Gareth Rees

Gareth Rees

Delivery Driver

Followers of Gareth Rees801 followers
location of Gareth ReesNew York, New York, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Beverage Manager/Director, Former Restaurateur, Wine & Spirits Education, Consultant,

  • Education

    • Wine & Spirit Education Trust

      2023 - 2023
      Educator Training Program Spirits Level 3
    • Wine & Spirit Education Trust

      2021 - 2021
      Educator Training Program Spirits Level 1 & 2
    • Wine & Spirit Education Trust

      2020 - 2021
      Level 4 (Diploma WSET) Wine
    • Durham University

      2007 - 2008
      PG Dip. Evolutionary Anthropology
    • Wine & Spirit Education Trust

      2020 - 2020
      Level 3 Spirits Distinction
    • The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

      2003 - 2007
      2:1 Management
    • Wine & Spirit Education Trust

      2020 - 2020
      Level 3 Wine Distinction
  • Experience

    • Majestic Wine

      Sept 2003 - Aug 2005
      Delivery Driver

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

    • 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

    • 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
    • Onefinestay

      Jul 2010 - Sept 2010
      Operational Consultant

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

    • Locale

      Oct 2010 - Mar 2011
      Cocktail Barman

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

    • 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.

    • 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

    • 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.

    • Hawksmoor NYC

      Jun 2022 - Aug 2023
      Sommelier
    • Unapologetic Foods

      Aug 2023 - Dec 2023
      Group Beverage Manager
    • Ilili Restaurants

      Dec 2023 - now
      Beverage Manager
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • PRINCE II