James Thomas Flaherty April 18, 1937 – January 2, 2021
James Thomas Flaherty, lovingly called “Big Jim” by all, passed away from pneumonia in the early morning hours of January 2, 2021. Jim began his distinguished 41-year career in the beverage alcohol industry at the Schlitz Brewing Company in 1961 out of Waukegan, Illinois. He started as a Merchandising Manager and held the following positions: District Manager (WI), National Sales Promotion Project Manager (WI), National Sales Promotion Manager (WI), Regional Advertising Manager (CA), and V.P. Regional Advertising Manager (KS). Jim’s creativity and experience were highly admired and in 1973, the President of Jules Berman, the sole importer of Kahlúa, called and offered Jim the position of National Advertising Manager. He would be responsible for all national advertising and merchandising activities for the company’s Kahlúa coffee
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liqueur, Arandas Tequila, Grand Award Canadian Whiskey and Mistala Rosé Wine. “Flaherty brings us valuable marketing experience, primarily gained during the past 12 years with a major brewer, in the fields of advertising, merchandising and sales both on the West Coast and in the Mid-West …” – President of Jules Berman (Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Monday, July 30, 1973) Jim was instrumental in the success of Kahlúa from a brand marketing and sales perspective. He continued his career under the umbrella of Maidstone Wine & Spirits and held positions as Director of Marketing and Brand Development, National Sales Manager of Kahlúa and Vice President. Jim was loyal to the core and remained an important asset to Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine (formerly Hiram Walker). He was appointed Senior Vice President, Director of the Business Development Group and SVP Director of Corporate National Accounts. He is most widely known for planting “Corporate On-Premise National Accounts” on the beverage alcohol industry map and leading the most successful and talented teams in the industry. They were responsible for a large portfolio of brands including Maker’s Mark, Canadian Club, Kahlúa, Courvoisier, Sauza, and more. Their team mission simply stated: “To be recognized by customers and distributors as the most prolific, consumerfocused brand and profit-building team in the industry. Our business is based on relationships. The corporate accounts sales team cultivates long-term, strategic partnerships with accounts, working closely in helping them design and implement programs that meet the mutual needs of both the chains and Allied Domecq.” – Jim Flaherty (article by Elizabeth Sterling) It is a mission that remains within National Accounts to this day. Jim’s impact and influence can be found spread throughout the industry, from the success of the professionals who have gone on to work for suppliers like Pernod Ricard USA, Beam
