Patrick Bernard Gehrig
North Albury,Australia
Summary
Dynamic sales and marketing professional with a proven track record in leadership and operational efficiency, adept at driving team collaboration to achieve ambitious goals. Expertise in strategic planning and process optimization consistently fosters productive team cultures and enhances business performance across multiple locations. Renowned for reliability and adaptability, leveraging resource management skills to meet evolving challenges while maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. Demonstrated ability to improve team productivity through innovative problem-solving and effective leadership in fast-paced environments.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Manager
Joval Wine Group
09.2024 - Current
- Managed red+white and mezzanine wine portfolios for Joval Wine Group, providing tailored services to diverse clientele in Southern NSW and Country Victoria.
- Identified market opportunities and executed plans for new business development within specified area.
- Directed account management for a portfolio of over 150 clients, focusing on relationship building and satisfaction.
- Managed logistics and supply chain operations for Joval Wines to enhance market presence in Victorian ski fields.
- Directed all aspects of customer inquiries and sales logistics, ensuring seamless communication and support for client needs.
- Oversaw development of comprehensive wine lists to elevate dining experience. Led staff training programs focused on enhancing product knowledge and service excellence.
- Coordinated wine tasting events and dinner sales, delivering tailored experiences to corporate clients in the area.
- Facilitated connections and collaborations through active participation in networking events with industry associations.
- Executed comprehensive account management strategies for diverse clients, ensuring optimal service delivery across cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and bottle shops.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and competitive advantages.
- Executed strategic negotiations with key accounts to secure beneficial contract terms and conditions.
- Established strong relationships with key clients, resulting in increased customer retention and satisfaction.
- Reported sales activity, generated sales quotations, and proposals and maintained customer contact database to achieve sales objectives and quota.
- Built lasting relationships with clients through outstanding customer service interactions.
- Expanded market share through effective prospecting, lead generation, and negotiation skills.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing strategic sales plans for the assigned territory.
Principal
Gehrig Wine Services
04.2018 - 08.2024
- Wine marketing consultant providing general marketing and business advice focused on the wine and hospitality industries
- Contractor for the red+white and mezzanine wine portfolios for the Joval Wine Group servicing clients in the Southern NSW and Country Victorian regions
- Contractor for several small wineries responsible for wine distribution
- Delivered comprehensive marketing strategies and business insights tailored to wine and hospitality clients.
- Developed and executed comprehensive plans to capitalize on identified market opportunities within designated area.
- Administered comprehensive management of over 150 accounts, ensuring client satisfaction and retention.
- Developed and implemented mentorship initiatives to elevate team capabilities while fostering an environment of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Identified and assessed market trends to inform strategic planning processes and effectively advance business growth initiatives.
- Directed improvement initiatives in hospitality sector by establishing clear staff performance expectations and delivering consistent progress feedback.
- Engaged with stakeholders to build lasting relationships that foster trust and align commitment to mutual objectives.
- Developed training programs that increased staff competency and reduced onboarding time for new hires.
- Implemented targeted strategies to improve efficiency across various stages of wine production.
Business Development Consultant
I Need Recruitment Solutions (INRS)
03.2017 - 04.2018
- Source, develop and build new business relationships to maintain meaningful and ongoing staffing placement solutions for our clients and candidates
- INRS was a relatively new business arm of ATEL which provides apprentices trainees and group training services to the wider business community
- Develop and participate in networking opportunities with business groups and industry associations
- Face to face promotion of INRS services
- Meet with business to understand and work on effective employment solutions
- Participate in all recruitment functions and associated activities including advertising, screening, interviewing and performing reference checks
Sales and Export Manager
Campbells Wines
12.2012 - 03.2017
- Responsible for sales and distribution of 25000-30000 cases per year (total winery production 35000-40000 cases)
- Managing domestic distribution at a regional, state and interstate level
- Emerging sales and new business development
- In charge of regional wholesale licensed trade including full time sales representative
- Responsible for Campbells export markets with focus on sales, market visitation and customer management
- New product development including liaison with winemaking teams
- Staff training and development
- Assist with management and coordination of on and off site events and festivals including Tastes of Melbourne, Game of Rhones and Winery Walkabout
- Assist in coordination of promotional and media strategies
- Liaison with board of directors and investors including quarterly and annual
- Management of direct wine cellar club for a 12 month period
- Direct involvement with large supermarket chains (Woolworth & Coles) and buying groups (Wine Selectors, Get Wine Direct, Graysonline)
- Developed and implemented export strategies to enhance market penetration across international regions.
- Prepared various import, export and supplier forms for customs submittal.
- Organized participation in international trade shows, promoting company products/services to potential clients worldwide.
