Robert Fogarty
Regional Sales Manager
Wine Warehouse
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Moving from Sydney to San Diego after High School
Paying my way through College
Working in Restaurants and Nightclubs while pursuing degree
Figuring out that working for an insurance company after college was not what I enjoyed doing
I always enjoyed working in the restaurant industry. Was able to get into a management training program
Worked for several chain restaurants before moving into a career in a fine dining environment
After 20 years of managing restaurants I was looking for my next chapter
While still in the restaurant business I enrolled in UCLA's Extension Vintage Program and completed the Certificate Program.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Waverley College - Sydney, Australia
Waverley College - Sydney, Australia
Certification/License
Vintage Certificate
UCLA Extension/Vintage
Vintage Certificate
UCLA Extension/Vintage
Career
Regional Sales Manager
I manage a team of 9 sales reps selling wine, beer, spirits to restaurants, hotels and country clubs
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Entrepreneurship
Food
Helping People
Day to Day
Well, I started as a Rep for the company. It involves preparing in the morning to visit customers. Most of the customers are in after 11 a.m. Then setting out to meet with restaurant owners or buyers. In short, we try to get to understand the restaurant operators needs and fill the needs with the products that we offer. We place orders for the customers while out in the field. We help the customers by following through on their orders and their credit status while building friendships.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
I think it helps to have worked in a restaurant or retail store. You need to understand who you are going to sell to. People think that being in the wine business is glamorous. There are perks, for sure. But in the end it is very competitive and the person who can create the best relationship with the buyer will come out on top.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Certification/License
Vintage Certificate
Vintage Certificate
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"I probably had more self doubt. I actually had a friend who helped me with my path."
Interviewed By
