Shona Mindzak

To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Territory Manager - Whitehall Agencies - Vancouver, BC

(2025-02)

Key Account Manager - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits - GTA West

(2011-05 - 2024-12)

Built and maintained strong client relationships to drive business growth for premium brands Tenuta San Guido's Sassicaia, Torrey, Cecchi and Taylor Fladgate.

• Created sales through on-premises events, event tastings, and visiting wineries.

District Manager - Whitehall Wines & Spirits - Calgary, AB

(2009-01 - 2010-12)

Supervised on premise, independent liquor stores and corporate chain liquor stores enforce high-quality standards of operation.

• Events, wine shows and private events allowed for more educational tastings thus increasing sales while helping clients build their work and personal cellars
• Managing Product lines with international product lines and creating experiences for visiting producers – exceeding expectations
• Executing sales strategies and market demand to follow trends thus increasing sales
• Working with face paced, attention to detail fine dining restaurants and accounts within the Vancouver core and Vancouver Island

Wine & Spirits Manager - Langara College - Calgary, AB

(2004-09 - 2008-12)

Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work at two busy high-end stores in a union environment. Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes. Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.

Sommelier & Fine Dining Server - Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts - Toronto, ON

(2002-03 - 2005-08)

Epicentre of the Toronto Film Festival and high-end clientele made for the highest level of service. Conducted regular staff training sessions on wine knowledge, enabling team members to provide excellent service to guests.

Manager - Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants - Toronto, ON

(2000-08 - 2002-03)

O & B's latest venture - opening Biff's Restaurant, Front Street Toronto. Hiring, training and educating staff. Ever changing cocktails and wines by the glass allowed a wine list to be on top of latest trends.

Assistant Maitre'd and Manager - Bishop's Restaurant - Vancouver, BC

(1996-09 - 2000-06)

A Vancouver institution - Mentors John Bishop and Chef Michael Allemeier facilitates introduction to food, wine, and spirits world.

Outlet Manager for YVR Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges - Versa Foods - Vancouver, BC

(1994-09 - 1996-11)

Managing three lounges in YVR newly expanded airport - Domestic, Transborder and International Lounges. Shift work in a unionized environment.

• Hiring/Training/Recruiting/Scheduling day to day operations while managing a staff of 25-30 individuals on shift work schedules
• Creating training manuals and implementing high standard practices in a face pace demanding clientele

Maitre'd & Assistant Manager - The University of British Columbia Faculty Club - Vancouver, BC

(1988-09 - 1994-09)

Lead for events in banquets, Social Suite and the Sage Restaurant at UBC. Managing, hiring, scheduling unionized staff in a high end and fast paced environment in the heart of Vancouver. Following OH&S protocols and adhering to union outlines.

Bachelor of Arts - Art History - University of Victoria (1991-06)

Sommelier Certification - Wine & Spirits - Humber College

WSET Levels 1 & 2 - Wine & Spirit Education Trust - Dubrulle French Culinary Institute, Vancouver, BC (1996-05)

Classical Studies Diploma - Art History - Langara College