Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brett Isenhower, Co-Founder of Isenhower Cellars, located in Walla Walla, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Isenhower Cellars is a Walla Walla, Washington winery producing 7000 cases of wine a year. We sell half our wine directly to customers and the other half through distributors in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Illinois, and Florida.
Tell us about yourself
Isenhower Cellars was founded in 1999 by Denise and me and was the 18th winery in Walla Walla. Denise is the General Manager, and I'm the Winemaker. I researched every state in the Western USA and chose Washington because of the wide-open, entrepreneurial nature of the wine business. Isenhower Cellars is one of the few medium-sized Washington wineries that is 100% husband and wife owned and operated. Learn more about us here.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have made enough profit to keep my daughters fed, clothed, educated, and happy. They will be able to attend state colleges without borrowing money.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The owner has to fill in all the gaps and has to know how to do everything. You never know when a valued employee will put in their notice. The work has to continue, and often you have to do the work yourself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Know who you are and what you want. Understand that whatever you want to do will cost twice as much as your budget. Regulations across all industries are increasing, and you have to take that into account in the business plan. Love your customers and be happy when they reach out to you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://isenhowercellars.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isenhowercellars/
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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