Remembering “Big” Jim Flaherty

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 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

Jim with his wife of 60 years, Joanna Flaherty.

Global Spirits & Wine, and The Patrón Spirits Company; and across independents, buyers and third-party agencies. “He was one of my first mentors in the business, working on the Kahlúa brand (back in 1988) and was instrumental in bringing IMI to Marriott International to help develop the “Gold Standard Brands” beverage program, which was the first of its kind for the on-premise. Jim was sometimes referred to as the “Godfather of National Accounts.” – Don Billings, IMI Agency Jim retired in 2002 but continued to consult with his own company, Flaherty Beverage, and remained on the Millennium Advisory Board. Over the years, Jim was honored with many awards and accolades, which included receiving the first Hospitality ICON Award in 2009, given by Patrick Henry Creative Promotions. “Jim is a dear friend and I have tremendous respect for him. It’s a true testament to his talent and influence that some of the best people in the beverage hospitality industry today are the ones that Jim personally hired and trained.” – Patrick Henry, PHCP 2009 (ICON Awards) Those who know Big Jim love and admire him. They describe him as humble, honest, caring, kind, fair, fun, generous, a mentor, a role model, a solid guy, soft but tough and having a big heart. He led by example at work and home. He was a quiet man but larger than life. His warm and magnetic manner gathered a multitude of friends throughout his career and retirement, who always remained in contact. In the last six years during his illness when he was unable to walk alone, drive, travel or play golf, he would say, “I miss you. When I get better, let’s get together. I’m going to come see you.” He really meant that; his thoughts never wavered. Prior to Jim’s illness, he loved to golf, travel, volunteer with the Disaster Response Team in Westlake Village, Los Angeles County, and watch his favorite sports teams – Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He deeply loved his family and was a devoted husband, father and adoring grandfather to his twin grandchildren. “A tough Irish kid with a huge heart from the steel mills of northern Indiana, he never forgot where he was from. He was humble and always treated his people great. That’s why everyone wanted to work for him. I am truly blessed to have been included in that group.” – Gregg Walker, President of Beverage Management Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Joanna (née Plain) Flaherty of Westlake Village; children, James Flaherty, Lori (née Flaherty) Vance and her husband Victor Vance, and Erin Flaherty and her fiancé Cory Leibin; grandchildren, Vanessa Vance and Dylan Vance; sister, Patricia (née Flaherty) Cox and her husband Charles Cox.

I loved Jim Flaherty. When we created the Gold Standard Beverage Program at Marriott, we were attempting to do something that had not been done before. For this program to be successful, we had to have risk-takers and visionary partners that saw the importance and values of putting the greater good of the team first. And, we had to have trusting, collaborating relationships that were committed to doing what they said they would do. The Gold Standard Program remains a vitally important program of Marriott’s 28+ years later, due to leaders like Jim who truly poured the foundation. Jim always made you feel special and was a friend first and business partner second. His character was and is that of a proud family man, one who loved competition yet would always put others before himself. His infectious laugh, after hearing a great joke or good news, spread joy to those around him. When Jim gave you his word about something, you knew not to worry about whether it would be completed. The answer was yes, which was always a testament to his character. Jim was a strong man that never took himself too seriously and was not afraid to put on a silly costume in Aruba or shirtless denim overalls in Hawaii, or let my wife wrap her arms around his belly on a jet ski, almost flipping off when hitting a big wave in Cancun. No matter where the meeting destination was, he seemed to always let you win at golf for some reason, too. Jim loved so well. He loved his family. He loved his teams. He loved his brands. He loved his accounts. He loved his industry. He loved his Lakers and he loved his home state of Indiana. I wish I could tell you this to your face, Jim, because writing it and not being able to see your face or hear you on the other end of the phone is truly heartbreaking. I loved Jim Flaherty. Our brands were Premium, but YOU, my friend, were TOP Shelf! I hope you knew this — I believe you did.

