Savvy Sipper Spotlight
Meet Tom: a wealth of knowledge with an infectious enthusiasm for the industry.
At Every Sip, we are privileged to have passionate and knowledgeable team members who elevate our wine-tasting & liquor events. Today, we are excited to introduce you to Tom, who has been an integral part of Every Sip for the past 4-5 years.
Tom's journey with Every Sip began when he was a retail manager, studying for his beverage certification courses. He met Stephanie, who was scheduling events at the store he managed, and the rest is history. Tom’s passion for making wine accessible and helping people understand their wine preferences naturally is what led him to Every Sip. "I like making wine easy to understand and guiding people to understand the qualities in wines they like so they can explore different options familiar or unfamiliar, at their determined price point," Tom shares.
One of Tom’s favorite aspects of his job is the unpredictability and excitement that each event brings. From the store's preparedness to product availability and location setup, every event is truly a unique experience. "The unknown experience that awaits with every event is what I enjoy most. Having the flexibility to set up my station and create my own message using the guidelines provided is a great way to own the experience with my personal contributions," says Tom.
Tom really enjoys working with imported wines. These wines offer something new to guests and provide an opportunity to unlock the mysteries that aren't as evident with domestic wines. "It’s great when someone recognizes me from past tastings and comments on my suggestions," Tom says, reflecting on the satisfaction he gets from helping customers step out of their comfort zones and try something new.
Recently, Tom has been enjoying Long Drink and low-sugar, natural hard teas like Crook & Marker. These refreshing beverages are gaining popularity for their natural ingredients and lower alcohol content, making them perfect for summer.
Every Sip allows Tom to indulge his passion for the liquor industry on his schedule, allowing him to meet interesting people and explore many topics of interest. Tom values the recognition and positive feedback he receives from repeat customers. One store even asked to be informed of his tasting schedule due to the positive customer comments they received. "That makes a person feel good about what they are doing!" Tom says.
With over 30 years in corporate retail, primarily developing and managing the national adult beverage program, Tom has a wealth of experience. After leaving the corporate world, he pursued beverage industry certifications, achieving the highest level of WSET III. Today, he also works full-time in marketing and is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Tom enjoys activities like hiking, kayaking, biking, and golfing.
A Final Thought from Tom……
"This is a fun and unique industry with a cast of characters broader than anything I have experienced. It is ever-changing with new faces, products, and approaches. It touches an emotional level, being social and providing a platform for conversations and experiences of all people to be accepted. Be honest and patient in your learning and endeavors, allow yourself to be present and coast along. There are high rewards in being a part of this good team! Thank you for the opportunity to continue!"
We are grateful to have Tom as part of our Every Sip family, and we look forward to many more memorable moments with him at our events. Cheers to Tom and his dedication to making wine & spirits tasting an enjoyable and accessible experience for everyone!