Sam Fundenburg
Gainesville
Summary
Results-oriented Brand Specialist who develops and implements successful marketing plans and brand strategies. Utilizes customer insights and client feedback to develop creative strategies that drive consumer loyalty and brand recognition. A leader with proven accomplishments in driving growth and increasing profits. Hardworking team builder and motivator, maximizing personnel performance and surpassing business objectives.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Brand Specialist
Strategic Group
10.2023 - Current
- Recruit, train and manage a diverse team of Brand Advocates
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with key on-premise accounts in assigned market
- Schedule engaging sampling events in target accounts that generate excitement and elevate visibility for the brands
- Enhanced brand visibility by developing and implementing strategic marketing campaigns.
- Monitor competitor activities for vital insights into potential threats or opportunities for growth.
- Build, develop & grow strong relationships with key clients, resulting in repeat business and increased brand loyalty.
- 93% average achievement rate of KPIs in the first year of employment including: full portfolio distribution, menu placements, visibility, staff trainings
- Provide monthly recaps that include reports on KPI achievement, competitive action and consumer feedback
Beverage Director
Spurrier's Gridiron Grille
03.2022 - Current
- Routinely maintained beverage costs of 18%-22%
- Reduced excess on hand inventory by $20,000
- Planned service for special events by developing drink lists and inventories.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Increased productivity & streamlined service by mentoring bartenders in efficiency & strategy
- Trained food and beverage service personnel, confirming staff to provide recommendations and answer questions.
- Managed and scheduled bartenders and bar backs.
- Identified areas of opportunity for beverage sales by analyzing customer feedback and product demand metrics.
- Oversaw selection, ordering and inventory controls of wine, beer and cocktail program.
- Maintained highest standards for beverage quality and service.
- Built stronger wine list, aligned with trends, improved credibility of restaurant's program and raised profitability per glass.
- Developed relationships with suppliers and vendors leading to special volume pricing, discounts and availability.
- Enacted progressive disciplinary measures for staff, managed work zones, and oversaw opening and closing duties.
- Designed beverage menus using computer & internet programs such as InDesign and Canva
- Complied with and educated team on health and safety regulations.
- Developed ongoing training initiative to improve beverage knowledge of serving employees.
Sales Associate/ Wine Supervisor
Total Wine & More
10.2020 - 03.2022
- Counseled sales personnel, assisting with individual selling efforts and helping sales representatives reach targets.
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training including sales contests & incentive programs for team members
- Established and cultivated relationships with new and existing customers.
- Resolved customer issues quickly to close sales and boost customer satisfaction.
- Trained service staff on wines, spirits and beers to maximize revenue and maintain stellar reputation for service.
- Handled questions and concerns skillfully and redirected customers toward higher profit items to increase per-ticket revenue. Consistently maintained higher WD & SD percentage of sales (70% & 30% respectively)
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers.
Restaurant Floor Manager
Ryan Maguire's Ale House
06.2016 - 03.2020
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Carefully interviewed, hired, trained, and supervised staff.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
Education
French Wine Scholar - French Wine
Wine Scholar Guild
Online 03.2020 - 04.2021
Certified Specialist of Wine - Wine Steward
Society of Wine Educators
Online 01.2023 - Current
Certified Beer Server - Beer Server
Cicerone
06.2022 - 06.2022
Skills
Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales Specialist
Cost Control
Payroll Understanding
Quality Control
Beverage Trends
Profit and Loss
POS Software Proficiency
Customer Service Background
Beverage Pricing
Health and Safety Standards
Scheduling
Recipes and Menu Planning
Cost Controls
Certification
French Wine Scholar, Wine Scholar Guild
Timeline
Brand Specialist
Strategic Group
10.2023 - Current
Certified Specialist of Wine - Wine Steward
Society of Wine Educators
01.2023 - Current
Certified Beer Server - Beer Server
Cicerone
06.2022 - 06.2022
Beverage Director
Spurrier's Gridiron Grille
03.2022 - Current
Certified Beer Server, Cicerone
07-2021
Certified Total Wine Profession - Total Wineal
07-2021
Certified Total Spirits Professional - Total Wine
05-2021
French Wine Scholar, Wine Scholar Guild
04-2021
Sales Associate/ Wine Supervisor
Total Wine & More
10.2020 - 03.2022
French Wine Scholar - French Wine
Wine Scholar Guild
03.2020 - 04.2021
Restaurant Floor Manager
Ryan Maguire's Ale House
06.2016 - 03.2020
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