Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ed Lefferts, Owner of William Marie Wines, located in Tigard, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're William Marie Wines. We're a husband and wife start-up winery based out of Portland, OR. We smash grapes and bottle the juice. Our customers include ANYBODY who enjoys relaxing with a glass of wine hand.
Tell us about yourself
Our love for the wine stemmed from our background in restaurants, where we met. Learning more about wine, and the production process, gave me more knowledge to better serve guests in the restaurant. The desire to learn more led me to study to become a Certified Sommelier in 2013, and shortly thereafter, we became a licensed winery and started William Marie Wines in 2015, producing our first 5 barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon. We're continuously motivated to make the best wines possible and share those bottles with everyone who likes wine on the table.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as business owners is following the dream, taking steps to start the business, and striving to make the best wines possible, year after year. It just keeps getting better and better each vintage.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Sales! Our ability to sustain relies on the sales of the previous 24 months of winemaking. In this business, the upfront investment of the grapes, barrels, corks, and glass bottles, in most cases, requires two years before we can begin to see any financial return.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be in love with your product! Be ready to become your first and biggest brand ambassador. Look ahead with insight into how and where you wish to sell your product or service.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.williammariewines.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/williammariewines/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williammariewines/
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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