Robb Hultman

• Responsible for all wine sales and growth across three states while managing all aspects of business with portfolios and supplier communication to result in positive relationships and growth. Worked closely with Operations, Sales Management and Finance to meet needs of supplier partners to ensure company attained volume goals and executed set objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for programming including focus within portfolio, annual calendar, incentives, tools management (POS, sell sheets, marketing support materials etc.) and market work (supplier as well as PM customer contact).
• Worked closely with Sales Analysts regarding all pricing, new item set up, incentives, goals and supplier market work calendar.
• Key management of all portfolio financial management in terms of pricing, gross margins and supplier account receivables.
• Partnered with Purchasing on forecasting, inventory and ETA/OOS.
• Operated as team member with all of Sales Management teams including goals, supplier Initiatives, key communications, GSM program tools, updates, education, trends and market conditions.
• Modified annual plans as necessary by continually evaluating opportunities.
• Maintained and grew gross profits by negotiating price supports, validating internal depletion allowances, and managing budgets for year.
• Administered and validated pricing for publications and communicated current and available pricing to sales force.
• Ensured achievement of supplier plan by translating plan into sales goals, by helping to define target accounts and communicating goals to sales management.
• Participated in planning and preparation of General Sales Meetings by translating brands’ features and benefits into sell sheets, concept sells and other selling materials. Also, attended and presented brand initiatives and marketing strategies.
• Coordinated supplier meetings, ride-withs, winery visits, blitzes and target account spend activity. Shared data as needed with suppliers by communicating with all sales management as well as managing workflow and calendars.
• Coordinated with Supplier Marketing Departments to create and distribute supplier specific newsletters and videos, by collecting and recapping best practices and program results.
• Developed and participated in delivery of supplier business reviews and monthly supplier communication meetings by preparing content and working with senior management to codify information.
• Managed supplier allocated products by working with necessary departments to administer set-up and release of these allocations to approved accounts.
• Helped guide supplier decision-making by employing strong comprehension of competitive landscape and market dynamics.
• Maintained professional and industry knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
• Oversaw negotiation with suppliers and communicated outcome to Sales Department.

Successfully managed, maintained, grew and shaped $18M annual Fine Wine Portfolio across two decades. Responsible for managing Fine Wine Division of wines from around the world including importers Vineyard Brands, Vintus and Winesellers Ltd. and Grand Marques from the US. (Dunn, Diamond Creek, Kistler, Shea Wine Cellars, Quilceda Creek, etc.)

Opened and Managed Fine Wine Shop and Wine Bar in trendy downtown Chicago neighborhood. Established this address as one the premiere wine destination in Illinois for either on-premise enjoyment or at home through carefully curated wine shop.

Managed and operated boutique Wine Bar in high profile downtown Chicago neighborhood.

Shaped and managed restaurant wine list, winning Wine Spectator Grand Award, recognized as one of the Top 100 Wine Lists in the World. Ran brick and mortar Wine Shop and developed Online Wine sales program.