Keith Ralston
Chicago
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Wine and Sake Director, Illinois and Wisconsin
Momentum Beverage Team
06.2019 - Current
- Managed the wine and sake portfolio for a mid-tier distributor in multiple states
- Increased wine revenue from by 33% in two years through existing brand growth and brand acquisition
- Increased sake sales by over 100% for two consecutive years through brand growth
Brand Manager - Wine and Sake
Momentum Beverage Team
04.2021 - 01.2022
Portfolio Manager
Momentum Beverage Team
06.2019 - 04.2021
- Started in the lowest revenue sales territory and turned it into a top five territory in less than two years
Assistant Wine Director
Nico Osteria
04.2016 - 06.2019
- Maintenance and operations of the wine program including ordering, inventory, meeting with distributors and vendors, and staff training
- Assisted with the sales and service of wine for all of Nico Osteria as well as Thompson Hotel room service, banquets, and private dining
Captain, Sixteen Restaurant
Trump International Hotel and Tower
10.2014 - 04.2016
- Led a team of servers to uphold Forbes 5-star and Michelin 2-star service standards in a fine dining atmosphere
- Served as floor sommelier, executing and developing wine pairings and wine service
Server
Trenchermen
06.2012 - 05.2014
- Assisted in the inventory and ordering or wines
- Assisted other servers in wine service
Server/Bartender Trainer
J. Alexander's
06.2006 - 06.2012
- Responsible for staff trainings on wine and cocktail programs, service, and policy
- Performed end-of-day administrative paperwork including the cash collection from employees and bank depositis
Education
MA - Applied Economics
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI01.2011
BA - Economics
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI01.2009
Skills
- High level knowledge of wine, sake, and spirits
- Experienced in managing inventory and forecasting sales
- Demonstrated ability to drive sales ib=n both consumer facing and management roles
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite
Certification
- Introductory Course and Exam, Court of Master Sommeliers, August13-142017
- Certified Sake Advisor, Sake School of America, August12016
Timeline
Brand Manager - Wine and Sake
Momentum Beverage Team
04.2021 - 01.2022
Wine and Sake Director, Illinois and Wisconsin
Momentum Beverage Team
06.2019 - Current
Portfolio Manager
Momentum Beverage Team
06.2019 - 04.2021
Assistant Wine Director
Nico Osteria
04.2016 - 06.2019
Captain, Sixteen Restaurant
Trump International Hotel and Tower
10.2014 - 04.2016
Server
Trenchermen
06.2012 - 05.2014
Server/Bartender Trainer
J. Alexander's
06.2006 - 06.2012
- Introductory Course and Exam, Court of Master Sommeliers, August13-142017
- Certified Sake Advisor, Sake School of America, August12016
MA - Applied Economics
Eastern Michigan University
BA - Economics
Eastern Michigan University