2023 Q1 Spirited VA - 11

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
Marc Beacham, Store Manager, Store 226, Norfolk
M
arc Beacham began his journey
with Virginia ABC back in 2005. " I was
recruited by ABC legend Curlee Overton, "
Beacham recalls.
" Marc fits every category of ABC values
of accountability, service, integrity and
performance excellence, " says District
Manager Latasha Jordan. " He is not only
dedicated to his region but the entire
company. He stands on ABC values, all of
them, and it shows in his performance and
his relationship with his peers. It has been a
pleasure to see him grow into the amazing
manager that he is today. "
What have you enjoyed about working with
Virginia ABC?
The people I have met. If not for working
here I would have never met my soulmate,
Wendy Knight, at Store 246 or my mentor,
Darnell Hudson, manager of Store 278.
Name one or two of your work responsibilities
that you most enjoy.
I truly enjoy making sure that each customer
has an enjoyable shopping experience. I really
enjoy training staff members in everything
from point of sales and product knowledge
to licensee orders and receiving the delivery.
Also, I really enjoy housekeeping, making sure
that the store is clean, not only for an excellent
shopping experience but also for safety.
What makes a quality Virginia ABC store?
Shawn, Alice, Debra, Lisa, Jennifer, Alex, John,
Mable, Tim, Nancy, Benita, Deshantay, Will
and Gabriel-my team. A group of diverse
perspectives coming together to offer world
class service, selection and knowledge.
How do you learn about the many spirits
and cocktails on Virginia ABC store shelves?
We Google new items when they come in,
pairing this with product knowledge offered
by ABC and product vendor representatives.
We also rely on customers that purchase items
for their feedback. It also doesn't hurt to try
some of the products for firsthand knowledge.
How do you help customers find the perfect
products when they're unsure what they want?
Having knowledge of all the product categories
helps. Then it's a matter of asking enough
questions to lead you to the recommendation.
Sometimes in asking the questions it helps
the customer realize what they want.
In your role with Virginia ABC, how do you
promote public safety?
This aspect is one of our most important
responsibilities. As the store manager, it's
my responsibility to ensure that all staff
members are properly trained, monitored
and continually reminded of the importance
of public safety.
Each staff member should ensure they
determine in a consistent manner whether
a customer isn't intoxicated, interdicted or
underage before proceeding with the sale. Staff
members should feel they are fully supported in
situations where sales may have to be declined.
How do you apply Virginia ABC's core
values: accountability, service, integrity
and performance excellence?
Performance excellence is very important
to me. Some say I have an unparalleled
work ethic and expect perfection. It's just
the way I was raised and the values that my
grandparents and parents instilled in me. I
feel like performance excellence encompasses
the other three values. I'm proud to say that
I've seen three of my former staff members
go on to become managers, one assistant
manager and two senior sales associates. I've
also trained 18 managers, assistant managers
and lead sales associates.
Tell us something about you, outside of
your work with Virginia ABC, that your
customers might be interested to know.
I am an out and proud gay man who loves
the Dallas Cowboys, baking, horror movies,
traveling and my family. I was born in Norfolk
General Hospital on Friday the 13th. I was lucky
enough to have a bicoastal college experience.
-Annie Tobey
SPIRITED VIRGINIA | JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2023 11
2023 Q1 Spirited VA

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2023 Q1 Spirited VA
