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Brian Leventhal
Co-Founder and CEO at First Batch Hospitality
Professional Background
Brian Leventhal is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and finance professional with a sturdy foundation in hospitality and winery management. He has made significant contributions to the culinary and beverage sector through his visionary leadership roles. As the co-founder and CEO of First Batch Hospitality, Brian has exhibited a unique talent for creating memorable dining and drinking experiences that resonate with consumers and foster community engagement.
Prior to his venture with First Batch Hospitality, Brian showcased his expertise as the co-founder and CEO of District Winery, a pioneering establishment that brought the unique concept of urban winemaking to Washington, D.C. Through his innovative spirit and dedication, he transformed District Winery into a celebrated destination, recognized for its exemplary wines and dynamic environment. Additionally, Brian was instrumental in the success of Brooklyn Winery, where he garnered invaluable experience in wine production and hospitality.
Before delving into the world of hospitality, Brian honed his analytical skills as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company, one of the leading consultancy firms in the world. His tenure at McKinsey provided him with critical insights into business strategy, operations, and financial management. This foundational experience set the stage for his later roles in corporate strategy and finance at ExpoTV, where he developed a keen understanding of the interplay between consumer behavior and business decisions.
Education and Achievements
Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in Finance and Accounting from the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis. His academic background has equipped him with a robust understanding of financial principles and practices, which he has successfully applied in his various leadership roles throughout his career.
Brian’s blend of finance expertise, strategic analysis, and entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to cultivate successful businesses and contribute to various aspects of the hospitality industry. Under his leadership, both District Winery and Brooklyn Winery earned accolades and loyal followings, setting standards for quality and community engagement.
Brian believes that the foundation of a great business lies in a relentless commitment to quality and service. His achievements reflect that philosophy as he focuses on creating environments where customers feel valued and welcomed. He is passionate about fostering relationships with both his customers and partners, aiming to enhance the experience in every touchpoint of his brands.
Notable Contributions
As a testament to his innovative approach and leadership skills, Brian has not only excelled in establishing award-winning wine and dining experiences but has also become a sought-after figure in the hospitality community. His endeavors have inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in the wine and restaurant sectors. He is known for advocating for sustainable practices and community-driven initiatives, setting a great example for businesses looking to make a positive impact.
Brian's journey in the wine industry reflects a strong commitment to quality and community engagement, winning the hearts of many wine enthusiasts and culinary aficionados. He has played an integral role in carving out distinctive identities for his ventures, bridging the gap between traditional winemaking and contemporary urban life. Through his work, Brian has demonstrated the potential for growth in the hospitality industry while aligning business objectives with local culture and sustainability.
Achievements
- Co-founder and CEO of First Batch Hospitality, leading innovative dining and drinking experiences.
- Successfully established District Winery as a top destination in Washington, D.C.
- Co-founded Brooklyn Winery, enhancing the urban winemaking experience and culture.
- Managed corporate strategy and finance at ExpoTV, bringing insights to operational decisions.
- Developed broad strategic skills during tenure as Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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