WNC Account Representative

Fonta Flora Overview 

Located on the banks of beautiful Lake James and under the backdrop of the rugged Linville Gorge, we are an Appalachian farmhouse brewery situated on 15 acres of a historic dairy farm. Fonta Flora’s mission is to highlight the biodiversity and bounty of North Carolina agriculture through an endless array of contemplative libations. At Fonta Flora, we celebrate this concept by harnessing impactful relationships that contribute to localized agricultural economics. From these intentional partnerships, we build our community by helping to sustain our local food systems and the people responsible for its success. This meaningful business model provides synergistic opportunities through collaboration and empowers us to continue pushing the boundaries of what it means to create beverages with a sense of place and agricultural purpose.

We are currently seeking a full-time Account Representative to promote and deliver our delicious beverages in retail accounts. Based out of Western North Carolina, this position will have a large focus on the WNC area as directed by the NC Sales Manager. 

Job Purpose

The WNC Account Representative reports to the NC Sales Manager and is responsible for completing all tasks related to account maintenance. These include (but are not limited to) building and maintaining relationships, generating sales, checking product integrity, providing samples, proactive follow ups, coordinating and attending events and delivering product. This position requires an individual to have outstanding passion for our beer, with a work ethic to match.

With a goal of increasing our overall distribution, we are seeking a highly motivated, capable and goal oriented individual to help us reach these targets with an overall mission to expand the WNC territory. Candidates must share Fonta Flora’s commitments to quality, safety, business ethics, continuous innovation, local agriculture and our own unique culture.

Fonta Flora Brewery is a small but thriving craft brewery where no job is too large or too small for anyone. All employees are expected to pitch in where needed and to be flexible with changing day-to-day job duties. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable navigating through large cities and rural roads in an efficient manner. The ideal candidate will possess a sense of urgency and punctuality, while also being approachable and friendly with clients or customers of Fonta Flora. 

ERRDAY Job Tasks

Sales & Relationship Growth

- Work autonomously with a focus on managing account relationships, growing sales and increasing brand awareness

- Increase number of tap handles and shelf SKUS at current accounts

- Build relationships with grocery chains and help us gain shelf space 

- Develop new accounts and build relationships

- Actively engage with current accounts and foster those relationships 

- Merchandise off-premise accounts as needed

- Proactively contact accounts daily to follow up and schedule account visits/samplings etc.

- Keep customers informed by answering questions regarding products and service 

- Identify reservations with non-buying accounts, work with NC Sales Manager to overcome objections

Brand Storytelling and Representation

- Extensive knowledge of Fonta Flora SKUS, brands, seasonal calendar,  inventory and the history of Fonta Flora Brewery
- Work in tandem with NC Sales Manager to identify and develop key on-premise and off-premise accounts

- Attend events, festivals, tap takeovers, etc at accounts

- Conduct beer sampling & staff education at accounts as needed

- Maintain a professional personal appearance to uphold company's public image

Delivery/Logistics

- Responsible for loading, unloading, and delivery of our products to WNC retail accounts

- Loading and unloading of company vehicles

- Present invoices to accounts and obtain customer representative signature verifying goods delivered

- Responsible for collecting payment from customers upon delivery and returning signed invoices and payment to Controller 

- Providing efficient and safe delivery and pick-up, while representing the company in a professional manner

- Assume ownership of the upkeep and cleanliness of company vehicle, including logging mileage and staying on top of oil changes/routine maintenance

- Notify supervisor of any safety or vehicle concerns

- Maintain accurate account information: Terms, delivery windows contact information

- Efficiently manage the balance of sales & deliveries

Administrative

- Participate in regular departmental meetings to review issues and propose solutions

- Understand and comply with all federal, state, and local laws
- Frequently engage with Basecamp, our project management and internal communication tool

- Be a team player with ability to interact with all levels within the organization

- Maintain current CRM data

- Responsible to proper use of company credit card including keeping track of receipts and submitting copies electronically to Controller

- Other tasks as assigned

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

- High School Degree, or Bachelor’s degree preferred

- Prior sales experience in any field preferred but not required 

- Strong planning and organizational skills

- Self starter, ability to manage oneself, creating own goals, etc

- Ability to manage time and priorities in an effective and efficient manner

- Natural ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners, accounts, and other

employees

- Strong computer skills (MS-Word, MS-Excel, email, Google doc, and Basecamp)

- Excellent written and oral communication skills

- Ability to track and monitor progress in all identified accounts

- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record

- Ability to transport 165 lbs. on a hand truck

- Ability to work varying work week schedules

- Must, must, must love beer - tasting beer, talking about beer, sharing beer and surrounding

yourself with others who do as well

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

- Up to 100% road time 

- Occasional overnight travel can be expected

- Ability to travel up to 10 hours a day

COMPENSATION:

- Competitive salary and benefits

- Healthcare Stipend for medical, dental, vision

- Time Off: Paid vacation, sick days, holidays, and parental leave

- Simple IRA: Employer-matched retirement savings

- Team Culture: Supportive, inclusive, and fun work environment

- Employee Perks: Discounts and beer perks

- Monthly Cell Phone Stipend

- Company vehicle provided

HOW TO APPLY:

- If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please send your resume and cover letter with the subject of ‘WNC Account Representative’ to careers@fontaflora.com . 

Fonta Flora Brewery does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize our responsibility to embrace and promote diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) throughout all aspects of our company culture.