For more than 25 years, Jose Quiray has been in the business of helping people discover and enjoy everything from fine wines to craft beer. Throughout his sales career, he’s worked for a variety of beverage brands, and today he is a regional sales manager at Mast-Jägermeister US, known for its signature herbal liquor.
Quiray was first introduced to MJUS back in 2006 after landing his first sales rep role. “I knew that the company was authentic with regards to who they are and what they sell," he says. “Plus, the wife of a former colleague had worked for them for well over 10 years, and nobody would stay that long if it wasn't a good fit.”
MJUS checked even more boxes for Quiray: It was a family-owned business and the current employees he spoke to all had positive things to say about the company culture.
Here, Quiray shares how MJUS has helped him grow in his sales career, why the company is an exciting place to work, and his favorite way to drink Jägermeister.
You’ve been with MJUS for over five years and were recently promoted to your current role. How did the company support your growth?
MJUS has a people-first mentality and there are many opportunities to learn and grow. Personally, my direct manager and I developed a quarterly development plan with ongoing check-ins. For the overall company, MJUS provides individual coaching programs, mid-year check-ins, internal workshops, and leadership programs through DISCUS Academy.
What are you responsible for as a regional sales manager?
I am responsible for distributor engagement and leading an awesome sales team across Alaska, Nevada, and Washington.
What has been your proudest achievement since joining MJUS?
Prior to my current role, I was the area manager of Hawaii. However, I was not living there and working in a completely different time zone. While that could have been viewed as a challenge, through teamwork and hard work, I am proud to share that Hawaii achieved its goal for the year in both volume and distribution.
How would you “sell” working at MJUS to a potential candidate?
MJUS is a great place to work, with a strong balance of people and performance culture. If you want to be part of one of the most iconic brands in the spirit industry and one of the fastest- growing tequila brands in the market and want to surround yourself with fun people who will make you better professionally, then I highly suggest you apply to one of our open roles.
What are the keys to succeeding in sales?
Listening and effective communication are two of the biggest keys to success, both internally and when working with a client to communicate our needs and expectations. It is also imperative to always be prepared with your goal and your plan on how you are going to achieve it.
In what ways are you involved in helping MJUS build a strong culture?
I try to make sure that I have a positive attitude in everything that I do keep our core values top of mind. In addition, I'm involved in our DE&I programming, identifying trainings, furthering education, and encouraging colleague participation.
How do you maintain work-life balance? What do you like to do for fun?
I travel quite a bit for work, so I make a concerted effort to maintain work-life balance. I spend time with my girlfriend and our dog, as well as camping and traveling with friends. I also love cooking and I’m always on the hunt for the best chicken sandwich!
What is your favorite way to drink Jägermeister and why?
Sharing ice cold shots of Jägermeister with friends.