Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Nathan Cornish

Chicago

Summary

Dynamic Wine Department Manager at Binny's Beverage Depot with a proven track record of driving a 3.4% sales increase. An expert in product selection and customer service, I developed training programs that empowered staff and enhanced team performance. Utilizing skill in performance analysis, I effectively managed budgets to maximize profitability.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Wine Department Manager

Binny's Beverage Depot
07.2022 - Current
  • Oversee a $6.8 million department with increased sales of 3.4% and increased department penetration year-over-year
  • Engage with customers to gather feedback, enhancing understanding of consumer preferences and trends.
  • Attend workshops and seminars to expand knowledge of wine production, sourcing, and tasting principles.
  • Develop employee training programs on wine knowledge and customer service excellence, fostering a knowledgeable and professional team.
  • Address customer inquiries and resolve complaints promptly, maintaining strong brand loyalty among clientele.
  • Manage budget allocation for the wine department, allocating resources effectively to maximize profits.
  • Organize successful in-store events such as wine tastings and seminars, attracting new customers while engaging existing ones.
  • Increase average transaction value through strategic upselling techniques focused on complementary food pairings and premium selections.
  • Set challenging yet achievable sales targets for the team that drive consistent performance improvement and increased departmental revenue.
  • Evaluate employee performance and convey constructive feedback to improve skills.

Wine Department Manager

Binny's Beverage Depot
01.2020 - 07.2022
  • Managed product inventory over multiple floors and used creative organization methods to make the most of minimal square footage
  • Maintained corporate-directed visual standards within all areas of the wine department
  • Helped grow the business with a focus on the fine wine sector, with an increase of over 40% in wine sales
  • Trained 7 new wine department staff members resulting in several promotions, including a consultant's promotion to Wine Manager

Wine Sales Consultant

Binny's Beverage Depot
01.2018 - 01.2020
  • Created client list of 25 top customers to enhance wine sales and customer loyalty.
  • Provided expert recommendations based on individual preferences and market trends.
  • Implemented creative merchandising displays that effectively showcased products while capturing consumer attention in retail environments.
  • Trained junior sales consultants on product knowledge, selling techniques, and relationship-building strategies to improve overall team performance.

Wine Sales Consultant

Binny's Beverage Depot
01.2016 - 01.2018
  • Developed wine acumen
  • Followed corporate visual directives to amplify individual brand and overall departmental impact
  • Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.

Cigar Consultant

Binny's Beverage Depot
06.2014 - 01.2016
  • Grew knowledge of the cigar industry and state and national regulations regarding tobacco products
  • Created eye-catching displays in a limited footprint
  • Built engagement with both new and repeat customers

SEO Consultant

MarketFirstUSA
01.2012 - 06.2014
  • Developed comprehensive SEO strategies to enhance organic search visibility and drive traffic growth.
  • Conducted in-depth keyword research, optimizing content to improve search rankings and user engagement.
  • Monitored algorithm updates and industry changes, adjusting strategies proactively to maintain competitiveness in search results.

Education

High School Diploma -

Downers Grove North High School
Downers Grove, IL

Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance

Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL

Skills

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Proficiency with Yoobic, Paycom, ZipLine, Storeforce
  • Employee scheduling
  • Performance analysis
  • Marketing initiatives
  • Promotional planning
  • Product selection
  • Customer service
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Multitasking

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 7 staff members.
  • Achieved 40% wine sales increase through effectively focusing on fine wine sales (Mokena).
  • Increased wine sales and units sold by 3.4% and 8% respectively in challenging retail environment (Orland Park).

Certification

  • WSETDip, Passed with Merit, 2025
  • WSET Level Three, Passed with Distinction, 2022
  • WSET Level Two, Passed with Distinction, 2019
  • Unsung Hero Award, Binny's Beverage Depot, 2019

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Spanish
Elementary

Timeline

Wine Department Manager

Binny's Beverage Depot
07.2022 - Current

Wine Department Manager

Binny's Beverage Depot
01.2020 - 07.2022

Wine Sales Consultant

Binny's Beverage Depot
01.2018 - 01.2020

Wine Sales Consultant

Binny's Beverage Depot
01.2016 - 01.2018

Cigar Consultant

Binny's Beverage Depot
06.2014 - 01.2016

SEO Consultant

MarketFirstUSA
01.2012 - 06.2014

High School Diploma -

Downers Grove North High School

Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance

Illinois Wesleyan University
Nathan Cornish