Kevin Blais

Results-driven Beverage Sales Professional with 30+ years of experience driving territory growth, managing distributor portfolios, and leading high-performing sales teams. Proven track record of expanding account lists, increasing year-over-year revenue, and building strategic partnerships with suppliers, buyers, and major retail chains. Exceptional leader skilled in territory optimization, brand management, and executive-level sales training.

District Manager - Republic National Distributing Company - Niles, IL

(2021)

• Direct operations across 6 territories, generating $10M in annual revenue.
• Consistently grow revenue year-over-year, driving a 42% increase ($5.2M to $7.4M) in 2024 and an additional 5% growth in 2025 despite adverse market conditions.
• Utilize strategic market surveys, IRI and Nielsen Data to analyze market trends and justify premium brand placement.
• Manage a high-performing team of 6 Sales Associates and 2 Merchandisers.
• Develop a robust succession pipeline, leading to multiple internal promotions for results-driven team members.
• Coach and mentor sales reps across divisions, delivering hands-on training in client presentations, customer service, and complex problem-solving
• Coordinate and adjust routing for the Chain Division and 36+ Sales Associates to maximize travel efficiencies.

Account Manager - Republic National Distributing Company - Niles, IL

(2010 - 2021)

• Took ownership of an underperforming territory and turned it around, driving revenue growth from $500,000 to $1.8M.
• Owned relationship management and commercial execution for over 140 high-volume accounts while consistently meeting or exceeding assigned sales goals.
• Drove aggressive sales targets and successfully managed accounts receivable collections to minimize financial risk and ensure steady cash flow.

Key Account Representative - ABBRUZZI DISTRIBUTING COMPANY - Chicago Heights, IL

(2008 - 2010)

• Managed and represented premier wine and liquor portfolios across 90+ retail stores in the Chicagoland area.
• Expanded the active account list by 27% within the first 8 months of taking over the territory.
• Generated a 20% increase in territory revenue through aggressive upselling and retention strategies.
• Executed full-cycle sales operations, including ordering, shelf resets, rebate coordination, and custom P.O.S. displays.
• Curated and conducted fine wine tastings to educate retail buyers and boost brand visibility.

Chain Wine Market Manager - UNION BEVERAGE COMPANY - Chicago, IL

(2006 - 2008)

• Served as the primary strategic liaison between executive leadership, major retail chains, and suppliers.
• Designed sales goals, corporate marketing initiatives, and commission programs to maximize brand revenue.
• Authored regional profitability reports, pricing models, and comprehensive market trend analyses.
• Headed professional training and career development programs for current and incoming sales executives.

Beer Division Key Account Manager - UNION BEVERAGE COMPANY - Chicago, IL

(2003 - 2006)

• Scaled the beer division portfolio to 60 distinct brands by identifying and securing new supplier partnerships.
• Directed commercial floor programs and designed targeted marketing strategies for key chain accounts.
• Provided specialized sales methodology training and field materials to accelerate staff development.

Beer Division District Manager - UNION BEVERAGE COMPANY - Chicago, IL

(1999 - 2003)

• Led, mentored, and scheduled a team of 8 direct reports managing a portfolio of over 300 active accounts.
• Captured an average of 18% year-over-year revenue growth and consistently exceeded annual quotas.
• Managed sales accounting, operational metrics, and milestone incentive tracking for the division.

Beer Brand Manager - UNION BEVERAGE COMPANY - Chicago, IL

(1996 - 1999)

• Built a brand-new corporate beer division from the ground up, launching an initial 6-brand portfolio.
• Accelerated division revenues by 45% through custom, brand-specific pricing and marketing plans.
• Supervised end-to-end inventory logistics, demand forecasting, and division-wide annual budgets.

Telemarketing & Point of Sale (P.O.S.) Manager - UNION BEVERAGE COMPANY - Chicago, IL

(1994 - 1996)

• Formed and operationalized a new Telemarketing Department, scaling revenue from $0 to $1M in two years.
• Managed 4 telemarketers, 5 merchandisers, and 2 coordinators while optimizing delivery truck routing.

Chain Wine District Manager - UNION BEVERAGE COMPANY - Chicago, IL

(1992 - 1994)

• Supervised 7 sales representatives covering 350+ accounts, driving a consistent 20% year-over-year revenue gain.

Sales Representative - UNION BEVERAGE COMPANY - Chicago, IL

(1987 - 1992)

• Managed beverage sales for 90+ retail accounts, executing store resets, P.O.S. placement, and wine tastings.

Associate Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences - South Suburban College