William Scott Creason, Sr.
************@***.*** H: 502-***-****
Louisville KY 40207 ********@******.*** W: 502-***-****
Work Experience Summary
A highly creative marketer, manager and strategic planner who has brought
his experience and expertise to bear in both the consumer goods and service
industries. The range of experience stretches from Fortune 1000 companies
to mid-range privately-owned companies to small start up ventures. Possess
hands on experience in:
. Marketing Management
. Training/Development
. Production Management
. Financial Management
. Account Specific Marketing
. New Product Launches
. Strategic Planning
. Budget Development
. New Business Development
. Hospitality
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Rising Tide Beverage Consultants, LLC
Managing Director
2013-Present
Rising Tide Beverage Consultants offers a unique breadth of consultative
services designed to meet the needs of today's craft distillers and
beverage alcohol entrepreneurs. While most spirits consultants offer a
narrow scope of services, RTBC has the collective knowledge and experience
to assist in every phase of the client's life cycle. With over 130 years of
experience in the spirits industry, the RTBC Team of consultants, who have
been on the front lines before and can bring this experience to bear for
the client's operations, regardless of where they are in their lifecycle or
in which areas they need support.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC 2006-2012
Director of Marketing and Client Development
Responsible for all marketing and sales efforts for this large (275+
attorneys), southeastern-based law firm whose eight offices cover five
states. Oversee all advertising and public relations activities for the
firm and coordinate the individual efforts of each practice group and firm
office as they strive to differentiate themselves in a very competitive
marketplace on a statewide, regional and national basis while ensuring all
efforts are in keeping with the long-term strategic plan of the firm.
Manage a staff of five.
WSC Enterprises, LLC/ Business Consultant 2002-2006
President
Objective was to analyze small business investment opportunities in the
region. Over 30 separate businesses were seriously studied for possible
investment. One initial investment made in December, 2003 and was later
sold in July, 2004. Also, had several consulting assignments for
established companies and start up ventures to assist in development of
long-term plans and individual market strategies for expansion.
Brown-Forman Corporation
1979-2002
VP/General Manager- Labrot & Graham Distillery/ Woodford Reserve
1996 - 2002
Utilized abilities in team leadership, marketing creativity, public
speaking and project management to take this innovative concept from the
drawing board to a commercial success in only six years.
. Oversaw the investment of over $13 million in the renovation of a 185-
year old facility turning it into a major tourist destination and
showcase of the Bourbon industry
. Managed an additional $10 million investment in the product development
of Woodford Reserve Bourbon including the conceptualization, package
design and advertising/ public relations campaign development.
. Responsible for the creation of the on-site, hospitality program at the
facility resulting in a visitor count of almost 100,000 visitors today.
It was also an integral part of the ultimate success of the Kentucky
Bourbon Trail program, which attracts almost 600,000+ visitors annually
to Kentucky.
Held Various Marketing and Managerial Position within BFC: 1979-1006
Assistant to the President, North American Group
This sales and marketing organization generated approximately $750 million
in revenue and nearly $100 million in profit.
. Handled a wide range of special projects and assignments for the
President which capitalized on my breadth of experience and knowledge of
the company and the spirits industry.
. Specifically responsible for development of a highly creative
distributor sales incentive program that resulted in annual sales
doubling their targeted volume increases
AVP/ Brand Director - Imported Wines
Responsible for over $100 million in sales and $15 million in profit.
. Orchestrated development of several new products from a major Italian
supplier helping to reposition this supplier in the US imported, super
premium table wine business.
Other positions held were:
Senior Brand Manager - New Products
National Brand Manager - Old Forester Bourbon/ Ushers Scotch
Associate Brand Manager - Canadian Whisky
Assistant to the Chairman and President of BF Spirits Ltd.
Field Sales Representative - Miami and Orlando, Florida markets
Courier-Journal & Louisville Times Co.
1974-1977
Management Trainee
Spent three years implementing a personalized training program that took me
through every department in the Bingham family-owned newspapers
United States Navy
1971-1974
Officer
Spent three years as a Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer (NGLO) with the First
Battalion, 12th Marines at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Major responsibility for running the naval target island,
Kahoolawe for the Pacific Fleet.
EDUCATION
MBA Darden School, University of Virginia, 1979
BA, English, University of Virginia, 1971
Civic Involvement
Cabbage Patch Settlement House Board (2013-present)
Leadership Kentucky (Class of 1996)
Leadership Louisville (Class of 2008)
Jefferson Scholars Regional Selection Committee (Since 1982)
Session Member - Second Presbyterian Church (3, three-year terms)
Home of the Innocents Board (past)
Louisville Collegiate School Board (past)