Ari Goldmann

Experience

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  Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

  Oct 2003 - Jun 2006

  Development Services & Outreach Assistant

  • Promoted twice within the Foundation• Increased numbers of qualified private and corporate donors through targeted research of corporate social responsibility goals, individual interests, and likelihood of fit. • Developed training materials and educated staff on customer relationship management software.

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  Georgetown University

  Jun 2006 - Feb 2007

  Research Analyst

  • Created detailed financial, philanthropic, and biographical dossiers for past and prospective donors.• Represented the University’s Office of Advancement at a national conference for fundraising professionals.

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  Gazuza Lounge

  Nov 2008 - Jul 2009

  General Manager

  • Managed operations for a $1.5 million/year business, and developed and hosted weekly fundraisers.• Responsible for hiring and training staff, primarily in Spanish.

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  Strategic Sustainability Consulting

  Jun 2011 - Sept 2011

  Marketing and Communications Intern

  • Advised Kenya-based agricultural client about methods to raise capital through sustainable forestry certification and carbon credit monetization.• Key member of team responsible for publication of the white papers "Sustainability Through the Value Chain" and "Food Network: A Plan for Comprehensive Restaurant Sustainability."

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  Ripple

  Oct 2012 - Feb 2017

  Assistant General Manager and Sommelier

  Developed and upheld service standards and oversaw day-to-day operations at highly acclaimed upscale-casual restaurant with annual sales of $2.5 million, including nearly $600,000 in wine sales• Broadened and deepened relationships with local and international wine producers,distributors, and importers to maintain and implement Wine Spectator “Top 100” winelist• Analyzed wine program against local and regional establishments to ensure a qualityand competitive wine inventory• Offered individualized recommendations to a diverse clientele from a wine list of 300bottles and over 20 selections by the glass• Represented and promoted restaurant at off-site events and through concierge relations• Provided staff wine and spirits education, including blind tastings and sales techniques• Delivered a professional and unique experience to guests through knowledge of foodand wine, engaging personality, and ability to quickly establish rapport• Recruited, hired, trained, and supervised front of house staff• Developed front of house service manual, establishing systems and best practices forhigh-functioning team performance, culture, and staff retention Show less

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  Applied Concepts Group

  Apr 2013 - Jul 2014

  Consulting Associate

  Projects included a change management implementation engagement for a liberal arts college in upstate New York.• Facilitated cross-campus strategic planning committee sessions to improve curriculum and vision.• Conducted interviews with local, regional, and national stakeholders. • Researched and generated reports on innovations and best practices in higher education.

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  Focus Forward

  May 2014 - Oct 2015

  Co Founder

  Established firm to work with organizations to improve performance, make meetings more effective, and strengthen culture• Facilitated workshops, developed training modules, conducted individual coaching, andled strategic planning for international NGOs

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  Tin Shop

  May 2015 - Jun 2015

  Organizational Consultant

  Contracted to conduct organizational culture analysis and diagnosis for a Washington, D.C.-area hospitality company undergoing rapid expansion

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  Winebow

  Sept 2017 - Jul 2019

  Sales Consultant and Fine Wine and Spirits Educator

  • Managed territory of 80+ accounts, exceeding 100% budget attainment over last 12 months• Educated buyers about wide range of wine through customized presentations targeting Michelin-starred restaurants, retail, cafes, private clubs, bars, and personal concierges• Conducted fun, educational, and engaging tasting sessions at the request of clients. For example led focus tastings at a local wine bars, sparking increased sales on featured wines. Examples include “Sparkling Wine Beyond Champagne”, “Volcanic Wines”, and “Austria’s Hidden Gems” • Opened 30 new accounts accounting for $80,000 in new sales• Presented portfolio of around 2,300 SKUs, including wine, spirits, and sake to a rapidly-changing restaurant and buyer base• Led high-end and casual tastings and food pairings for select clients, and conducted staff trainings• Managed value chain of producers, importers, delivery team, and clients to ensure a well-run operation Show less

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  Turnbull Wine Cellars

  Aug 2019 - Oct 2019

  Wine Educator
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  Goosecross Cellars

  Oct 2019 - Dec 2021

  Wine Educator and Supervisor

  • Managerial oversight of weekend Tasting Room operations such as tastings, coordinating VIP guests, tours, staff performance, resolving hospitality concerns, and training new hires on operations and guest relations• Led Tasting Room in sales every month of employment and led in club signups in all but one monthConducted tours and tastings to both large and small groups, covering more than 15 bottlings and educating guests on local and global viticulture and winemaking• Developed and hosted premium “elevated tasting” experience• Constructed tasting notes for new wine releases• Promoted, arranged, and hosted virtual tastings for groups ranging from three to 100 people• During COVID-19 shutdown, conducted outbound sales program resulting in $30,000 revenue Show less

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  Restaurant Amen

  Jan 2022 - Jan 2022

  Head Sommelier

  Managed beverage program, including a list of 90 wines, primarily natural, biodynamic, and organic. Collaborated on private events for high-end clientele, including design and beverage pairings