Wine and beer consultant with proven performance at Kroger Marketplace driving beverage sales growth through strategic list development and client consultation. Achieved significant increases in sales by expanding brand visibility and improving customer engagement. Applies expertise in food and wine pairing to strengthen consumer experiences and relationships.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Wine and Beer Consultant
KROGER MARKETPLACE # 540
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2013 - 04.2026
Sales increased 2020 over 2019 to $1.7 million in beer and $1.3 million in wine.
For Kroger fiscal year 2019 over 2018, beer sales increased from $1.08 million to $1.3 million and wine increased from $998,000 to $1.15 million.
Managed wine and beer inventories and sales by collaborating with wholesale representatives to enhance sales and profitability through strategic purchasing, pricing, merchandising, and consumer tasting events.
Curated new and sought-after alcoholic beverage products for store portfolio in Hampton Roads market, establishing recognition among buyers for unique and innovative offerings.
Attended industry trade shows and training sessions regularly to keep pace with an ever-changing alcoholic beverage world.
Coordinated grand opening event to promote new store offerings and engage community.
(Retirement)
Fine Wine Consultant
SIEMA WINES
Hampton Roads
07.2011 - 07.2013
Prospect to acquire new restaurant and specialty shop accounts in market to realize growth in cases and dollars for Siema Wines added 33% more new customers and sales 2012 versus 2011 are up 18%.
Increased public awareness of Siema portfolio through tastings, wine dinners, and festival events.
Assumed sales responsibilities for existing market accounts to drive territory growth.
Wine Consultant
SWEELY ESTATE WINERY
Hampton Roads Market
02.2010 - 06.2011
Increased sales from 0 to over $20,000 in over 60 accounts with no commercial wholesale distributor. Supported customers with staff trainings, retail tastings to consumers, educational wine dinners, and product information.
Developed sales of Sweely Estate Wines to area restaurants and retail outlets, enhancing brand visibility.
Engaged Sweely Estate in Va. Beach Neptune Festival Wine Tasting, secured placement in Norfolk Town Point Wine Tasting Competition, and positioned for future participation in Chesapeake Wine Festival.
Identified and contacted prospective commercial distributors, facilitating discussions with Sweely Estate ownership to explore partnership opportunities.
Customer Service Representative
KELLY SERVICES / ASI
Norfolk, Virginia
11.2009 - 01.2010
Managed customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly and efficiently.
Resolved service-related issues for General Electric customers by scheduling appointments, prorating assistance for defective models, ordering parts, addressing complaints, and following up on cases.
Assisted clients with order processing and product selection guidance.
Maintained accurate records of customer interactions and transactions.
Human Resources Associate
KELLY SERVICES / MANPOWER / ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS
Chesapeake, Virginia
10.2008 - 08.2009
Managed recruitment processes for diverse client needs and positions.
Coordinated employee onboarding and training sessions for new hires.
Assisted in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
Guided client employees and retirees in understanding life, medical, and defined benefit options for insurance and retirement coverage, recorded decisions accurately, and updated computer files in a timely manner.
Fine Wine Sales Representative - On Premise Division
BROUDY-KANTOR COMPANY / REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
Ashland, VA
04.1996 - 07.2008
Increased sales on the Norfolk territory from $850K to $1.1 million dollars from 1996 to 2006 and then maintained a route in Va. Beach / Chesapeake / Portsmouth during current down economic cycle.
Cultivated strong interpersonal relationships and monitored changing wine market trends to sustain sales growth.
Utilized strong time management and learning skills to effectively educate customers and staff, fostering their wine knowledge.
Enhanced public awareness of portfolio by organizing ongoing wine dinners and tastings.
Completed in house RNDC Sales Training Course, D.E. Jones Sales Representative Professional Skills Program and am currently studying to test for Certified Wine Educators Certification sanctioned by the Society of Wine Educators, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Division Manager Military / Civilian
BROUDY-KANTOR COMPANY / REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
02.1994 - 04.1996
Launched Bowmans brand of liquors in the military market, making it the top-selling vodka in military package stores.
Managed daily operations across multiple departments to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
Managed daily operations and coordinated tasks for a team of 3-7 staff, ensuring efficient service in the military grocery sector.
Oversaw training programs to develop staff skills and improve team performance.
Implemented strategic plans to align departmental goals with corporate objectives.
Salesman - Grocery Division
BROUDY-KANTOR COMPANY / REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
03.1987 - 02.1994
Increased sales in Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Va. Beach routes by collaborating with managers and buyers to secure additional displays and facings for wines and beers.
Developed strong relationships with clients to enhance sales opportunities.
Managed customer accounts and facilitated product orders efficiently.
Provided product knowledge and training to new sales team members.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
12-1982
B.A. - History
Old Dominion University
Norfolk,VA
Skills
Wine and beer sales
Wine pairing
Beverage pairing advice
Product development
Product merchandising
Strategic purchasing
Inventory management
Timeline
Wine and Beer Consultant
KROGER MARKETPLACE # 540
07.2013 - 04.2026
Fine Wine Consultant
SIEMA WINES
07.2011 - 07.2013
Wine Consultant
SWEELY ESTATE WINERY
02.2010 - 06.2011
Customer Service Representative
KELLY SERVICES / ASI
11.2009 - 01.2010
Human Resources Associate
KELLY SERVICES / MANPOWER / ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS
10.2008 - 08.2009
Fine Wine Sales Representative - On Premise Division
BROUDY-KANTOR COMPANY / REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
04.1996 - 07.2008
Division Manager Military / Civilian
BROUDY-KANTOR COMPANY / REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
02.1994 - 04.1996
Salesman - Grocery Division
BROUDY-KANTOR COMPANY / REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
Wine, Beer and Spirit Sales at Self Employed / World Wide Wine & Spirits BrokersWine, Beer and Spirit Sales at Self Employed / World Wide Wine & Spirits Brokers