Brian Ponzi

Sales & Marketing

A leader that knows how to inspire, connect, and convince others regardless of the setting. A leader who uses existing social tools and skills to not just get the job done but innovate to create something new. From launching my first clothing company at 16, founding my fraternity at Sonoma State University where I graduated, to leading my lacrosse teams as both a player and a coach, to victories, and becoming the top salesman in my region out of hundreds of competitors; I have proven that I can take an idea or concept and turn it into something real and mobilize people behind me. Every business in today's age understands the importance of building a strong brand, engaging/connecting with the community, personal relationships, a strong brand image, online presence, and the necessity of self-motivated independent leaders to guide it all.

My experiences include a multitude of industry segments and brand categories including B2B – sports, social media, adult beverages, and retail, as well as B2C - food/beverage, restaurant, professional sports, action sports, and retail among others. Leading sales organizations to consistent year after year growth in revenue and product distribution.

The following are examples of my various clients and industries served.

CPG & Beverage Industry 

From grapes to grain, my vast experience in the CPG & Beverage industry has led me to my current role in Sagamore Spirit. The industry for me began at age 14 busing tables at my local pizza parlor to mixing drinks at a swanky bar to my current career path in the adult beverage industry has been a passion. But now taking what I have learned over the years to continue my entrepreneurial spirit into launching a whiskey brand & RTD brands.

Professional Sports

TOUCHDOWN! My time in the professional sports industry was much more than working with professional athletes and attending games. It was a humbling experience and an education in business that none of my classes prepared me for. As my first job out of college, selling tickets for the Oakland Raiders taught me persistence pays off. 

Action Sports

 With the action sports industry booming in Southern California, I got bit by the entrepreneur bug. I decided to unbuckle my helmet, started my own apparel company at the age of 16, as well as began conducting market research studies for the leading action sports research firm. On a daily basis, I fully embraced the action sports lifestyle in all it had to offer.

Marketing/Branding

Brands that want to thrive, not simply survive, have to build a great brand. And LIVE IT! Understanding the importance of brand has been essential in everything I’ve done and have done. Because of all of the companies and brands I’ve been associated with, I’ve been entrusted with protecting a sense of brand at all costs. Whether it’s through social media, traditional marketing or face-to-face with customers brand is at the heart of those communications. 

The Entrepreneur 

What does the blossoming professional career of a detail-oriented business marketing major with extensive real-world sales and marketing experience look like? It looks like leadership; like success in generating sales for a professional football team and ongoing marketing and research support for companies within the action sports and lifestyle industries, It's taking that first step in entrepreneurship at 16 with my own apparel company, Tweek and a second step with Tip & Sip, a unique home delivery beer business.