Experience
Breathless WINES, Director of hospitality & Sales | October 2021 - PRESENT
Oversee all tasting room operations, including financial management, events, inventory control, customer relations, and curating experiences, while hiring, training, and developing a team of six to ensure a high-quality guest experience.
Implemented operational procedures that led to a 66% increase in tasting room sales, a 53% growth in wine club sales, a 118% rise in new club memberships, and a 59% increase in total club members within two years.
Contributed to strategic marketing initiatives, driving a 71% increase in eCommerce sales through targeted media campaigns that elevated brand awareness and attracted new leads.
Achieved the highest direct-to-consumer sales records in company history for three consecutive years, demonstrating strong financial stewardship and strategic planning.
Manage and coordinate diverse tasting room events, including club release parties, music concerts, themed parties, corporate events and business mixers, and private celebrations such as charity events and weddings that enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
Lead corporate and community partnership initiatives that have resulted in securing product placements in prestigious venues, including Two Key MICHELIN-rated hotels: The Madrona Manor and Milliken Creek Inn.
Collaborate closely with the cofounders and winemaker to develop and refine wine production strategies, aligning with market demands.
ROGER ROESSLER WINES, Director of hospitality | December 2016 - October 2021
Directed business and tasting room operations utilizing Lean & Six Sigma practices to optimize processes and ensure operational excellence.
Surpassed all sales, revenue, and wine club goals for five consecutive years while spending under the allocated budget.
Developed and executed direct-to-consumer sales strategies, achieving over a 50% increase in revenue and enhancing customer retention.
Independently managed seven wine clubs, serving as the primary contact for nearly a thousand members, while cultivating a community-oriented experience.
Increased wine club membership sales by 120%, creating innovative club experiences that led to the lowest attrition rate in company history.
Hired, trained, and developed a high-performing team of four employees, fostering a culture of excellence in service.
Managed consumer communications and order fulfillment, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
Directed marketing campaigns and community relations with local hospitality partners and tour companies, enhancing brand presence.
Brand Manager for public, industry, and consumers regarding Roger Roessler Wines’ winemaking, production, vintages, products, availability, and accolades.
SOUTHERN GLAZERS WINE & SPIRITS, DiSTRIBUTION SALES INTERN | JUNE 2016 - AUGUST 2016
Selected as 1 of 4 interns for the Distribution Sales Internship on the West Coast.
Partnered with chain sales merchandisers, district managers, wine managers, and key account specialists to execute sales strategies.
Trained on data analysis to recommend effective sales and marketing strategies.
four sisters inn, inn at sonoma, FRONT DESK AGENT | OCTOBER 2013 - JanUARY 2017
Supervised staff of seven to facilitate excellent guest services.
Executed revenue management and strategically forecasted revenue.
Evaluated current business practices and developed streamlined processes that improved cost, efficiency, and the customer experience.
ABOUT
Born and raised in Sonoma Valley, Ethan’s first winery tour was on a Kindergarten class field trip. His wine education journey came full circle fifteen years later when visiting a different winery on another field trip while attending Sonoma State University’s nationally acclaimed wine business courses. Ethan has been fascinated with the wine industry for as long as he can remember, and it has led to an extensive experience working for various wineries and hospitality businesses in Sonoma County throughout the past decade.
Education
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, CA
B.S. Business Administration, Concentrations in Wine Business Strategies and Management
Professional Sales Certificate, Sonoma State University
1 of 4 students selected to represent SSU’s team at the Western States Collegiate Sales Competition
CERTIFICATIONS
• WSET Level 3
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• Certified Food Protection Manager
• CPR & First Aid Certified
• Responsible Beverage Services (RBS) Certified
• Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) LEAD Certified
• Sonoma County Accredited Hospitality Professional (AHP)
• Python Programming Certified
SKILLS
• Proven experience with POS, analytic, marketing, and reservation platforms:
WineDirect, vinSUITE, Tock, WinePulse, Constant Contact, Mailchimp, RedChirp
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
InterestS
Wine // Food // Travel
Basketball // Football // Snowboarding