Title: Vice President of Sales for the Central Region
Company: The Long Drink
Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, United States
Blake Krynicky, vice president of sales for the Central region at The Long Drink, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in food and beverage services.
For nearly 25 years, Mr. Krynicky has established himself as an esteemed figure in the food and beverage services industry, beginning with his own consulting firm and a focus on the restaurant industry. He owned two restaurant concepts and helped a struggling steak house in downtown Chicago, gaining a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the field.
Mr. Krynicky shifted his attention to the wine and beverage space in 2001, starting out as a state manager for Robert Mondavi Winery. He followed up on this by gaining experience as a regional sales manager at Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits (formerly W.J. Deutsch & Sons), Majestic Fine Wines, and Jackson Family Wines. In 2012, Mr. Krynicky joined Fetzer, beginning a tenure of over five years where he started in the position of director and rose to regional vice president of the Great Lakes and regional vice president of Metro East. He left Fetzer in 2018 for Chateau Ste. Michelle, where he contributed as a division manager and the managing director of the North Central region.
After a year as the director of sales for Freixnet Mionetto USA, Mr. Krynicky stepped into his current role with The Long Drink Company, where he has served as the vice president of sales for the Central region since 2022. Originating in Finland in the 1950s, “long drink” is a popular mixed drink of soda and gin. The Long Drink was founded in 2017 to bring this beverage to the United States. The company’s investors include actor Miles Teller and professional golfer Rickie Fowler.
As the vice president of sales, Mr. Krynicky oversees all sales operations for the Central region, which encompasses 14 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska and Louisiana. He aids in training, hiring, marketing and business planning across this region. Mr. Krynicky also manages the budget for the region, demonstrating his financial expertise. He takes great pride in taking on challenging projects and working hard, aspiring to the American pioneer values of sacrifice, vision and dedication.
Mr. Krynicky’s professional success has been supported by his background, both in his education and his family. He earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and culinary arts from Bucks County Community College in 1989. Mr. Krynicky credits his drive to the resilience and values instilled in him by his mother, an Ivy League graduate who worked multiple jobs to raise her family as a single parent. He also notes the influence of his grandfather, a contributor to the Manhattan Project, who taught him integrity, passion and a strong work ethic.
Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Krynicky is most proud of his commitment to mentorship. He is devoted to assisting others in the industry in realizing their full potential. Mr. Krynicky is deeply gratified to have had nearly a dozen former employees who are now, themselves, serving as vice presidents at wineries or spirit companies. He also supports the field as a member of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
In addition to his career, Mr. Krynicky is a loving husband and a father to a 14-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. He enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing and performing DIY work. Moving forward, Mr. Krynicky aims to continue lifting others up and helping them progress in their professional journeys. He also intends to spend more time on his health, which became a focus when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Though he is now cancer-free with the support of his wife, Mr. Krynicky remains passionate about improving how he takes care of himself. Within his role at The Long Drink, he plans to continue pushing a people-first philosophy, with thoughts of establishing another business in the years ahead.
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