Erin Salmon
Whitby,ON
Summary
Hardworking and driven sales and account management professional equipped to revitalize sales operations and align procedures to maximize profits and client acquisition. Expert in increasing productivity and customer satisfaction while driving revenue and sales. Multifaceted leader with analytical and diligent approach to building and leading strong teams.
DipWSET, WSET Certified Educator, IWS, FWS
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SALES MANAGER
Cru Wine Merchants
11.2023 - Current
- Manage and provide coaching for the team of 8 Sales Representatives in Ontario
- Lead weekly sales process meeting
- Create action plan and direction for the team
- Train new Sales Representatives on LCBO and Licensee sales techniques and strategies
- Organize regular meetings with each team member to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success
- Assist with inventory management and allocations for clients & sales representatives
- Create annual targets for each brand and assign projections for each of the channels to support the strategic annual plan
WSET CERTIFIED EDUCATOR
IWEG
09.2017 - 05.2024
- Instructor for WSET Level 1 -3 + Diploma; Lead classes of 5 to 30 students in-person and online
- Prepared teaching materials including group activities with a focus on class interaction, comprehension of course curriculum and exam preparation
- Selected wines to match course material and lead students through guided tastings on
- Proctored exams and acted as Internal Assessor for the Level 3 tasting portion
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Nicholas Pearce Wines
10.2021 - 11.2023
- Maintained and developed over 100 licensee accounts as well as direct consumer business in Toronto East
- Assisted licensee partners with the creation and cultivation of diverse wine lists to increase sales and promote the various agency brands
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring timely communication and effective problem resolution
- Lead staff and customer tastings with a focus on wine education, service and winery information
- Adept at building meaningful customer relationships focusing on trust and service
- Maintained high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs
- Assisted with the planning and execution of Licensee and Consumer events to promote wineries, increase sales and educate on the portfolio
- Increased client satisfaction by building strong relationships and addressing their needs promptly
TERRITORY MANAGER
The Vine Agency
01.2004 - 09.2021
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships with licensee and direct consumer business in the Toronto East region
- Represented their diverse portfolio of wineries from Italy, France, USA, New Zealand and Australia
- Delivered customized solutions tailored to individual client needs, increasing overall customer satisfaction levels
- Assisted licensee partners with the creation and cultivation of diverse wine lists to increase sales, build the relationship and promote the various agency brands
- Lead staff and customer tastings with a focus on wine education, wine regions, service and specifics on the winery/wine being presented
- Participated in promotional and charitable events including Winemaker Dinners and various industry affairs designed to increase awareness of brand portfolio and the Niagara wine region
TERRITORY MANAGER
Cave Spring Cellars
04.2003 - 09.2021
- Responsible for licensee, LCBO, direct consumer and duty-free sales in Southwestern Ontario
- Provided service and maintenance of existing licensee accounts as well as development of new accounts
- Established successful account relationships by building rapport and maintaining consistent communication
- Efforts concentrated on growing distribution, staff training and increasing rate of sale
- Planning and execution of shelf management incentives, new product listings, image programs and staff tastings in five LCBO districts (approx 85 stores)
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES -
Brock University
01.2002
Skills
- Self-motivated with strong time management and organization skills
- Excellent Customer Service skills - regular communication, follow through, high attention to detail, problem solving and accountability
- Accomplished Sales Professional - negotiation, cold calling and closing
- Proven ability to exceed sales targets
- Adept at building and maintaining meaningful customer and inter-company relationships
- Communication and teamwork - considerate, detail oriented and good listener
- Knowledgeable wine educator - comfortable with public speaking and staff training
- Proficient with technology and programs including Google, Channel Snap & Microsoft
- Valid driver's license
Certification
French Wine Scholar, Wine Scholar Guild – 2023
Smart Serve Training Program – 2023
Italian Wine Scholar, Wine Scholar Guild - 2021
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certified Educator - 2017
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Diploma – 2017
David A. Churchill Memorial Scholarship WSET Level 4 - 2016
Ontario Hostelry Institute ‘Top 30 Under 30’ – 2009
Volunteer Experience
- The Vine Agency, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, 2020, 2021
- Whitby FC Soccer Club, Outdoor Recreational Soccer Coach, 2016, 2018
Timeline
SALES MANAGER
Cru Wine Merchants
11.2023 - Current
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Nicholas Pearce Wines
10.2021 - 11.2023
WSET CERTIFIED EDUCATOR
IWEG
09.2017 - 05.2024
TERRITORY MANAGER
The Vine Agency
01.2004 - 09.2021
TERRITORY MANAGER
Cave Spring Cellars
04.2003 - 09.2021
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES -
Brock University
French Wine Scholar, Wine Scholar Guild – 2023
Smart Serve Training Program – 2023
Italian Wine Scholar, Wine Scholar Guild - 2021
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certified Educator - 2017
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Diploma – 2017
David A. Churchill Memorial Scholarship WSET Level 4 - 2016
Ontario Hostelry Institute ‘Top 30 Under 30’ – 2009
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