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LINKEDIN LMG INTERVIEW SERIES
We're running a series of LinkedIn interviews with LMG staff/members and industry insiders, the first of which is below. The original post appeared on LinkedIn.
https://au.linkedin.com/company/liquor-marketing-group
Business Development Manager, Amanda Gilbert, steps into the Take 5 hot seat.
1. How did you get started at LMG?
I worked as a supplier rep for 15 years and when this role came up, one of Bottlemart’s long serving members suggested I might be interested. That was seven years ago. I worked for big multinationals for many years and now I love working for a company that feels like a family business and where I can ring the CEO at any time.
2. What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned over your career?
In previous jobs I never stopped running and never said no to anything which wasn’t always the best strategy. Frank Palumbo has been instrumental in showing me that it’s important to work through something calmly and to give it some time. So in my life and in my job, I’m learning to “calm the farm” and take a moment!
3. What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
I think it’s about meeting the members where they are and responding to their different needs and preferences. Fortunately at LMG, we have all the platforms we need to help our members deliver to their shoppers and the members have responded so well to those innovations – they’re always hungry for more.
4. What are you looking forward to in 2024?
The Members’ Conference! It’s been a few years because of Covid and I’m really looking forward to connecting with everyone.
5. The best advice you’d give someone starting out in this industry?
The most important thing is your relationship with your members. It’s the foundation of everything. So if one of your members wants to chew the fat over a cuppa for an hour, make it happen. You never know what will come out of it and it really helps build those relationships.
6. On the days it feels tough, what do you do to tap into your inspiration?
Connect with our members! Sometimes it just takes a meet up with one of our really positive LMG members to remind me exactly why I do this job.
7. It’s Friday evening, you’re done for the week – set the scene.
I’m passionate about wine – anyone who knows me will tell you this! So Friday evening will see me at home with my hubby, the dog and the cats, on our beautiful property in the Hunter Valley, soaking up the scenery with a glass of Adelaide Hills pinot gris.
Jarryd Mccormack, Business Development Manager at LMG, kicks off the new year in the Take 5 hot seat.
1. When did you get started with LMG?
I’ve been with LMG for nearly two years, and it’s been the most eye-opening experience of my professional life. I’d been on the supplier side for many years, so discovering the other side and helping our members to nurture and grow their businesses has been amazing.
2. What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned along the way?
Stay focused on what you can control and don’t get bogged down in the things you have no control over.
3. What are you looking forward to it 2024?
I’m excited about opening and setting up new stores for our members and bringing new members across to LMG.
4. How do you approach the challenging aspects of your job?
Well, if you didn’t have challenges then you wouldn’t be working! So I try to always see them as opportunities. And with LMG’s really innovative technology and spirit of #bettertogether, you can meet any challenge.
5. What’s the best advice you’d give someone starting out?
I’d encourage them to work closely with their colleagues, take on ideas, be open to change, and learn to harness constructive criticism. And I always remember advice from the first boss I had when I started working at 16 – he told me to imagine your brain has an empty sponge inside it and to make sure you soak up all the good things around you to help further your career.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
Always from my beautiful wife and two amazing boys. And from seeing the satisfaction on members’ faces when I’ve managed to influence how they do business in a positive way. That always makes your efforts feel worthwhile.
7. And finally, what’s your go-to end of week drink and how do you like to enjoy it?
If it’s in a can, it has to be a James Squire Ginger Beer. Otherwise, I’ll go for one of the best Australian whiskeys on the market like the Morris Rutherglen Signature single malt whiskey. And they only way to have it is neat!
A big welcome to Kacey Reemts, Communications Assistant at LMG, who steps up to the Take 5 hot seat.
1. When did you join LMG and what were your first impressions?
I started in February this year and was immediately struck by the absolute passion for members that everyone at LMG has. It’s about having a daily relationship with the members and figuring out how to do the best for them. There’s no such thing as ‘just another bottle shop’ – everyone is special.
2. What are you looking forward to working on in 2024?
Like everyone I’m really going to miss working with Mike Stubber but am excited to develop more into my role and work alongside Jamie Ryan and Ben Roberts to build fantastic promotions for our members.
