brand strategies, pricing models and marketing programs to help bridge the gap and maximize program execution from national to regional
- Built strong relationships with suppliers which assisted with incorporating brand plans into customer & company business plans and objectives
Senior Director of Sales - Southern California Chain Division
Young’s Market Company
05.2009 - 09.2013
- Managed largest HQ Ca account team (24) employees including 6 direct reports, responsible for delivering company channel business plans through creative programming and high-level execution
- Responsible for management and growth of branded business portfolio over $300mm in revenue annually covering all Southern California key chain (15) customers
- Established & developed supplier partner relationships which garnered additional marketing support for customers
- Successfully integrated supplier brand plans achieving mutual business objectives and positive results
- Maintained positive market share and revenue growth four consecutive years
Director of Sales, Chain Division (Alb, Savon/CVS, Ralphs, F4L)
Young’s Market Company
09.2005 - 05.2009
Account Executive, Chain Division – Ralphs/F4Less
Young’s Market Company
06.2001 - 09.2005
Category Manager / In-House Ralphs/F4L/SB
Southern Wine and Spirits
10.1998 - 06.2001
District Sales Manager OC
Southern Wine and Spirits
10.1997 - 10.1998
Skills
- Sales Leadership
- Distributor Management
- Strategic Brand Planning
- Regional/National Account Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Training, Coaching & Mentoring Sales Teams
Certification
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
- Knowledge of VIP/Karma, Microstrategy
- Breckenridge “Managing In Today’s Environment” Management Training
- Epic Wines & Spirits – Professional Sales Training & Product Knowledge Education (Monthly)
- YMCO Business Systems Update Training (i.e. Nielsen, Business Intelligence programs)
- YMCO Beverage Certification Program
- YMCO Persuasive Selling Model “DRIVE” Certified
- Brown Forman Brand Building University “BBU” Ways of Selling
Timeline
Western Region Sales Manager (CA, AZ, NV, HI, WA, AK)
Tilray Brands - Breckenridge Distillery
10.2021 - 01.2025
Account Executive, Strategic Retail
Epic Wines and Spirits
01.2020 - 06.2021
Regional Manager / Consultant – Southern California
Classic Liquor Importers - Royal Elite Vodka
01.2018 - 09.2019
Director, Chain Merchandising – Spirits
Young’s Market Company
05.2016 - 08.2017
Director of Sales, Pharmacy Division Ca (CVS, Rite Aid, Target)
Young’s Market Company
09.2013 - 05.2016
Senior Director of Sales - Southern California Chain Division
Young’s Market Company
05.2009 - 09.2013
Director of Sales, Chain Division (Alb, Savon/CVS, Ralphs, F4L)
Young’s Market Company
09.2005 - 05.2009
Sales / Management
Young’s Market Company
06.2001 - 08.2017
Account Executive, Chain Division – Ralphs/F4Less
Young’s Market Company
06.2001 - 09.2005
Category Manager / In-House Ralphs/F4L/SB
Southern Wine and Spirits
10.1998 - 06.2001
District Sales Manager OC
Southern Wine and Spirits
10.1997 - 10.1998
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