Marketing and Communications Manager
North East Water
08.2011 - 11.2012
- As a key member of the senior team, I contributed to the development and implementation of the business strategic plan particularly in relation to marketing and communications strategies In charge of all online communication activities including website planning and maintenance, monitoring, social media preparation and internal intranet
- Support of the preparation of North East Water’s corporate documents such as the Corporate Plan and regulatory submissions including the Annual Report and the Water Plan
- Management of the design and production of all collateral (e.g. booklets, brochures, flyers), advertising and other material associated with the promotion and presentation of all North East Water programs and activities (both in-house and outsourced design)
- Monitoring marketing and communication expenditure targets in conjunction with the Executive Manager Corporate Services reporting on variances to budget and proactively manage any changes to the forecast to ensure targets are achieved
- Reputation management of North East Water in all interactions with the public, the media and internally including preparing media releases, directing and replying to media and stakeholders
- Provide oversight before and during public and media appearances and events to ensure Directors, Management and staff are appropriately briefed and supported
- Planning and management of events and community engagement activities including supervision of key staff
- Reporting to the Board and other stakeholders of the key aspects of North East Water’s marketing and communications strategy, including ongoing evaluation and reporting
Sales and Marketing Manager
Rutherglen Estates Wines
02.2007 - 08.2011
- Responsible for sales and distribution of 30000 cases per year
- Domestic Distribution at local, regional, state and interstate level
- Oversee United States export market including travel into that market
- Management of media, social media and e-commerce activities
- In charge of cellar door (10 staff) and cellar member club - over 1000 members
- New product development
- Staff training and development
- Website development and implementation of online purchase facility
- Management and coordination of on and off site events and festivals including Tastes of Melbourne and Winery Walkabout.
- Coordination of promotional and media strategies Liaison with board of directors and investors including quarterly and annual
- Direct involvement with large supermarket chains (Woolworth & Coles) and buying groups (Wine Society, Wine Selectors, Get Wine Direct, Graysonline)
Sessional Lecturer
Charles Sturt University
02.2004 - 12.2007
- (Subject areas – Marketing, Tourism, and International Business)
- Lecturing undergraduate students in business related subjects
- Development of course structure and content
- Continual research in business and tourism industries
- Control of internal and external curriculum
- Conduction of weekly lectures and tutorials
- Responsible for exam preparation, assignments and marking
- Control of distance education subjects
- Supervision and consultation
Fine Wine Manager
Dan Murphy’s
06.2004 - 02.2007
- Fine Wine manager responsible for designated fine wine area, including stock control, staff supervision and management, customer sales and service
- Development of and implementation of key strategic targets and plans
- In charge of liaison of key corporate accounts and targeting of new accounts
- Performing weekly wine tasting and staff training
- Implementation and development of key strategic plans and goals including budget management
- Staff training in relation customer service and best practice policies
Marketing & Sales Manager
Gehrig Estate Wines
01.1997 - 06.2004
- Planning and management of the Gehrig brand at a domestic and export level.
- Wholesale sales manager incorporating retail and on premise distributor
- Development of strategic plans and direction incorporating all areas of the business including cellar door, direct, wholesale and export
- Brand building and profile raising operations particularly in the North-East area
- Successful commencement of cellar club
- Festival event management and coordination including the Rutherglen Winery Walkabout and Tastes of Rutherglen
- Management of Winery Café including staff recruitment and supervision
- Assumed assistant winemaking duties during vintage including tractor work, cellar hand and processing duties
Education
Victorian Wine Industry Leadership Program - undefined
01-2011
Post Graduate Diploma - Wine Marketing
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA01-2005
Certificate IV Workplace Training & Assessment - undefined
01-2005
Bachelor of Business - undefined
Swinburne University
01-2000
Skills
- Team mentoring
- Business development skills
- Proficient in collaborating with large corporations
- Adept at juggling competing work demands
- Diverse stakeholder communication
- Client relationship management
- Industry competitor evaluation
- Prioritization and scheduling
- Client relationship development
- Strategic growth initiatives
Accomplishments
- Tripled sales in new territory for the Joval Wine Group
- Average wholesale yearly sales over the last 3 years total $1.6 million
- Small business owner for nearly eight years
- Successful transition to full time area manager role
- Campbells Wines Senior Management Team
- Several overseas trade visitations including conducting a wine tasting at The Australian Embassy in Washington DC
- Rutherglen Marketing Group member & Destination Rutherglen Group member
- Implementation of website development and enhancements at Campbells Wines, North East Water and Rutherglen Estates
- Senior lecturing role at Charles Sturt University Albury campus for 3 years
Timeline
Area Manager
Joval Wine Group
09.2024 - Current
Principal
Gehrig Wine Services
04.2018 - 08.2024
Business Development Consultant
I Need Recruitment Solutions (INRS)
03.2017 - 04.2018
Sales and Export Manager
Campbells Wines
12.2012 - 03.2017
Marketing and Communications Manager
North East Water
08.2011 - 11.2012
Sales and Marketing Manager
Rutherglen Estates Wines
02.2007 - 08.2011
Fine Wine Manager
Dan Murphy’s
06.2004 - 02.2007
Sessional Lecturer
Charles Sturt University
02.2004 - 12.2007
Marketing & Sales Manager
Gehrig Estate Wines
01.1997 - 06.2004
Victorian Wine Industry Leadership Program - undefined
Certificate IV Workplace Training & Assessment - undefined
Bachelor of Business - undefined
Swinburne University
Post Graduate Diploma - Wine Marketing
University of Adelaide