Csw Chris Smith

Chris Smith, CSW has a diverse work experience spanning over two decades. Chris has worked in various roles within the beverage and retail industry. Starting in 2000, they worked as a Video Manager, Cashier, and Front End Manager at KVAT Foods Inc. Chris then moved on to become a Retail Pricing Specialist and later a Retail Pricing Manager, responsible for managing the retail pricing department and achieving sales goals.

In 2005, Chris took on the role of Director of Video & General Merchandise at KVAT Foods Inc., where they managed the video department staff and projected annual and monthly budgets. Chris continued in this role until 2011 when they added the responsibility of Director of Video/Non-Foods/General Merchandise. In 2012, they became the Director of Video/Non-Foods/General Merchandise/Beer, Wine & Spirits, expanding their area of responsibility to include the Beer, Wine, and Spirits departments.

In 2013, Chris joined K-VA-T Foods, Inc. as the Director of Video/Cookies/Crackers/Salty Snacks/General Merchandise/Beer, Wine & Spirits, where they were responsible for attaining corporate sales goals and procuring new items for the categories.

Most recently, Chris worked at Blue Ridge Beverage Company, Inc. as the Retail Area Manager, Malt Beverage Sales Manager, Director of Sales/Wine Sales Manager, and currently holds the position of Director of Sales. In these roles, they supervised sales, delivery, and merchandising organizations, set sales budgets and forecasts, and was accountable for overall sales performance and brand development.

Chris Smith, CSW, has a strong educational background in music and wine. Chris obtained a Master of Music Education degree with a focus in music education from East Tennessee State University, where they attended from 1996 to 2000. Prior to their graduate studies, they earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music performance from the same institution, graduating in 1996.

In addition to their music education, Chris Smith has also received certifications in the field of wine. In 2015, they successfully completed the Court of Master Sommeliers - Introductory Course Examination from The Court of Master Sommeliers. This accomplishment was followed by obtaining the Certified Specialist of Wine certification from the Society of Wine Educators in the same year.