Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
September Ferguson

September Ferguson

Hamburg,NY

Summary

Experienced wine and spirits specialist with comprehensive industry understanding. In-depth knowledge of wines and spirits, and keen awareness of market trends. Recognized for curating specialized selections and enhancing customer experiences. Expertise in product knowledge and account development, excelling in both on and off-premise accounts.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Wine and Spirits Specialist

Try It Distributing
09.2021 - Current
  • Introduce new products with knowledge and consideration of account's needs
  • Create POS, maintain shelf space and cold box
  • Work regularly with brand managers
  • Maintain positive growth while meeting goals and incentives
  • Attended Pro Wein (Germany) in March 2024 and assisted importers in locating new wines for our portfolio
  • Attended Hungarian Wine Expo (Budapest) in June 2024 to gain more knowledge about Hungarian wines in our portfolio
  • Boosted sales performance by conducting engaging in-store tastings and promotional events.
  • Curated wine lists for multiple on premise accounts
  • Enhanced customer experiences by providing expert knowledge on spirits and recommending suitable pairings.
  • Organized educational seminars for customers to deepen their understanding of various spirits categories and production methods.
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients, resulting in repeat business and increased brand loyalty.

Sales Representative (Buffalo Area)

Saint Lawrence Spirits
09.2018 - 09.2021
  • Increased repeat business by fostering trust-based relationships with key accounts through regular communication.
  • Scheduled events and in store tastings to educate customers on craft spirits
  • Introduce new products to clients both new and existing
  • Increased sales revenue by identifying and targeting high-potential accounts.

Lead Brand Ambassador

Saint Lawrence Spirits
09.2018 - 09.2021
  • Hired and trained Brand Ambassadors for tastings and events
  • Created training manuals for Brand Ambassadors with product profiles allowing them to maintain a high level of knowledge about our growing craft spirits
  • Scheduled in store tastings and events for each brand ambassador
  • Developed and maintained relationships with our account holders

Public Relations and Business Development

Dehydrate2Store
01.2009 - 01.2018
  • Created relationships with affiliates and created new partnerships and creative ventures for the business
  • Co-authored 2 cookbooks ('The Ultimate Dehydrator Cookbook' and 'Quick and Easy Dehydrated Meals in a Bag') in which I was in charge of content, recipe development, editing and artistic development involving the photography and cover layout
  • Worked closely with our publishing company (Rowman & Littlefield) to create publicity for our books
  • Developed a pamphlet for Chefman that is featured in every box of their dehydrators, sold nationwide
  • Secured positive media coverage through effective press release distribution and media outreach strategies.
  • Managed social media platforms, resulting in increased audience engagement and online presence.
  • Designed and implemented strategic business plan objectives.

Bartender

Mangia Restaurant
05.2007 - 03.2008
  • Greet Customers in a respectful and friendly manner that would be expected of an upscale fine dining experience
  • Quickly fulfill drink orders for customers and wait staff
  • Have a working knowledge of high end cocktails, spirits and wine
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.

Bar Manager

Area 42
05.2005 - 11.2006
  • Hired and Managed employees
  • Responsible for inventory and ordering product
  • Responsible for Payroll
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Fashion Technologies and Textiles (Merchandising Concentration)

Buffalo State College
Buffalo, NY
12.2007

Skills

  • Consumer education
  • Highly reliable
  • Clear and effective communication
  • Engaging personality
  • Customer service expertise
  • Service-oriented mindset
  • Sales expertise
  • Wine and liquor expertise
  • Marketing and sales experience

Certification

  • Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1
  • WSET Certification in Spirits Level 2 (Pass with Distinction)
  • WSET Wines Level 2 (Passed course waiting to sit for the exam for certification)

Timeline

Wine and Spirits Specialist

Try It Distributing
09.2021 - Current

Sales Representative (Buffalo Area)

Saint Lawrence Spirits
09.2018 - 09.2021

Lead Brand Ambassador

Saint Lawrence Spirits
09.2018 - 09.2021

Public Relations and Business Development

Dehydrate2Store
01.2009 - 01.2018

Bartender

Mangia Restaurant
05.2007 - 03.2008

Bar Manager

Area 42
05.2005 - 11.2006

Bachelor of Science - Fashion Technologies and Textiles (Merchandising Concentration)

Buffalo State College
September Ferguson