3. What’s the best advice you’d give someone starting out?
Never be afraid to ask questions! I’m lucky to be surrounded by a wealth of experience here and everyone is happy to help because they want you to succeed – we all have the same goal after all which is to support our members.
4. What’s an important lesson you’ve learned in recent times?
That I can’t control everything! Sometimes you just have to take a step back, take a breath and figure out what you can do in the moment with what you have.
5. What’s the most challenging aspect of your role?
It is very deadline driven so time management is so essential. To-do lists are my best friend! It’s all about knowing what to prioritise and staying organised.
6. What inspires you?
I grew up surrounded by people who instilled in me that if you want something you have to work for it – you can’t expect things to come to you. So that belief really drives me. It also helps that I have such a great team to work with! Everyone takes their job seriously but has fun at the same time.
7. What’s your go-to Friday night drink?
If I’m out, I can’t go past an espresso martini but if I’m home or with friends, I love a Gage Roads Single Fin summer ale – it hits the spot very nicely!
A huge congratulations and thank you to Business Development Manager David Kook who celebrates 21 years with LMG this year. Here he shares insights and experience from his amazing career.
1. You’ve just hit your 21 year milestone with LMG – how does that feel?
Well it’s a long time to spend in one company and one of the great things about that is that I can see all the fantastic changes that have happened over the years. Professionally and culturally, LMG is in such a strong position. Everybody is in it for the right reasons.
2. So you’ll stay on for another 21 years?
I’ll give it a crack and stick around as long as Gavin can put up with me!
3. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned over your time?
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable because you never know what will happen next. It’s an approach that has served me well! This industry is so innovative, and you need to roll with that. I’m 57 and technological change can be challenge for me (just ask the IT guys) but I don’t want to fight it. I want to keep up and that means I have to ask what might seem like dumb questions sometimes. Better to ask than to be in the dark.
4. What are you looking forward to over the coming months?
I’m really excited about the continued growth in ecommerce. LMG is so far ahead of its competitors in that space and I’m seeing that play out with my members. And electronic shelf labels are going to be a game changer – great for the customers and great for the staff. It will save them so much time.
5. What do you want for the members you look after?
I want to really instil confidence in our members so they’re not worrying about what the competitors are doing, they’re just focused on what they can do and how we can help them succeed. We work closely together so they’re clear about new strategies and why we do the things we do. It’s definitely about being #bettertogether.
6. What advice would you give to someone starting out?
If it makes you smile and be happy, keep doing it! Be passionate about your work.
7. Where do you find inspiration?
In 21 years I’ve never had a problem leaving the driveway. I love the business and the industry and the people I see every day. And I’m inspired by my amazing and courageous wife.
8. It’s Friday evening and you’re kicking back with your favourite drink – set the scene for us:
I don’t like to discriminate against alcohol, or days of the week for that matter! But I’m really enjoying the Brick Lane Hi Fi Dry, a zero-carb Japanese lager on a Friday arvo at the moment. It’s sensational. We sit out on the veranda and catch up with the neighbours across the road – perfect.
A big welcome to Tom Jeffries, CEO at Zen Global, who steps into the Take 5 hot seat this morning. Take it away, Tom.
1. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in recent years?
The last few covid affected years taught me about resilience and the need to be customer centric. We had to adapt quickly to an ever-changing landscape and to make decisions that put our customers first. We have carried on this learning and continue to adapt out strategies based on customer needs and preferences.
2. What are you looking forward to working on in the coming months?
I am looking forward to rolling our Zen Loyalty and Gift Voucher software out to the LMG Members. We have spent the last 12 months making improvements to the system so it will be great to see it in action. It is also great seeing these improvements have positive effect on our current clients.
3. Can you tell us about the most challenging aspect of your job?
We have rapidly accelerated our development of our software and keeping on top of the technical complexity can sometimes be challenging. Fortunately, we have a great technical team in place who can always put this into terms a normal person can understand!
4. What’s the best advice you could give someone starting out?
One of my early mentors gave me some advice which has always stuck with me and that is to never assume anything. Take the time to learn and be sure before you action.
