Russ Davenport
Louisville
Summary
Results-driven distribution professional prepared for demanding logistical challenges. Proven track record in managing inventory, streamlining sales processes, and ensuring timely delivery. Focused on team collaboration and adaptability, bringing strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Distributor Partner Manager
Congo Brands
05.2024 - Current
- Lead distribution network for disruptive beverage brands
- Role grew to cover three states during my tenure
- Created sales strategies to maximize Congo’s unique sales approach
- Partnered with 16 unique distributors to build success within territory
- Provided leadership for Congo’s Field Sales teams
- Took responsibility with regional accounts to ensure brands were positioned for success
- Managed inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize shortages.
- Coordinated logistics for timely distribution of products across diverse markets.
- Implemented national and regional programming within the market
- Helped grow Alani towards $1.8 Billion brand exit
Territory Director
Grain and Barrel Spirits
10.2022 - 02.2024
- Lead growing company’s sales effort in the 3 unique markets.
- Implemented national campaigns within markets.
- Worked alongside 3 unique Wine and Spirits wholesalers in each market to ensure brand success.
- Developed and implemented territory management strategies to enhance brand visibility and market penetration.
- Cultivated strong relationships with distributors and retailers to drive product placement and sales growth.
- Presented at Statewide GSMs, built sales programs, and conducted team and account training.
- Actively sold Grain and Barrel products to On and Off Premise Retailers, both Independent and National
- Managed state marketing budgets and expenditures
- Optimized resources to maximize effectiveness in the marketplace.
- Oversaw a return to growth of Chicken Cock Whiskey in Kentucky, -25% to +40% in 6 months.
- Built regional Account growth: Big Red, Cox’s, Liquor City, The Party Source, Good Spirits
Business Development Specialist
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
07.2017 - 10.2022
- Sole dedicated representative of Proximo Spirits portfolio in the state of Kentucky
- Analyzed external data to aid accounts and sales force in optimizing business.
- Championed change with new data-driven sales tools from Salesforce, Ibotta, BarCart
- Fastest growing spirits portfolio at SGWS during tenure
- 9L volume grew from 80K cases to 140K per year during tenure.
- Developed and executed strategic business plans to enhance market share and sales team engagement.
- Cultivated relationships with key clients, driving long-term partnerships and revenue growth.
Sales Consultant
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
08.2014 - 07.2017
- Represented the Pernod Ricard brand portfolio of Spirits and Wines
- Worked with over fifty independent liquor stores and regional chains in the Louisville area
- Built partnerships with accounts and chains to fulfill needs and mutually grow sales and profits
- Merchandised accounts to provide vital point of sale marketing
- Implemented national marketing programs from Pernod Ricard at the local level
Inside Machinery Sales Rep
Whayne Caterpillar
10.2011 - 07.2017
- Supported outside sales reps by creating more efficient processes
- Collaborated with sales staff and vendors to meet customers product specifications
- Consulted with customers to provide need-based assessment to optimize their business
- Implemented Caterpillar’s national campaigns as company’s point of contact
Direct Area Sales Manager/Area Merchandising Specialist
GE
11.2009 - 10.2011
- Operated an Inside Sales Territory consisting of three states, $10MM revenue
- Managed an outside Merchandising Territory in Evansville, Indiana
- Implemented national campaigns and coached sales teams within national accounts (ex. Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.) on features, benefits, and sale techniques of GE’s product line (10-12 associates per store)
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Bellarmine University
05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Bellarmine University
12.2007
Skills
- Innovator: quickly adapt to change and find new paths to success
- Team builder: build partnerships with all stakeholders in the business from Executives down
- Resourceful: Find new ways to succeed despite external or internal roadblocks
- Learner: Always willing to find new techniques or skills and adapt them for success
- Distribution network optimization
- Staff training and development
Timeline
Distributor Partner Manager
Congo Brands
05.2024 - Current
Territory Director
Grain and Barrel Spirits
10.2022 - 02.2024
Business Development Specialist
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
07.2017 - 10.2022
Sales Consultant
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
08.2014 - 07.2017
Inside Machinery Sales Rep
Whayne Caterpillar
10.2011 - 07.2017
Direct Area Sales Manager/Area Merchandising Specialist
GE
11.2009 - 10.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Bellarmine University
Master of Business Administration -
Bellarmine University
Activities Certifications Awards
- Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 2 (Wine and Spirits), Passed with Merit
- Certified Specialist of Spirits, Society of Wine Educators
- Absolut Akademi, Stockholm, Sweden, 2016-07-01
- 5 Across Business Plan Contest Monthly Winner and Annual Finalist, 2018
- Idea State U Business Plan Contest, Regional Champion, and Finalist, 2018