Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1004126
30 / the tasting panel / july 2018 HOT SHOT A s the Executive Vice President on the leadership team at Breakthru Beverage Florida, Eric Pfeil supports the com- pany's core operations and strategic vision. Get an inside look into what it's like to help lead one of the top North American distributors of the world's leading luxury and premium wine, spirits, and beer brands. ForceBrands: What do you find most rewarding about your role as Executive Vice President at Breakthru Beverage Florida? Eric Pfeil: I love watching successful people take great brands and programming and drive more success. I enjoy working with our suppliers to develop sustainable programming, which drives brand volume and growth, and then putting these programs into place. From there, it's very impressive to watch our teams go out to our customers and activate these programs successfully. FB: How do you describe the culture at Breakthru and what attracted you to it? EP: Aggressive. Determined. Never-lose attitude. The success of our culture is driven by people who work together to drive our suppli- ers, initiatives, and brands. FB: What advice do you have for job seekers looking to join the beverage industry? EP: We have an incredible industry. Every day, it's something different; it's not sitting at a desk—it's getting out working with the cus- tomer, driving initiatives, building rapport, and making lasting relationships. Success doesn't happen overnight in this industry, but it does happen with consistent dedication to service. FB: And lastly, just for fun, describe your ideal happy hour—what are you drinking and where are you drinking it? EP: I love sitting around with people who really enjoy each other's company—laughing, dis- cussing, and coming up with ideas. Depending on the mood, my ideal drink is either tequila or whiskey, followed by wine . . . or it's wine followed by tequila or whiskey! EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AT BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE FLORIDA Eric Pfeil Success doesn't happen overnight in this industry, but it does happen with consistent dedication to service."