Business Management | Wine Sales & Education | Buying & Distribution
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Strategic Sommelier & Wine Consultant with 17+ years of experience in wine education, account management, hospitality, beverage operations, and on- and off-premise sales. Skilled in relationship building and delivering elevated guest experiences. Hospitality & Event Management Professional experienced in managing wine programs, large-scale events, and exceptional service in fast-paced upscale environments.
Entrepreneurial & Results-Driven Leader with strengths in communication, organization, business development, and a focus on wine buying and beverage leadership.
Owner/General Manager at DIVINO ENTERPRISES, LLC (DIVINO TASTING ROOM, EATERY & LOUNGE) (2009 – Present)
Lead planning, operations, marketing, and execution of wine education programs, tastings, and hospitality events throughout the NY Metro area. Conduct wine classes, guided tastings, and networking experiences for diverse audiences.
Sommelier (Promoted from Junior Sommelier) at ZUMA NY JAPANESE RESTAURANT (2023-06 – 2025-10)
Promoted to Sommelier in December 2023 after six months as a Junior Sommelier. Delivered knowledgeable, guest-focused wine and sake service while supporting overall floor operations. Managed wine and sake setup and service for large-scale private dining events.
Maintained accurate par levels and ensured consistent restocking of the wine cellar, walk-ins, and bar areas. Oversaw nightly setup and breakdown of sake equipment, tracked weekly sales revenue, and prepared nightly sommelier handoff reports, along with other closing duties. Supported the accuracy and upkeep of the wine list under the direction of the Head Sommelier.
Office Manager – United Airlines/EWR Polaris Lounge and United Clubs at COMPASS GROUP USA, INC/FLIK HOSPITALITY GROUP (2022-01 – 2023-05)
Performed various duties, including coordinating all business accounting activities across multiple units, maintaining cash controls, managing tips, handling accounts payable, performing financial reporting, and administering security ID badging. Coordinated routine office duties, including inventory data management, maintaining associate files, record retention, and invoice processing. Other responsibilities included preparing weekly business expenditure reports and retrieving data from the POS system.
Wine Consultant (Contractor) at FLOW WINE GROUP (2016 – 2021-12)
Served as a Brand Ambassador, successfully marketing and promoting various wine brands and providing general wine education to consumers. Organized and facilitated wine and spirit tastings at various food and beverage retail establishments in the NY/NJ Metro area. Enabled and encouraged product sales to hundreds of customers, consistently reporting and presenting sales analytics and consumer/retailer feedback to inform and improve sales.
Financial Manager / Budget and Contracts Associate at MDRC (FORMERLY: MANPOWER DEMONSTRATION RESEARCH CORPORATION) (2000 – 2019)
Collaborated closely with senior-level research, administrative, development, and fiscal staff members to manage the financial aspects of numerous social research projects, with budgets ranging from $50,000 to more than $56 million. Fulfilled contract-related financial reporting requirements and prepared all budgets and financial information for grant proposals.
Banquet Server/Bartender (Part-Time) at Specialty Staffing, LLC (2021-05 – 2021-09)
Retail Sales Associate and Delivery Driver (Seasonal) at Total Wine & More (2020 – 2020)
Sales Specialist/Brand Ambassador (Contractor) at Interactions Marketing (2014 – 2016)
Certificate in Intensive Sommelier Training Program – Institute of Culinary Education (2020 – 2021)
Certificate in Entrepreneurship Pioneers Initiative (EPI), 9-month intensive training Certificate Program for First-Generation entrepreneurs – Rutgers University School of Business (2011 – 2012)
Master of Science in Urban Policy Analysis and Management – The Robert J.
School of Management and Urban Policy/New School for Social Research (New School University) (1995 – 1997)
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Vanderbilt University (1991 – 1995)
