From Tahoe Queen to Bounty Hunter Queen Bee

The scoop on Summer: Benicia, California-born and raised, Summer Olson has come a long way from her days as the F&B Manager on South Lake Tahoe’s paddle cruise boat, the Tahoe Queen. Well, maybe not geographically speaking, but in terms of career trajectory, Summer’s work path has taken her to three Super Bowls, the Masters and the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The Chico State grad with a BA in Recreation Administration and an emphasis in Resort and Lodging Management spent a year bouncing around the resort and recreation circuit – and the slopes – of Lake Tahoe before landing a gig in LA as a sports and travel assistant for sports travel ticket company RazorGator. Within a year Summer was managing the day-to-day operations, arranging all the travel details for groups and individuals looking to attend major sporting events across the globe. When the founders left to start a social media site dedicated to soccer, or, as Summer says, “futbol,” they asked Summer to make a move back to the Bay Area and join the start-up. She invested three years in the fledgling company before the founders themselves parted ways, and Summer found herself on the ground floor of yet another start-up, Global Event Forum. It was in this atmosphere that Summer saw a posting on Winejobs.com for a Bounty Hunter Wine Scout.

“I knew I wasn’t qualified in the least but thought I might fit somewhere else, so I submitted my resume. I seemed to have luck on my side because about three to four weeks later, Craig House called to say that, while I wasn’t qualified for the Scout position, he wondered if I was interested in the Event & PR Manager position. Um, yes!”

Summer interviewed on Valentine’s Day. “I had to leave a lasting impression because I’d done my research and I really wanted to work for this company.” Catering to the company’s collective sweet tooth, she brought box of chocolates to the interview and left it with Julie, Craig and Stefan. “I think that’s the only day of the year where that is somewhat acceptable and not totally desperate,” she says, smiling.

The job was hers by the end of the week. Although she says it’s a dream gig, Team Bounty Hunter has piled a lot onto the new hire’s plate. Only a few months in, Summer is already responsible for cultivating awareness for the Bounty Hunter Wine Bar, via social media, traditional PR and local outreach. She ensures the local businesses are always kept in the loop when it comes to tantalizing deals like the Pony Express lunch club, and she targets concierges across the Napa, Sacramento and Bay areas so that they are always the first to know about the amazing BBQ and new wines available.

Summer is also bringing back one of founder Mark Pope’s time honored traditions: The Bounty Hunter Road Shows. “Our first show will take place in Laguna Beach in September. It will be a luxury tasting experience, a sneak preview of the Fall catalog and a chance for our clients to interact with their Scouts and bring their friends to see what the Bounty Hunter is all about.”

When she finds free time, Summer helps with promotional material production, sends birthday cards to clients, and researches global food and wine events; she’s constantly on the lookout for hot happenings that are a good fit for the Bounty Hunter. She also finds herself out in the field at local events like the Hall Cabernet Cookoff and Auction Napa Valley. “It’s always fun to get out there and see the way the crowd loves those ribs!”

The best part of the job, Summer says, is how healthy the company is. “Bounty Hunter is made up of great people, all working hard to reach the same goal. They provide us with great resources and support to get the job done, and that is amazing. Craig has told me a few times that I’m doing a great job, and once that he’s proud of me. To be appreciated and valued, that is the best.”

We’re thrilled to have Summer on board here at Bounty Hunter Headquarters.