Jesse Smith

Background

About Jesse Smith

Straight out of High School I entered a Fire Science Associate Degree Program at Triton College (IL). After 1 year I was accepted to the Riverside Fire Dept Cadet Academy where I gained training on Fire Suppression, Fire Inspection & EMS. I was earning my degree and training/working as a On-Call Fireman. After 2 years I chose to leave the profession due to the length of time it would be to get a full time position at another department. Shortly after my departure, I gained a position at a natural food store in the Illinois suburbs. I had plans to move to San Diego and was able to transfer within the company to a store in San Diego. Within 2 years I was offered the opportunity to manage a grocery/craft beer department at an independent natural food store that was previously associated with the chain I was working at. I stayed with this company for 10 years and learned a wealth of knowledge in grocery sales, marketing and employee management. I was also able to make valuable relationships in the craft beer industry and made the leap from grocery to running front of the house operations at the 3rd largest craft beer manufacturer in San Diego. While working in the craft beer industry I spent a lot of time educating myself about the industry. I earned a Certified Cicerone Certificate (Beer Sommelier) which opened many opportunities to educating others, marketing craft beer, television/news spots, event planning and culinary pairing with local restaurants. After 4 years I moved on to a smaller craft beer manufacturer running front of house operations for 2 locations. This included working directly with the owners on marketing the company and decisions regarding availability of marketable products and staging events. After 2 years I made the decision to jump back into the Natural Products Industry. My previous relationships and skills led me to gaining a position in sales in the CBD supplement industry in sales. Within less than a year I was offered a position in Key Account Management and am currently working for this company.and love my job. I have a very good skill set in solution-making decisions and adapting to new processes. I've learned a great deal in my career and little did I know that many of the choices I've made and opportunities I've been offered have really diversified my knowledge in many areas. I'm skilled with mechanical repair and building construction. My computer knowledge has covered Excel, Word, Salesforce, SAP and many other Apps that have streamlined communication as well as portal maintenance.