Gary Pickard, CSE

Experience

• 

  The Collective School Of Music

  Apr 2009 - May 2018

  Educator

  Faculty member at this world-renowned music institution instructing guitar, bass, drums, vocals, music production, music theory, and specialized performance groups for students ranging in ability from beginners to professionals. Class size ranged from individual private lessons to classes and lectures of 50+ students. Member of the school's Curriculum Committee.

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  Various Companies

  Nov 2014 - now

  Wine and Spirits Judge

  Comparing, evaluating, and offering tasting notes for wines and spirits from throughout the world in blind tastings with fellow industry professionals for various regional, national, and international publications and competitions.

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  Urbane Elixirs

  Sept 2015 - May 2017

  Consultant

  Recommending quality spirits to the general public based upon personal experiences with products and brands. Within the industry, establishing connections with brand ambassadors, distillers and blenders to obtain accurate product information through attending events, tastings and tours.

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  Hart Agency

  Dec 2016 - May 2017

  Consumer Educator

  Represented different wine and spirit brands at on- and off-premise tastings throughout Manhattan. Provided accurate product information, history and tasting notes about the highlighted products to the consumer, helping them to make educated purchases, all while driving sales for the brand.

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  Empire Merchants

  May 2017 - Nov 2018

  Craft Spirit Specialist

  Dedicated expert of craft spirits for the Brown-Forman portfolio. Representing brands such as Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Slane Irish Whiskey, Herradura Tequila, and also, The GlenDronach, The BenRiach and Glenglassaugh Single Malt Scotches in the Off-Premise market and at various trade shows. Integral part of certain brand and expression launches, such as Slane Irish Whiskey, Old Forester Statesman and Jack Daniels Tennessee Rye Whiskey. Working closely, as part of the distribution team, wth Brown-Forman Market Managers (On and Off), Brand Ambassadors, and Sales Representatives to ensure maximum distribution and consumer education throughout the Manhattan and Brooklyn markets. Show less

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  Brown-Forman

  Nov 2018 - Feb 2023

  Market Manager, Emerging Brands

  Responsible for both On- and Off-Premise channels in New Jersey for Brown-Forman’s Emerging Brands portfolio, which includes GlenDronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh Single Malt Scotches, Slane Irish Whiskey, Old Forester Bourbon and Rye, Fords Gin, Herradura Tequila, Finlandia Vodka, and Chambord Liqueur. Booking, organizing, and speaking at both consumer and trade advocacy events for these brands. Management and proper use of these brands’ yearly fiscal budgets. Extensive experience in educating local teams, accounts, distributors, and consumers alike on brand histories, production, and competitive sets. Management and collaboration with two distributor houses and separate in-house merchandising team to drive sales and distribution. Lead on Brown-Forman’s Old & Rare Whisky initiative for the United States market. Show less

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  Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits

  Feb 2023 - now

  Northeast Regional Manager

  Responsible for the sales performance and availability of a catalog of 50+ brands from the Pacific Edge import portfolio throughout the Northeast United States. Trade and consumer educator and representative for all involved brands spanning every major category of spirits. Multiple distributor management throughout different states. Distribution of allocated items from brands such as Springbank, Longrow, Hazelburn, Kilkerran, William Cadenhead's, A.D. Rattray, The Clydeside Distillery, and Matsui Shuzo, among others. Show less