Richard Alex
Sarasota,FL
Summary
Versatile professional with 20 years of experience spanning luxury hospitality, high-volume sales, and business ownership. Proven track record of navigating fast-paced, high-pressure environments. From managing celebrity-tier events for Moët Hennessy to quickly closing sales at 20,000-attendee trade shows. Possesses deep technical knowledge of viticulture, craft cocktail preparation, and the nuances of Michelin-standard service.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
eMPI0, U.S./Canada
06.2014 - 12.2025
- High-Volume Engagement: Managed booths at expos with up to 20,000 attendees, personally conducting multiple live demonstrations at once and selling on the spot.
- Rapport Building: Mastered the art of cold-calling multiple strangers into seats, establishing immediate trust, and navigating complex price negotiations under pressure.
- Endurance: Consistently worked 12+ hour days on trade show floors, maintaining high energy and peak performance in hectic, sensory-heavy environments. Beginning and ending with setting up and breaking down the booth myself.
Event Bartender
Moët Hennessy, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
07.2005 - 05.2014
- Executed high-profile bar service for celebrity events and awards shows, including the Golden Globes. As well as brand representation at Portfolio Tastings.
- Maintained strict brand standards while delivering luxury-tier service in high-visibility, private environments.
- Developed a sophisticated understanding of premium spirits, wine and champagne service.
Barista
Crumbs Bake Shop, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
05.2010 - 12.2013
- Balanced high-volume transactions with personalized guest interaction in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Utilized POS systems for order entry and financial reconciliation.
Patron
High-End Restaurants, United States
United States
06.2014 - Current
- Dining Experiences at fine establishments such as, but not limited to: Alinea (Chicago), French Laundry (Napa), Per Se (NYC), Meadowood (Napa), Smyth (Chicago), Minibar by José Andrés (DC), Rocca (TB), Don Alfonso 1890 (ON) and of course, the best of all: The Capital Grille (FL)
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA01.2010
Associate of General Studies - undefined
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH01.2005
Skills
- Beverage Knowledge: Extensive experience with high-end red wines, champagne, gin and mezcal profiles Broad experience across most other wines and spirits, including Malört
- Sales and Service: Expert in instant-rapport building, group management, team sales, up-selling and “the close”
- Operational Agility: Thrives on your-feet 12 hour shifts, skilled in POS systems and fast-paced order fulfillment A in multitasking
- Michelin Standard Awareness: Deep understanding of fine-dining etiquette, including table maintenance, coursing, guest pacing and of course, crumbing
Timeline
Owner
eMPI0, U.S./Canada
06.2014 - 12.2025
Patron
High-End Restaurants, United States
06.2014 - Current
Barista
Crumbs Bake Shop, Los Angeles, CA
05.2010 - 12.2013
Event Bartender
Moët Hennessy, Los Angeles, CA
07.2005 - 05.2014
Associate of General Studies - undefined
Bowling Green State University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
California State University, Northridge