ERIN KIRSCHENMANN
Managing Editor WineBusiness Monthly
Age : 35 First Industry Job : WineBusiness Monthly Favorite Drink : A crisp , aromatic white wine , preferably imported
A WineBusiness Monthly veteran , having been with the company for more than 10 years , Erin Kirschenmann worked her way up from assistant editor to managing editor . She has improved editorial content by engaging new writers and freelancers that could provide more diverse voices and guided the publication through the Covid pandemic without the help of assistant editor .
In addition to leading and overseeing production of WineBusiness Monthly , Kirschenmann manages and develops content for several of WineBusiness ' conferences , such as the Wine Industry Financial Symposium . She also teaches WSET classes at Napa Valley Wine Academy .
“ Overcoming imposter syndrome has been the biggest challenge of my career ,” Kirschenmann says . “ The wine industry is so vast and complex , and full of people who have an incredible wealth of knowledge . I came into the business with no history — to this day , no one in my family drinks wine .”
She focused on educating herself , from learning how the grape vines grow and understanding fermentation science to grasping the intricacies of wholesale and distribution and beverage alcohol law . “ I read anything I could get my hands on and began working my way through the WSET program ,” Kirschenmann says .
Congratulations
WILLIAM BROOKS
Global Brand Ambassador Herradura
Brown-Forman shares warm congratulations to all honorees of the Beverage Information Group 40 Under 40 . We are proud to have William Brooks recognized for his hard work as an outstanding Tequila advocate .
We celebrate this achievement along with the beverage alcohol industry and those who have contributed to it so notably .
SAMUEL MULLEN
District Manager Garfield ' s Beverage
Age : 35 First Industry Job : Part-time position at a small liquor store Favorite Drink : Classic Old Fashioned
Mullen has played a key role in this leading , Chicago-based beverage alcohol retail chain since their expansion since 2015 . He currently oversees four locations , managing a staff of about 40 employees across those sites , and remains a vital part of the Garfield ’ s management team .
Among Mullen ’ s strengths is his knowledge of new products . Wversed in following product trends , he stays on top of the ever-changing customer taste profiles .
Additionally , he helps Garfield ’ s in finding new and exciting products to add fuel to the fire for industry trends , according to those who nominated Mullen from the company . He focuses on small producers to try and lift everyone up .
Like many others in management roles in beverage alcohol retail , Mullen came upon some of his toughest business hurdles during the pandemic .
“ The biggest challenge I have faced in my career would have to be Covid ,” he says . “ We faced challenges from often changing city / state regulations to staffing all while our stores continued to increase its sales at a rapid pace . We overcame these challenges by being there with employees , creating the safest environment we could offer as well as adapting to all different sides of e-commerce such as curb side pickups .” How does Mullen stay motivated ? “ I set personal goals for myself every day , trying to make sure they are specific and achievable while having a brief plan in place to make sure these goals get accomplished ,” he explains .
“ With this industry changing often , goals might change as well , the important thing is not to give up and never be afraid to ask for help ,” he adds .
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