Credentials

Industry Training and Experience

International Business and Multicultural Communication 

• MBA in International Management, Monterey Institute of International Studies, 1998.  Masters thesis:  Robert Mondavi Winery Expands into the Japanese Market.
• Spanish Language Intensive, Monterey Institute of International Studies, 1998
• Non-Violent Communication Training, Kelly Bryson, author of “Don’t Be Nice, Be Real,” 2006

Food and Wine Pairing/Fine Dining 

• Director of Hospitality, William Hill Winery, 1992 - 1993
• Sommelier:  Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta GA 1985 – 1986
• Guest sommelier, Masters of Food and Wine, Carmel Highlands Inn, Carmel, 1993 - 2000. 
• Teaching Assistant, Formal Food Service and Wine Appreciation, Cornell University, 1984 –1985

Wine Education and Training

• Fine Wine Specialist, American Wine & Spirits, 1993 – 1998

Management 

• Northern California District Manager, The Wine Alliance 1990 – 1992
• Regional Manager, Spirits & Wine Associates, Atlanta GA 1986 – 1988.  Managed 45 wine brands and 10 spirits brands with 31 distributors in five states
• Bachelor of Science, Cornell School of Hotel Administration, 1985

Retail Sales 

• Pharr Wine & Cheese Shop, Atlanta GA 1988 – 1990 High volume gourmet food and wine specializing in small producer and international boutique wines.

Hands On Winery Experience

• Intern, Heron Hill Winery, Hammondsport NY 1984 Harvested grapes, worked in tasting room and bottling line, made sales calls and delivered wine to customers.

Industry Honors 

• Salesperson of the Year, American Wine & Spirits, 1993
• Winner, Wine Education Program, A year long intensive training course in wine component evaluation and blind tasting, The Wine Alliance, 1992

Clients’ Countries of Origin, To Date: 

Argentina
Australia
Greece
New Zealand
South Africa
USA

Additional Entry Markets Covered, To Date: 

Denmark
Germany
United Kingdom