Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with 40 Knots Winery, clean, ethical wines, in Comox, Vancouver Island, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
At 40 Knots, clean, ethical wines are a promise. This guides us in every step we take farming, cellar management, crush pad operation, our store, our delivery to the customer, and our promise to protect the environment. Our goal is to grow ultra-premium grapes on Vancouver Island. Some of the greatest vineyards in the world are grown near oceans with the salt air embedding the Burgundy oak. Great wines are not made in the tank and the barrel. Great wines come from the vineyard. 40 Knots is Delicious by Nature.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?
We are a family-run business. Layne looks after the farm and cellar, I look after the business side of the farm and winery, and our daughters look after customers of the winery and venues. We are passionate about giving our customers the best experience. We teach. We host celebrations. We deliver top-quality products to our customers. We are motivated by every customer's smile, pride in our work, passion for farming, and belief in sustainability.
As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
We purchased the vineyards and winery in 2014. We brought the business from being a start-up to winning Best Winery voted by our customers for the last 7 consecutive years. We are one of two businesses in Canada that have achieved Platinum status through Green Step, an International program. We are buying a home for the homeless that will have our business name on it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
Government regulations. We have a LOT of licenses and we are subjected to regular inspections and audits and paperwork. It is daunting and disrupts our availability to grow our business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
Grow a network in your industry. It is never too early or too late to start. Be part of your community. They will support you during tough economic times. Never compete, only collaborate. Make sure you have a strong team where there is mutual trust and include your accountant, banker, and lawyer in that team. Diversify your team. Any business will need a creator, a numbers person, a collaborator, a promoter.
Where can people find you online?
https://www.40knotswinery.com/
https://www.instagram.com/40knotswinery/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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