Gareth Rees

Experience

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  Majestic Wine

  Sept 2003 - Aug 2005

  Delivery Driver

  Summer work both driving/delivering and helping out in the store where appropriate.

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  Poker

  Sept 2006 - Aug 2009

  Professional Poker Player

  2 years semi-professionally (during study), 1 year professionally. Winning player in both live/online tournaments and cash-games. Poker is not 'gambling' in the conventional sense (the game is not systematically stacked in one party's favour, as with casino games), and requires an in-depth understanding of probability, strategy and psychology, as well as rigorous discipline and effective bankroll management, PKR Hall of Famer.Also acted as a freelance features writer for publications including Bluff Europe. Show less

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  GradFutures Ltd

  Sept 2009 - Aug 2010

  Overseeing client service delivery and customer service. Operations manager. Link Building, Database and Content Management, PR Data Analysis, Content Creation, SEO, Customer Relations

  • Client Delivery Manager

    Mar 2010 - Aug 2010

  • Associate

    Sept 2009 - Mar 2010
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  Onefinestay

  Jul 2010 - Sept 2010

  Operational Consultant

  Building/refining operational processes in anticipation of scaling and exporting model, and managing logistics.

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  Locale

  Oct 2010 - Mar 2011

  Cocktail Barman

  Experience-building as a cocktail barman, during a short career sabbatical due to bereavement.

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  PwC

  Mar 2011 - Aug 2012

  Management Consultant

  Engaged in the multi-competency "Foundation for the Future" programme. Emphasis on technology, internal communications and change management, modelling, research and due diligence, proposals/bids and project management.Extensive induction/training in management consulting techniques and toolkits.Projects included Lehman Brothers, Lloyds Banking Group and HMRC, and various other clients, alongside numerous proposals and internal projects.

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  The Fat Bear

  Jun 2012 - Nov 2021

  Owner & Managing Director

  "The Fat Bear" was an award-winning restaurant serving American regional cuisine, boasting an extensive American wine and whiskey collection, with an emphasis on 'enlightened hospitality'. Starting as a 'pop-up' operator, the business relocated to a full-time venue in October 2014.Oversaw both the commercial and corporate aspects of the business, as well as day-to-day general management of the restaurant itself. This included a strong emphasis on developing and managing our beverage program, including training, masterclasses and events.Closed due to Covid-19. Show less

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  Raising Spirits LLC

  Feb 2022 - now

  Managing Director & Lead Educator

  'Approved Program Provider' delivering WSET (Wine & Sprits Education Trust) Spirits Level 1/2/3 qualifications in Manhattan and remotely. Wine qualifications to follow in due course.

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  Hawksmoor NYC

  Jun 2022 - Aug 2023

  Sommelier
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  Unapologetic Foods

  Aug 2023 - Dec 2023

  Group Beverage Manager
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  Ilili Restaurants

  Dec 2023 - now

  Beverage Manager