Tony (James Anthony) Zezas
Wheat Ridge,CO
Summary
Hybrid Role of Brand Manager and Sales Representative bringing 10+ years of experience and in-depth education in wines and spirits. Focused on marketing products to achieve best placement in the market. WSET Diploma Graduate, one of 11,000 people in the country to hold the certificate. Engaging customers and vendors, sharing diverse knowledge of wine to promote sales relationships and customer retention.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Brand Manager
The Harvest WIne Company
01.2019 - Current
- Sales Incentive Creation - ROI Example: Nine North Wine Company Q4 Point of Distribution incentive Investment 30$ per new placement = $2940.00 - 98 new points of distribution created, average case sale $144 = 14k in sales generated, not including multi-case sales or sell through business.
- Brokered international deals with businesses in France and Italy and created logistics chains to bring products from both countries.
- Negotiated vendor contracts with 42 suppliers, estates, and producers by obtaining favorable credit terms of 30-45+ days domestically or 120+ days from Europe and 2% or greater "sample allowance" on invoices to to maximized value for the brand.
- Coordinated all trade show participation and event planning. Showcased products effectively while networking with industry professionals to expand business relationships. In 2023 I put on 6 events with 30-50 attendees each.
- Enhanced brand recognition by developing and executing targeted marketing campaigns and identifying key trends that we represented well in the market, ie Burgundy, Rioja, and the Willamette Valley.
- Created and managed budgets based off of the P&L reports and balance sheets of the company.
- Importers added while under my direction and percentage of the company; Mary Taylor Wines, Dreyfus Ashby & Co., Beck Family Estates, Village Wine Imports, T. Edward Wines, Vignobles Sullivan-Estate Wines, Christopher Imports, Wine Avenue, Wines for the World, Rhonea Distribution, Karolus wines, 25.26% of total company sales 365 days (as of 3/3/24).
- Led a team of 7 sales professionals, offering mentoring and coaching to build knowledge and skills on a variety of 650+ wines.
- I truncated my vacation in New Orleans in 2021 after finding out Jules Taylor, our number 1 by volume brand moved to a new supplier, Dreyfus Ashby & Co. I flew immediately to NYC, took a meeting with the president John Caruso and effectively argued our position for the to continue representation of the brand saving 9% sales by volume of the company.
Sales Representative
The Harvest Wine Company
01.2015 - Current
- Started in 2015 with a territory of 9 accounts grossing 13k a year and grew it into a 450k territory. Moved to the Boulder Territory in 2017 and grew that territory from 350k to 700k in 2019 before getting promoted to Brand Manager.
- Took over management of corporate accounts and grew Whole Foods 934.12% YOY 2022 to 2023.
- In 2023 I accounted for 24.34% of sales of of our top supplier's wine portfolio.
- Achieved top performer status consistently through dedication of meeting goals and exceeding expectations. Won trips to Spain with Demaison in 2018, Italy with The Piedmont Guy in 2017 and 2023, and Oregon in 2019 and South Africa with Graham Beck Family in 2024.
- Expanded customer base through cold calling, networking, and relationship building.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends for informed decision-making during client interactions.
- Optimized territory coverage by strategically planning routes for maximum efficiency in meeting clients face to face.
- Boosted internal collaboration within the sales team by sharing best practices and offering mentorship when needed.
WSET Educator - Level I, II, III
Wine Education Institute
03.2023 - Current
- Provide students with a focused experience on learning key features of international and domestic wines.
- Taught the Systematic Tasting of Wine to use for all tasting practices on evaluating wine knowledge
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
Creator/ Talent
Dine And Dashing With Tony Zezas
04.2021 - Current
- "Best TV Series Pilot Episode 2022" - Project Nerd Film Festival Boulder, CO
- Produced original, creative content for promotional advertisements and marketing materials.
- Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs under deadline pressure with exciting, captivating, and authentic approach.
- Conducted interviews with subject matter experts to generate topics.
- Built, established and maintained relationships with restaurants and locations of filming for production of the series.
