Akoni Lagua

Experience

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  Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

  Jun 2012 - May 2016

  Server

  • Started as a Food Runner and was promoted to Senior Server within 6 months.• Trained and mentored junior service staff on food, wine, service and restaurant culture• Researched and maintained knowledge of wine list, which included 90 wines by the glass and over 600 wines by the bottle.• Worked directly with wine team in salesmanship on the floor and in pairing special/new menu items• Participated in weekly wine education and tasting groups in order stay current on wine knowledge as well as prepare for my Court of Masters exams.• Created custom tailored experiences called “Rides” by asking qualitative questions about wine preferences, course quantity, and preferred price point. Show less

• 

  In situ:

  May 2016 - Nov 2016

  Captain

  • Recruited to be a key part of the opening team for Corey Lee’s new project in the SFMOMA, that focused on a rotating collection of artful dishes from renown chefs and restaurants around the world• Assisted in setting service standards of the restaurant• Practiced consistent self-education of featured chefs and restaurants to give the highest-level experience to guests• Part of the mentorship program within the restaurant that provided junior service staff with coaching and support throughout their employment. Show less

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  Foreign Cinema

  Sept 2016 - Dec 2016

  Server
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  The Riddler

  Dec 2016 - Jan 2018

  Sommelier

  • Hired to open a concept Champagne Bar focusing on bridging the gap between luxury and community• Assisted in curating the cellar and rotating wine selection• Built and helped maintain restaurant’s relationships through trade tastings and events• Provided education for staff and guests on the region of Champagne and its producers• Built a network within the industry and became an active member in the San Francisco sommelier community

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  Antica Terra

  Jan 2018 - Jun 2019

  Hospitality Ambassador

  • Not only meets but exceeds sales goals; personally responsible for 47% of 2018 Sales• Achieved 166% over 2018 Sales Goal• Achieved in increasing sales by 160% from 2017 to 2018• Plan and execute new strategies to increase Onsite sales and occupancy• Consistently finding ways to refine the program in order to elevate guest experience• Responsible for ordering and inventory of Tasting Room as well as winery’s private cellar• Work closely to build and maintain relationships with local distributors• Assist Director of Hospitality in yearly programming, event planning and execution, community outreach, and relationship building within the industry Show less

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  Avvo

  Jun 2019 - Apr 2020

  • 50+ outbound cold calls calls/day and 30+ emails/day to assist inqualified lead generation• Performed in the top 20% of Sales Development Representatives• Qualified 50+ leads into new potential clients in Q2• Successfully transferred 32% of new leads into scheduled salesappointments with Account Executives• Managed a book of 400+ leads with various contact sequences usingsales automation and CRM tools• Present and educate Avvo advertising solutions and software toqualified leads• Encourage engagement and user traffic and interaction with Avvo Show less

  • Account Manager

    Nov 2019 - Apr 2020

  • Sales Development Representative

    Jun 2019 - Nov 2019
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  Amazon Business

  Apr 2020 - Jan 2022

  Account Representative
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  Amazon

  Jan 2022 - now

  • Category Manager - Wine

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Vendor Manager - Spirits

    Jan 2022 - Jan 2023