5. Can you tell us what it's like working in partnership with LMG?
LMG have been a great fit for Zen Global. Whilst we still operate autonomously, having the ability to lean on resources in LMG has meant we have been able to make many advancements to the business and the product.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
I look to my two young daughters for inspiration, I want to be the best I can be for them.
7. And finally, what’s your favourite end of the week drink and how do you like to enjoy it?
I usually start the weekend with classic cocktail mixed at home. An empty Negroni, Old Fashioned or Margarita glass can often be found at my house on a Friday night!
LMG's Customer Experience Manager and Employee of the Year Joanne Tinkler, steps up to the Take 5 hot seat!
1. What was it like winning the Employee of Year Award?
It felt really special but also unexpected – I work with so many fantastic people who could easily all be employees of the year! It also felt like a validation of the work I’ve been doing to improve online service for members and customers.
2. What are you looking forward to working on in the coming months?
It’s exciting to be implementing more digital solutions through a member help desk to make it easier for members to access resources. That includes utilising online tools like Scribe, which is a simple tool to capture and create how-to guides - new staff training, product requests, store-funded deals, and an easy way for BDMs to sign members up to the ecommerce site. There are so many ways we are using technology to make sure our members can get the most out of LMG’s resources.
3. What's the most challenging aspect of your job?
The challenge is about striving to create the best solution to any issue and working with the resources we have to make sure both the members and the customers feel listened to and supported.
4. Is there a particular lesson you’ve learned in the last couple of years?
I’ve learned to trust more in my own abilities. I reach out and ask questions when I need to but also have built up confidence to trust my own decisions. They might not always be correct, but that’s an opportunity to learn and grow.
5. What advice would you like to give people starting out in customer service roles?
It can be a challenging role and interactions are not always positive. The key is to not take it personally. Try to remember that someone’s complaint isn’t about you, and you never know what’s going on for someone on any particular day. Listen to constructive criticism that helps you grow and do your job better, but don’t take your work home with you.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
I love helping people find a solution to their issues. It’s a bit like being a detective – breaking down the problem then searching out the best way to resolve it. It’s incredibly satisfying!
7. Finally, what’s your favourite end of the week drink?
I’m part of a gin club so I love trying out new gins and tonics. In summer I can’t go past an Aperol. I like the ritual of preparing a cocktail – it fees like a reward after turning off the computer!
Chris Wright, Business Development Manager at LMG in South Australia, settles into the hot seat for our next Take 5.
1. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in recent years?
Focus on what you can control and try not to worry about the thing’s that are out of your control. And remember that sometimes you don’t have all the information about an issue. Things get delayed, decisions get reversed and there isn’t always something you could have done about it. Just concentrate on what you can manage and achieve.
2. What are you looking forward to working on in the coming months?
I’m new to the role with LMG and the liquor industry and am embracing the challenge of liquor retailing. Using my experience from grocery is allowing me to look at opportunities and challenges from a slightly different angle and use this experience to support our retailers.
3. Can you tell us about the most challenging aspect of your job?
The biggest challenge for me currently is to learn the finer points of the liquor industry as quickly as possible. I have strong retail knowledge, however there are a lot of opportunities to support and enhance our retailers offers through the LMG platforms. While this is challenging, it is also exciting to be able to unlock the benefits and deliver the results for our members.
4. What’s the best advice you could give someone starting out?
There are a lot of people around you with a lot of experience – ask them questions! The cliché is absolutely true – the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.
5. How’s your experience with LMG been?
The South Australian team is so welcoming and supportive and everyone is keen to help me. I’m definitely asking a lot of questions!
6. Where do you find inspiration?
My family. My wife and I are all about achieving our goals together and with our two kids. Enjoy and celebrate all our success together. I’ve got one very crafty daughter and one really sporty daughter, so that keeps life interesting and busy!
7. And finally, what’s your favourite end of the week drink and how do you like to enjoy it?
Friday nights are always a bit of a rush with kids’ sport so it’s great to come home when that’s all done and kick back with a Pirate Life South Coast Pale Ale and a Brookvale Lemon Squash for my wife in front of the footy. Go the Demons!
