Laurie Thornton
About Laurie Thornton
Laurie Thornton is an Account Development Specialist for Attractions at Disney and co-owner of Thornton Family Enterprises, LLC. With extensive experience in the beverage industry, she has held various roles at Breakthru Beverage Group and E. & J. Gallo Winery, focusing on sales and training in the wine and spirits sectors.
Work at Breakthru Beverage Group
Laurie Thornton has held multiple roles at Breakthru Beverage Group, serving as an Account Development Specialist focused on Orlando Attractions since 2022. Prior to this role, she worked as an Account Development Specialist for the Gallo Portfolio from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, she was a Sales Consultant for the Hotel and Restaurant sector from 2019 to 2020. In her current position, she acts as a liaison between Walt Disney World and the Breakthru Beverage network, facilitating business-to-business relationships.
Current Role at Thornton Family Enterprises, LLC
Laurie Thornton is a Co-Owner of Thornton Family Enterprises, LLC, a position she has held since 2020. This role involves overseeing business operations and strategic initiatives within the company. The enterprise is based in Winter Garden, Florida, and focuses on leveraging her extensive background in sales and account development.
Education and Expertise
Laurie Thornton earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the Fox School of Business at Temple University, studying from 2003 to 2008. She also completed her high school education at Council Rock High School, where she focused on General Studies and Music. Her educational background supports her expertise in creating innovative cocktails, wine programs, and catering features.
Sales Experience and Industry Knowledge
Laurie Thornton has extensive experience in the beverage industry, having worked as a Sales Consultant at E. & J. Gallo Winery from 2015 to 2019. She also served as an Area Sales Manager at Performance Food Group from 2012 to 2015. Throughout her career, she has shared her knowledge across various venues and concepts, providing training on industry trends in wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Background in Catering and Hospitality
Laurie Thornton's career includes a brief tenure as a Catering Sales Manager at Forsgate Country Club in 2010. This experience adds to her background in hospitality, complementing her roles in sales and account development within the beverage sector.