Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Kennedy.
Hi Tess, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I honestly kind of stumbled into the alcohol industry. I studied Journalism/Media Studies at San Diego State (Go Aztecs!) and came across an opportunity as a promotions/events specialist for a brewery during college. It seemed it would be a perfect opportunity as a part-time job before I graduated, but when I interviewed for the role, they ended up wanting to hire me as a full-time Sales Representative. They waited a few weeks for me to graduate from college, and I started my first sales role in the beer industry at 22 years old, the day after I graduated college. I stayed in the beer industry for five years at that same company (FIFCO USA- previously- North American Breweries) and eventually worked my way up to an Area Sales Manager.
Then Covid hit, and I switched for one year to the seltzer game. I worked for Nude Beverages, a Canadian-based hard-seltzer start-up company, and brand new to launching in the US. That year gave me quite a bit of start-up company experience. I realized quickly I really preferred working hard in a start-up environment as opposed to the corporate environment.
Then, I found Seaborn Cocktails.. or they found me. Seaborn Co-Founders, Tom Jones and Mike Mihaly were connected to me through the Scout Distributing founders. We met in the spring of 2021 as they were just about to launch Seaborn- an incredible, canned, ready-to-drink, agave-wine-based margarita company. We hit it off instantly, and I was thrilled when they offered me the Director of Sales position at Seaborn.
We launched the brand in the summer of 2021 and are just coming up on four years of building this incredible company.
I’m so lucky. I’ve always enjoyed sales, but there is such a big difference when you are selling something you actually care about, believe in, and enjoy yourself!
When I look back to where I was professionally four years ago, it’s pretty crazy. The company growth has been incredible, but my professional growth has been remarkable. I truly feel as I now know the ins and outs of starting and growing a business from nothing into something incredible. It’s been such a blessing to get to create, learn, and grow so much. I’m also so thankful to get to work with some pretty amazing people.
I’m currently the Vice President of Seaborn Cocktails, a partner in the company, and I remain the head of sales.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? Heck no! Tom and I always joke about how it’s like a roller coaster- super high highs and sometimes there are low lows and twists and turns and maybe even some upside-down loops.
But we all love a good roller coaster, right?
We have a very small team. Small but mighty!! We all wear a lot of different hats and are very adaptable to jumping in and being able to handle anything that might be thrown our way. Some days it feels like I’m working 7 different roles in one, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The beverage industry is massive and extremely competitive. It’s challenging at times to be a smaller, local brand when you are up against so many big corporate titans with very large budgets.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the Vice President of Sales and partner at Seaborn Cocktails.
A local San Diego-based cocktail company that makes ready-to-drink agave wine-based margaritas and cocktails.
I’m most proud of my loyalty, dedication, optimism, hard work, drive, and my can-do attitude.
I’m also extremely proud of the Seaborn business I have created throughout Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure. I manage and oversee our business there. I sold our margaritas into the park in 2023 and have grown a substantial cocktail portfolio business there ever since. The growth has been incredible!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the sunshine!! I love the ocean and the happy demeanor of the people here. I love how active everyone is and I love all the incredible restaurants and activities- there is so much to do.
I’m proud to call myself a San Diegan and am SO happy I live here!
Definitely traffic.. that’s what I like least about SD.
Pricing:
- Seaborn Margarita Variety 8 packs $18.99
- Seaborn Margarita 4 packs $9.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seaborncocktails.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaborncocktails/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seaborncocktails/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seaborn-margaritas
Image Credits
Brendan Kragel
