Nikki Smith

Implemented inventory processes to ensure accurate reports

Streamlined quarterly tax, TTB and direct shipping license procedures

Planned and executed wine club parties within budget

Helped facilitate complete rebrand of winery

Revamped wine club to make options more accessible to clients, added subscriptions clubs to attract younger consumers.

Elevated tasting experience and presentation for visitors

Organized point of sale operations to minimize mistakes by staff

Developed marketing materials for parties, wine clubs, and tasting room

Doubled annual sales after 2 years of declining revenues.

Grew wine club channel revenue by 63% after 4 years of stagnant growth.

Hired and trained new team to achieve sales goals.

Developed marketing strategies to increase revenue and foot traffic.

Created marketing programs to optimize web sales channel during mandated shut downs.

Built strong relationships with customers to maintain partnerships and increase purchases.

Planned and executed all club runs to optimize revenue and exceed member expectations.

Develped DtC channel and grew sales 20%+ year over year during tenure.

Grew wine club membership by 400%.

Took the tasting cellar experience to the next level by implementing new hospitality standards with focus on superior customer service.

Transitioned the cellar club to only include super premium wines.

Planned and executed all events within budget.

Hosted wholesales buyers and distributor sales representatives to help facilitate large use buy ins and maintain professional relationships.

Revamped tasting policy to increase per customer sales.

Managed all tasting room operations.

Compiled and communicated all end of month DtC metrics.

Interviewed, hired and trained all new tasting room staff.

Represented winery at external pouring events.

Effectively managed tasting room team through new ownership transition and maintained staff with increased output.

Planned, executed and lead quarterly staff meetings to keep team on sales targets as well as facilitated open forum for questions and concerns.

Performed bi-annual reviews for all staff.

Research and introduced new products to increase revenue.

Managed all inventory for products and supplies.

Grew overall sales 33%+ year over year.

Developed new training manuals, duty sheets, opening/closing procedures and educational pamphlets for all staff.

More than doubled press club membership            

Successfully partnered with U.S Brand Team, National Accounts, Regional Marketing and local Broker Team as an extension of the Distillery, acknowledged as category and industry expert as well as “Face of the Brand“ for NC.

Effectively conveyed the Maker’s Mark history, heritage and brand identity to consumers, broker sales force, bar managers and service staff in order to identify key influencers in my market.

Responsible for growing the Maker’s Mark Brand and successful launch of Maker’s 46 in NC.  Accomplished through menu programs, staff trainings, features and promotions in top volume accounts.

Cultivated relationships with top regional accounts.

Influenced sales force to ensure proper placement of the brand through scheduling and optimizing “ride withs”

Planned and executed Maker’s 46 launch events with Ambassador’s and industry for proper introduction and penetration of the market. Effectively “sold through” all allocation of Maker’s 46 in NC.

Led project with Jim Beam National Accounts team to properly place, promote and highlight Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46.

Effectively managed $80,000 in expense and entertainment budgets annually.

Responsible for training Broker/Distributor Sales Force in major markets nationwide on comprehensive product knowledge for launch of Maker’s 46 Brand.

Successfully managed NC sales force to keep Maker’s and Maker’s 46 front of mind.

Focus in Marketing