Marketing & Merchandise Assistant Danelle Gross joins us for Take 5
1. The most valuable lesson you’ve learned in recent years?
What can be achieved when a team supports each other. You can’t underestimate the energy and inspiration that can be drawn from a team that has strong morale and leverages different skills sets, listens to different perspectives and draws on experience to achieve amazing things. We truly are Better Together.
2. What are you looking forward to working on?
I’m extremely excited to be involved in a major upcoming initiative which is going to have such a positive impact on members and shoppers. And I’m passionate about the instore experience and how I can engage and excite members to optimise that experience through things like our recent retail refresh fit outs and by keeping our members informed and updated with data-led insights on what’s trending and where opportunities lie.
3. Tell us about the most challenging aspect of your job?
There’s that old adage that nothing’s constant but change, and change can certainly add a level of complexity from a day-to-day perspective. But it also keeps things really interesting and engaging and that’s one of the reasons I’ve been with LMG for 22 years! I prefer trying new ways to get stronger results rather than sticking with something just because it’s the way things have always been done.
4. Your best advice for someone starting out?
Nurture a deep understanding of what’s important to the business beyond just your own role – it can give you opportunities you don’t expect. Versatility can be so valuable. And remember to listen to key figures in your organisation and leverage their experience to learn and grow.
5. You’ve been with LMG for over two decades – what has that been like?
I never dreamed I’d be with the one company for so long, but I’ve been blessed with a multitude of different roles over the years from warehousing and the supply division, and then onto the marketing side of the business which has been the highlight of my tenure. It’s where I get to use my creative flair to help members grow their businesses.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
I’m a proud and passionate South Australian and I’m inspired by all the wonderful things this state has to offer - food and wine, events and beautiful regional towns. And I love being able to help deliver positive business outcomes to SA independent hotels. It gives me the opportunity to contribute to an industry I’m passionate about through locally owned and operated businesses.
7. And finally, what’s your favourite end of the week drink?
Rosé all the way! I love a good dry style from the Adelaide Hills where I live – it’s my go-to all year round. I best enjoy it chatting with my neighbours over the fence, or in front of the fire watching the footy.
Thanks to Category Analyst, Richard Mok for stepping into the hot seat for our next Take 5.
Take it away Richard!
1. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in recent years?
You have to look at things from other people’s perspective. Someone else’s way of doing things might help you more than you expect. It’s good to step out of your comfort zone.
2. What are you looking forward to working on in the coming months?
Well, I can’t say too much just yet, but we have some really exciting stuff coming up – watch this space! It’s going to have a really positive impact on the members and help us be more in tune with our shoppers.
3. Can you tell us about the most challenging aspect of your job?
In my role as a category analyst, I’m supporting the category team with data to review previous decisions and make more informed decisions for our members and shoppers. The challenge is deciding what to prioritise when there is so much positive stuff to be working on. It’s about ensuring we’re working on the right thing at the right time.
4. What’s the best advice you could give someone starting out?
Coming to a new business or a new role can be daunting. The key is knowing that people want you to succeed – they want you to perform well and be happy in your role. Remember to ask questions – don’t sit in silence and think you can solve everything on your own. You’ve got a whole business around you that is willing to help. It’s sounds like a cliché, but it’s so valuable: the silliest question is the one you don’t ask. Those questions can lead to a wider discussion and even help your team consider things they might have otherwise missed.
5. What's your experience with LMG been like so far?
I started at the beginning of December in 2022 and it’s just been awesome. There are fresh challenges every week which I really enjoy. And LMG is very close-knit – it feels like a family which really resonates with its Better Together values.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
Definitely my family. Watching my three-year-old son grow up is fascinating. In my job there is so much data to deal with, but when I look at my son – well, he is just a gold mine of incredible data! And I love getting outdoors with him to climb and run and jump and explore.
7. And finally, what’s your favourite end of the week drink and how do you like to enjoy it?
My go-to is a Canadian Club and dry no sugar premix. A couple of cans of that while watching my beloved Melbourne Storm play is perfect. I’ve never been a wine drinker but our wine category manager Megan Kinniburgh and Harry Brown GM Matt McEvoy are trying to get me into reds – with mixed success!
