Pros
Bronco Wine (Classic Wines of CA) sales is perfect as an entry level opportunity to enter the wine industry. While you’re here acquire as much wine, sparkling wine, sake and beer knowledge as possible. The typical lifecycle for a Classic Wines of California rep is about 12-15 months (Industry standard is 3-5 Years). This time frame is extremely short for this industry, and a clear indicator that the employees are in a constant state of flux for negative reasons.
Cons
The cons working for this company are many. First, you’ll immediately identify that the the base and commissions on the wines you sell are extremely low, especially compared to other industry competitors. Bronco/Classic is one of the lowest paying distributors in California. Next, you are required to hit a monthly sales goal of $40k-$45k. Once you are hitting that goal consistently ownership will “reward you” by cutting your territory, most times your territory is cut by 30%-50% so you can “focus” on opening new accounts. You are then left to immediately double and even triple your efforts in order to make up those sales dollars. This will not stop! Routes are typically cut once a year. The volume of phone calls from management and paperwork will immediately increase and the new standard of management for you will immediately become “Start performing and get those numbers up or you’ll be having a surprise meeting with your manager and the NorCal or SoCal division manager immediately after lunch at the GSM to motivate you: get going or else!” Then, the commission structure changes annually: pay is reduced. Once you are selling certain brands that you are making your money with ownership will conveniently reduce the commission on those wines. Of course, you will be notified during the monthly General Sales Meeting that this will be happening the following month, which will give you a two week heads up. Finally, the ownership group and their next generation of owners operate with the philosophy that “employees are an inexhaustible resource that can easily be replaced.” The faces at the GSM’s are constantly changing. When you start your career at Bronco/Classic you are made to feel like part of their family… Make no mistake about it, the honeymoon period will end in roughly 2-3 months. Keep your eyes open for more lucrative and more professional opportunities with other companies with better reputations, it will serve you well.
