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Our Enthusiastic Staff

Our policy of 'Clever Solutions' and 'Continual Improvement' drive our evolution as a wine distribution and marketing company BUT it is the mix of knowlegable enthisiastic people that will make your experience with us a satisfying one. Each one of our staff has their own unique qualities that underwrite our culture and values.

Jenny Doughty Operations Manager Jenny started her working life as an office junior for a large wholesale/retail company. During her 8 years with the company she was able to advance to the position of Credit Officer holding various positions along the way and building a wealth of experience. In 1998 Jenny headed off to the UK and spent 4 years working in the fast paced hotel industry, briefly behind the bar, as Food & Beverage Controller and in finance & administration. Her willingness to learn any new tasks and ability to pick things up quickly made her a valuable asset to all her employers. Jenny's wealth of experience in all aspects of finance and administration both in Australia and Internationally make her a great addition to the Options team. Last year Jenny was promoted to Operations Manager and together with Steve Twelftree our Sales Manager effectively run the Company on a day to day basis.

Kim Annand Sales Support and Function Co-ordinator Kim's desire for a faster life and bright city lights led her from country living in Mt Gambier to Adelaide nine years ago where she first entered the wine industry. Her passion for trying anything new led her to her current position within the company as sales and marketing support. Her multi-functional roles have given her the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously has led her from supporting 4 to now supporting 13 very demanding area managers. Her high standard of personal presentation and tanning tips have made her a valuable contribution to the company.

Ruth Thorpe Telephone Sales Ruths working life has given her a wealth of experience in Customer service. Over many years her interpersonal skills have been heightened by teaching piano, computer training, waitressing, mentoring those with disabilities, working in reception classrooms and finance at different schools. Providing these diverse services has fine tuned her customer focus and expertise so that she is adept in providing excellent customer service.

Greg Turner Managing Director Greg started his career in December 1974 as the 'gofer' in a family wholesale meat business. He was privileged to be able to occupy many roles in the business giving him a sound understanding of how a small business operates in a practical way. Greg was the founder of Adelaide distribution company Regency Food Services in 1987. He owned and managed that company until its successful sale to multinational Bidvest Plc in 1999. His wealth of experience in wholesaling, distribution, and logistics makes him integral to the future growth of the company. Greg holds an Advanced Certificate in Food Technology. Greg looks after the company strategy, accounting and is currently project managing the development of the new site at Hindmarsh.

Options SA Sales Team

Steve Twelftree Sales Manager Steve came to us with valuable experience from Palandri Wines and Kingston Estate Wines. He loves the wine industry and all the colourful charactors it contains. These are his thoughts ......... From Port Lincoln to Victor Harbor my territory extends, North to the Mighty Murray and its legendary bends, In five star restaurants and classic front bars, In bottle shop drive thrus with line ups of cars. With a range of wines to cater for all taste, A warehouse system that will deliver with haste, An admin team no friendlier you would find, And Managing Directors that are one of a kind. I spend my day visiting people I call friend, Even sometimes on a dodgy knee I do bend, I love what I do and the people I meet, In a industry you would be unlikely to beat. So next time you see me approaching by car, please don't go hiding under the bar, I am only coming to say G'day, Grab a pallet order and be on my way. Steve has this year been appointed our Sales Manager and together with Jenny Doughty effectively run the business on a 'day to day' basis.

Bruce Lindner Bruce's story as only Bruce could tell it..... In an endeavour to make Options the best Wine Merchant in Australia I bring to the Company some tried and true techniques that have served me well over my formative years and have enabled me to break through the "Glass Ceiling" that is often in place for past old footballers. Never refuse a free meal or a free drink (These offerings provide an opportunity to "break bread". This environment is beneficial for developing relationships. A key ingredient in successful account management) Count your change. Ordering three Schooners at $3.20 and only getting 40c change out of $20 is not a viable proposition. (This exercise highlights the need for commercial acumen when dealing in business.) If there is a chance to dance with an attractive partner, grab it. (This principle reinforces the need to seek out opportunities whenever they present themselves) If you paid $400 for a Hill of Gold Shiraz blame no one but yourself. (Good wine knowledge saves money, provides a service and stops you from having bad hangovers from drinking crap wine.) Read more than the comics in the paper. (Knowledge and experience provides you a better skill set that enables you to deal with a wide range of people) Join the Mafia, scouts or an orienteering team. (Having a wide range of contacts helps develop business opportunities.) Bruce holds a Bachelor of Wine Marketing, Degree.

Kerrie-Lee Hollow Kerrie-Lee is our most experienced On-Premise key account manager. She has been with us many years and has a great reputation in the industry for her knowledge and ability to construct a wine list that appeals to customers and sells well. In her own words "I take pride in my work and the wines I sell and I simply want to service my accounts to the best of my ability. I love being an Ambassador for the Company and the wines I represent" Kerrie has been awarded "Best On-Premise Rep" by the restaurant association.

 

O2 - A breath of fresh air, Sales Team

Paquita Quinlan-Watson Highly successful and creative member of our team. Built up a very strong and loyal following with both retail and restaurant customers. Paquita now manages the exclusive O2 portfolio, and has far exceeded all the company's objectives in it's second year of operation.

Tony Manuel Tony has extensive wine knowledge and tasting experience and offers strong retail and restaurant support to the company. Tony is one of the ideas men of company continually coming up with great marketing and business concepts. He is an expert at the off-hand sales pitch and loves a good chardy.

Andrew Adair Andrew first started working at Options Wine Merchants in 1997. He started with us part time whilst still working as sommellier at Jolleys Boathouse Restaurant. His role was initially as a part time sales representative but he soon progressed to a full time position as Marketing and Sales Rep Support. In late 1999 Andrew became the Brand Manager of the Prestigious Riedel Glassware until leaving the company late in 2000 to work as an Area Manager for an opposition company. In November of 2003 we were fortunate enough to have Andrew back as our On-Premise Area Manager for O2 Wines. His experience in the restaurant trade has proved invaluable to us at Options. His understanding of this complex and sometimes unforgiving part of the industry makes him a valuable asset to our Company.

Options NT

Rob Turnbull NT Sales Manager After several years in the wine trade here in SA, Rob decided a sea change was necessary and moved to Darwin. He joins the Options team after working 2 years at a liquor wholesaler. Rob's charge is to bring culture to Territorians by enticing them to try different wines, and still stands by his claim that Rose is the perfect wine for the tropical Darwin climate - he will, of course, happily try and prove himself correct by opening bottle after bottle when required... Rob holds a Batchelor Degree in Wine Marketing.