Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mitchell Glick, Partner of Gemz Brandz Selections, located in Allen, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Gemz Brandz is a fully integrated wine and spirits import, marketing, and sales agency specializing in brand development, bringing great wines and spirits from around the world to the US, Canada, and Caribbean markets. Our goal is to ensure that everyday consumers have the opportunity to experience and purchase items from our trusted supplier partners through quality distribution.
In the highly regulated alcohol beverage industry in the U.S., we sell our products B2B to distributors, who then wholesale to the different types of licensed retailers that include grocery, fine wine stores, online retailers, restaurants, and hotels which make our products available for purchase by consumers. We coordinate sales and marketing to support distribution and create visibility for our global portfolio.
Tell us about yourself
My passion for wine and interest in constantly learning more and entering the "wine business" started when I first worked as a wine pourer at Window on the World Wine School. I was very excited to learn and experience more and acquired a thirst for constant exploration. My main motivation is the opportunity to demystify the complex aura that sometimes surrounds wine as a beverage, as that introductory wine course had done for me. I really enjoy introducing consumers to new experiences and flavors to gain the confidence to explore on their own ultimately.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner is successfully managing my time and effort between running the business operation itself, positively contributing to sales, and staying connected to our suppliers, products, and customers.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Saying "no" is definitely one of the hardest things about being a business owner. When it is your business, you innately feel you have the power and ability to pivot and take advantage of every opportunity. Maintaining focus on your core business objectives is key.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips are:
- Select an industry or product that you have a passion for and that excites you - That way; it isn't "work."
- Choose your team and business partners wisely. This is important because, in many cases, you will interact with these people more than your own family.
- Take risks and work hard to achieve your goals. There is nothing worse than thinking about what could have been, so take the risk, work hard and make sure you share the success with your team and stakeholders.
The above tips could be supported by 3 quotes that have been more famously circulated…
- Warren Buffet: "When you love what you do, it just doesn't feel like work."
- Warren Buffet: "Be associated with people you like. I only work with people I like. If I could make $100 million with a guy who causes my stomach to churn, I'd say no."
- Wayne Gretzky: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://gemzbrandz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemzbrandz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellglick/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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