Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Seán Patrick Smith

333 White Pine Drive, Hendersonville,North Carolina

Summary

Dynamic, energetic professional with extensive experience in customer service and creative partnerships. Proven ability to enhance collaborations through strategic promotions and adaptable management. Skilled in event planning, project design and effective communication, consistently delivering exceptional results and fostering strong internal and external relationships.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager & Wine Consultant

Wine Sage Market + Wine Bar
Hendersonville, NC
05.2021 - Current
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends in order to provide informed guidance to customers.
  • Provided personalized wine selection services tailored according to individual tastes.
  • Designed and implemented new store layout, increasing customer ease and shopping experience.
  • Created promotional materials for upcoming events.
  • Increased loyal client base through excellent customer service skills and knowledgeable product advice.
  • Implemented effective procedures for receiving shipments of wines and ensured accuracy of invoices received.
  • Increased Wine Club membership by 30%.

Historic Interpreter / Guest Relations

Biltmore House
Asheville, NC
11.2018 - 07.2020
  • Provided historic interpretation and assistance to approximately 2 million annual visitors.
  • Monitored safety of guests, employees, Biltmore House, and its collection.
  • Led specialty tours requiring extensive training on Biltmore House history, the Vanderbilt family, and the American Gilded Age.
  • Position eliminated due to Covid-19 epidemic.

Freelance Writer, Creative and Event Consultant

Self-employed
09.2006 - 11.2018
  • Researched and wrote feature articles for regional newspapers and magazines.
  • Provided contract creative writing for arts organizations, including press releases, social media, marketing, and fundraising campaigns.
  • Designed, implemented, and evaluated small to large-scale events for clients and organizations, involving staff, volunteers and community stakeholders.

Manager, Wine and Beer Department

World Market
Arden, NC
12.2017 - 09.2018
  • Monitored inventory levels, ordered new stock as needed and maintained records.
  • Managed in-store tastings and special events to increase customer engagement.
  • Provided excellent customer service by answering questions about wine selection, pairing options and pricing information.

Staff Docent / Gift Shop Manager and Buyer

Kaminski House Museum
Georgetown, SC
01.2014 - 10.2015
  • Provided guided tours to visitors, explaining the history and significance of the museum.
  • Provided creative management of gift shop purchasing.

Administrative Manager

Theatre of the Republic
Conway, SC
02.2012 - 12.2013
  • Effectively led daily operations of non-profit theatre.
  • Ensured efficient management of box office, marketing and public relations, community outreach, vendor relations, audience cultivation, securing advertisers and sponsors.

Copy / Content Editor

Country Life magazine
London, England
12.2005 - 09.2006
  • Provided text accuracy editing/research, styling, and correction of articles from nationally respected writers on subjects including architecture, art, politics.

Executive Assistant to the Director

Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Richmond, VA
03.2002 - 07.2005
  • Provided executive-level administrative support; responsibilities included drafting and execution of correspondence; research and editorial support to director; planning and execution of meetings and high-profile public events.
  • Served as a liaison between the director and other departments within the organization and other collaborating state agencies.

Staff Docent

Wilton House Museum
Richmond, VA
10.2001 - 07.2005
  • Greeted visitors as they arrived at the museum and answered questions about exhibits, events, and museum policies.
  • Provided guided tours to visitors, explaining the history and significance of the museum.

Staff Associate

Warner Gubernatorial Campaign
Richmond, VA
11.2001 - 01.2002
  • Provided significant daily and event support to Assistant to Deputy Field Director, Mark Warner Gubernatorial Inaugural Committee.

Design & Production Editor

USA Today
Arlington, VA
12.1998 - 07.2001

Copy Editor & Page Designer

The New York Times Regional Newspapers
, GA, SC, FL
06.1985 - 09.1998

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism and Mass Communication

University of Georgia
Athens, GA

Skills

  • Microsoft Office & Google Platforms
  • Event Planning
  • Effective communication
  • Customer relationship management
  • "Above and beyond" work ethic
  • Keen conceptual design skills
  • Innovation management
  • Relationship building
  • Partnership development
  • Project management

Certification

  • Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Certification
  • ServSafe Alcohol Certification (Virginia pending)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Manager & Wine Consultant

Wine Sage Market + Wine Bar
05.2021 - Current

Historic Interpreter / Guest Relations

Biltmore House
11.2018 - 07.2020

Manager, Wine and Beer Department

World Market
12.2017 - 09.2018

Staff Docent / Gift Shop Manager and Buyer

Kaminski House Museum
01.2014 - 10.2015

Administrative Manager

Theatre of the Republic
02.2012 - 12.2013

Freelance Writer, Creative and Event Consultant

Self-employed
09.2006 - 11.2018

Copy / Content Editor

Country Life magazine
12.2005 - 09.2006

Executive Assistant to the Director

Virginia Department of Historic Resources
03.2002 - 07.2005

Staff Associate

Warner Gubernatorial Campaign
11.2001 - 01.2002

Staff Docent

Wilton House Museum
10.2001 - 07.2005

Design & Production Editor

USA Today
12.1998 - 07.2001

Copy Editor & Page Designer

The New York Times Regional Newspapers
06.1985 - 09.1998

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism and Mass Communication

University of Georgia

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