- Traveled to set locations to complete onsite filming.
Waiter/Head Sommelier
Pilmoth Restaurant
05.2021 - Current
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.
- Facilitated seamless dining experiences for large parties by coordinating orders and special requests.
- Assisted management in training new and existing staff on by the glass and by the bottle wine offerings.
- Directed wine 101 trainings to maintain general wine knowledge of all employees.
Waiter/Sommelier
The Populist Resturant
05.2015 - 12.2019
- Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts under a tip pooled system.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Contributed to the restaurant''s positive reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service and building rapport with regular patrons.
Assistant General Manager/Head Sommelier
Cental Bistro
04.2012 - 12.2014
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
Education
Certificate of Wine Making - Viticulture And Enology
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY05.2024
Educator Training Program -
Wine And Spirits Education Trust
London, England03.2024
Diploma - Levels- 1, 2, 3, Diploma
Wine And Spirits Education Trust
London, England06.2021
Certificate of Completion - Wine Production, Blending, Networking & Education
"Pinot Camp"
Willamette, Oregon06.2019
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
Willamette University
Salem, OR05.2010
High School Diploma -
Buffalo Wyoming
Buffalo, WY05.2006
Skills
- Marketing and Brand Development
- Inventory Management and Cellar Management
- Wine Pairing Expertise
- Hosting Wine Tasting Events
- Strong Communication and Interpersonal
- Creative Thinking
- Order Management on all levels, Restaurant, Retail, Distribution, Supplier, and Direct to Consumer
- Product Merchandising
- Information Analysis
- Product and Service Sales
- Staff Training and Development
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Reliable and Responsible
- Building Customer Loyalty
- Friendly and Helpful
Certification
- Denver Channel 9 News - Colorado and Company - “Pairing wine and Burgers” 8/30/2023
- Denver Channel 9 News - Colorado and Company “Tailgating in Style” 9/29/23
Cooking, Arts, Entertaining and Exploring the World
Food and wine flow in harmony and one cannot be though of without the other. Together they form a basis of culture that stretch thousands of years in our human existence. For me, they represent something that I can feel and connect with. I am a passionate cook, a consummate host and a one of the few gourmands you may ever meet. I love too entertain and lament the fading of light of dinner hosts left in the world. Having a dinner party and inspiring conversation around a table is the bais for culture and exchanging of ideas. As Marie-Antoine Carême, Chef (1784-1833), said, "When we no longer have good cooking in the world, we will have no literature, nor high and sharp intelligence, nor friendly gatherings, nor social harmony."
Taking this philosophy to a boardroom, to a dive bar, or to a tent in Morocco has allowed me to bring polite and power conversation to any gathering, to any group of people, with respect, and deserved dignity. That can only be learned by sitting at a table and breaking bread. I am grateful to have grown up in the food and beverage industry, and now ready to apply that knowledge to the next step of career path. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
WSET Educator - Level I, II, III
Wine Education Institute
03.2023 - Current
Waiter/Head Sommelier
Pilmoth Restaurant
05.2021 - Current
Creator/ Talent
Dine And Dashing With Tony Zezas
04.2021 - Current
Brand Manager
The Harvest WIne Company
01.2019 - Current
Waiter/Sommelier
The Populist Resturant
05.2015 - 12.2019
Sales Representative
The Harvest Wine Company
01.2015 - Current
Assistant General Manager/Head Sommelier
Cental Bistro
04.2012 - 12.2014
Certificate of Wine Making - Viticulture And Enology
Cornell University
Educator Training Program -
Wine And Spirits Education Trust
Diploma - Levels- 1, 2, 3, Diploma
Wine And Spirits Education Trust
Certificate of Completion - Wine Production, Blending, Networking & Education
"Pinot Camp"
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
Willamette University
High School Diploma -
Buffalo Wyoming
- Denver Channel 9 News - Colorado and Company - “Pairing wine and Burgers” 8/30/2023
- Denver Channel 9 News - Colorado and Company “Tailgating in Style” 9/29/23
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