Kevin Miller is the district manager of the fine wine division for National Distributing Company, Inc., which supplies wine, liquor and premium beers to high-end dining establishments.
WHAT DOES HE DO?
After he was with the company for 14 years as a sales representative, Miller was promoted to his current position last year. He manages the sales team, assisting with sales calls, tracking their activities and creating deals for them. Miller also has one more burdensome task, visiting wineries in California and Italy for research.
TARGET MARKET
As one of the managers of the on-premise wine division, Miller sells to upscale restaurants in North Florida. His territory covers downtown, San Marco and Tallahassee.
IS DOWNTOWN A VIABLE MARKET?
“I’m a big believer in downtown. San Marco and downtown are probably our biggest focus right now; most of the newer restaurants are popping up there.”
UNCORKING A BRIGHT FUTURE
While in college, Miller paid the bills by working in the restaurant industry. His aspiration was a career in club management, but an offer came along to work as a buyer for The University Club. After five years of purchasing and creating their wine list, Miller was recruited by National.
A NOSE FOR SOUR GRAPES
“The whole experience [at University Club] gave me a love for food and wine. I gravitated towards it. I enjoy wine and learning about wine. It’s what I know and am comfortable with. I just have a natural interest in it.”
WHAT’S YOUR INTEREST IN THE FIELD?
“It’s sales first and foremost, but selling something you have a passion for. I like the people I work with; my customer base is fun and appreciates what I’m bringing to them [knowledge of wine].”
WHAT’S CHALLENGING ABOUT IT?
“It’s the time constraints, trying to get everything done and make everyone happy.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
FAMILY
Atlantic Beach is where Miller and his wife Betty call home.
HOBBIES
Not surprisingly, Miller delights in wine collecting and cooking. He also enjoys surfing and boating. When he’s lounging at home, Miller likes to curl up with the novel “The Stand,” tune in the show “Frasier” or surf the dial for the classic film “African Queen.” When he’s not perusing the local venues, Miller craves the fare at Bern’s Steak House in Tampa.
HOW HAS TALK OF RECESSION IMPACTED THE TRADE?
“People aren’t going out to restaurants nearly as much and business travel has affected high-end restaurants, which is a big part of my business. The really expensive wine that everybody has been screaming for is not selling as fast. The last few months we’ve had at least a 10 percent [drop] but it’s hard to tell. It’s still too early. I have to say it depends on if there are more attacks and how long the war goes on.”
—by Monica Chamness