About me
Brian brings over 25 years of advertising, marketing strategy, public relations and strategic insights and analytics experience in retail, foodservice and the beverage alcohol industry from an agency, client, and sales perspective to his role as Senior Director, National Accounts Channel Development for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
Before joining SGWS, he was responsible for developing and executing the national billion-dollar beverage program for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar from 2004-2013. At SGWS, he’s worked with large chain accounts and led the team’s cocktail trend research Liquid Insights Tour and has been featured in magazines like Forbes, Flavor and the Menu, Spirits Business Magazine, Chilled, The Drinks Business and The Tasting Panel. He holds certifications as a Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Specialist of Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators and Level 1 Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Prior to his career in the restaurant and beverage alcohol industry, he worked on national iconic brands at advertising and PR agencies Barkley and Fleishman Hillard in Kansas City and Grey in New York City.
Today, he brings thought leadership in commercial sales strategy to the Southern Glazer’s national accounts team through data insights and analytics paired with his industry experience as a multi-unit restaurant beverage executive.
Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Business Communications from the University of Kansas. His happiest moments are spending time with his wife Krista, son Max and twin daughters Siena and Margaux in their hometown of Leawood Kansas and following KU basketball and the Chiefs.