With all my love and sincerest condolences, Rob Gillette Renaissance Austin Hotel

Sadly, Jim Flaherty passed away over the holidays. He was 83 years young and an ICON of our industry. I knew Big Jim and worked with Jim starting in 1986 when he was National Sales Manager for Kahlúa at Maidstone Wine & Spirits, and then at Allied Lyons. Kahlúa was my first account project with Jim for the precursor of IMI Agency, which didn’t come into being for another three years. I picked up on Jim’s career while he was at Maidstone Wine & Spirits and followed him through Hiram Walker, Allied Lyons and Allied Domecq, as each was acquired by the other. My work with Jim and the story ends in 2005, with Beam Global and Pernod-Ricard picking up the majority of Allied Domecq brands as the major beverage companies evolved. Jim retired but still had things he wanted to accomplish and started his own company, Flaherty Beverage. He was my first mentor in the business and was instrumental in developing our company, IMI. I got to work on several brand account projects — not only Kahlúa but also Courvoisier, Cutty Sark, Laphroig, Maker’s Mark, Canadian Club, Sauza, Harvey’s Bristol Cream and Drambuie, which took me all over the world and created the jumping-off point for me and IMI to create a whole other set of adventures to this day.

Jim was instrumental in bringing IMI to Marriott International to help develop the “Gold Standard Brands” beverage program, which was the first of its kind for the on-premise. And many people referred to Jim as the “Godfather of National Accounts.” Jim Flaherty worked in the hospitality beverage industry for 41 years and was with Allied Domecq for 35 of those years. His titles ranged from National Sales Manager for Kahlúa and Director of Business Development for Allied Domecq, to Senior Vice President & National Sales for Allied Domecq. Jim’s impact and influence can be found throughout the industry from the success of people who have gone on to work for The Patrón Spirits Company, Beam Global Spirits and Wine, and Pernod Ricard USA to independent suppliers, buyers and agencies such IMI Agency, PHCP, Marketeam and BMO, as well as many more. Thank you, Jim, for the rich experiences, knowledge and skills you helped foster in so many people in the on-premise. With that, I’d like to just let some of the many other people he touched during his career share their personal experiences. Don Billings, Founding Partner IMI Agency and Publisher of in the Mix Media Big Jim’s retirement party.

Working in the industry is a love learned by observing my dad in his life and career. Strong but embracing, leading but teaching by example, delegating but working alongside of his team – that was part of his charm. Revered yet humble, he formed his relationships with respect, honesty and unconditional affection. He was a magnet – people were drawn to him, loved and respected him, and wanted to perform. ‘Relationships first, business will follow’ was his mantra. I saw how he made his team a loyal family; they worked hard, yet laughed, loved and lived the business. My career in the beverage alcohol industry was a natural progression of admiration for my dad, a businessman, an icon.

I am grateful.

Erin Flaherty Senior NAM – On Premise American Beverage Marketers

RIGHT: Jim pictured with his daughter, Erin Flaherty, who is Senior National Account Manager On-Premise for American Beverage Marketers.

When you were on Big Jim’s team, you became part of his extended family, and he treated you as such. He was incredibly loyal to his team members and gave us his 100 percent trust to do the right thing.” – Chuck Summers

Jim Flaherty was a one of a kind. He was an incredible leader but also a friend. From the moment I started working for him, I felt like family. He was incredibly kind and gentle but had an amazing vision of what ‘National Accounts’ should be. He was a pioneer in this channel. I look back at my career and know that the success I have had was a tribute to Jim and my entire Allied Domecq family. Joni, Jim, Lori and Erin should be incredibly proud of him. He was a true legend.” – Donna Frederick

Big Jim Flaherty was larger than life. The best boss, mentor, coach and friend anyone could ask for. I feel so lucky for all the great memories. He will be missed terribly but celebrated every day!” – Mike O’Connell We will be forever grateful for Jim and his leadership and support of our work. He mentored us to become the National Account managers that we are today.” – Nora Lee Smith, Delicato Family Wines National Accounts Manager

There are many things that defined Jim Flaherty – his leadership, his energy, his capacity to celebrate and enjoy life. But I think the defining thing about Jim was the gracious way he treated others.” – Gregg Walker, Beverage Management Outsourcing

True gentleman! Jim made everyone feel like they were important, more than a friend and part of the family. Our industry lost a true icon and to everyone who knew him, we all lost a best friend.” – John J. Maggio, Strategic Accounts Director On-Premise, Patrón Spirits

When I started my career with NCB, I was young and green. Jim took me under his wing and helped me navigate the world of beverage. His advice was instrumental in my career. He was a trusted friend, mentor, leader and one of the industry’s best ambassadors. He was a beacon.” – Jen Robinson, CEO/Duchess, The Pineapple Group, LLC

Allied Domecq on-premise team.

Maidstone & Kahlúa Group