Joe Vance
has 35 years experience in the California alcohol beverage industry with a successful track record in sales and marketing. Joe is Gallo trained and has worked in both the supplier and wholesale sectors of the industry. He was a pioneer for Stolichnaya vodka and Chambord Liqueur and accomplished many “firsts” for these brands. For 25 years, he owned a national, regional, and statewide brokerage company. He also owned a small importer and wholesale company for niche spirits and beer. In its last year of business, sales were $2.7 million.
In 2005, he was recruited and hired by Young’s Market Company as their VP of Beer. He was responsible for selling and marketing specialty beer to their target accounts.
Throughout his career, he worked mostly with specialty or niche products and start up brands. For many products, his achievements include distributor placements, brand launches, marketing and sales plans and establishing target accounts. They all share successful sales execution.
Navigating these diverse products with their radically different needs and customer bases to and through the retail maze, Joe has developed and cultivated multiple contacts and relationships within the industry. He knows all major distributors and many small distributors. He knows the top players at “key” accounts and chain stores including Beverages and More.
He knows how to get you product to market. Joe is a relentless salesman.
In 2005, he was recruited and hired by Young’s Market Company as their VP of Beer. He was responsible for selling and marketing specialty beer to their target accounts.
Throughout his career, he worked mostly with specialty or niche products and start up brands. For many products, his achievements include distributor placements, brand launches, marketing and sales plans and establishing target accounts. They all share successful sales execution.
Navigating these diverse products with their radically different needs and customer bases to and through the retail maze, Joe has developed and cultivated multiple contacts and relationships within the industry. He knows all major distributors and many small distributors. He knows the top players at “key” accounts and chain stores including Beverages and More.
He knows how to get you product to market. Joe is a relentless salesman.
Andrew Faulkner
has worked for the last six years for the American Distilling Institute making him intimately aware of the American craft spirits movement and the particular sales and marketing needs of artisan distillers. He has a dozen years working retail – on and off premise – at both the store and corporate levels, giving a rich blend of experiences from sales instructor to maintenance of e-commerce sites.
Drew is Judging Director for the American Distilling Institute’s rating and awards program. In this capacity he has assembled panels of international spirits experts to evaluate the best American craft spirits. By coordinating trade shows and spirits festivals, he has brought distillers together with suppliers, distributors, mixologists and retailers. These committed players comprise the essential building blocks to the success of Artisan Distilled products.
Compiling and contributing to publications such as Distiller Magazine, the ADI Directory and “The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits,” (Quarry Books, 2009) gives him a unique, comprehensive view on rapid changes in the hand-crafted spirits industry.
In addition to pounding the pavement, Drew will use technology to present your brand in a complex evolving market. Drew will use his contacts in the trade to create brand visibility and sales.
Drew is Judging Director for the American Distilling Institute’s rating and awards program. In this capacity he has assembled panels of international spirits experts to evaluate the best American craft spirits. By coordinating trade shows and spirits festivals, he has brought distillers together with suppliers, distributors, mixologists and retailers. These committed players comprise the essential building blocks to the success of Artisan Distilled products.
Compiling and contributing to publications such as Distiller Magazine, the ADI Directory and “The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits,” (Quarry Books, 2009) gives him a unique, comprehensive view on rapid changes in the hand-crafted spirits industry.
In addition to pounding the pavement, Drew will use technology to present your brand in a complex evolving market. Drew will use his contacts in the trade to create brand visibility and sales.