Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daniel Bick, COO  of WineOnline.ca, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Our business is WineOnline.ca. We provide a service where our customers can source unique wines not otherwise available in the marketplace. Our customers are wine enthusiasts who love our products and the services we provide. We aim to deliver a superior customer service experience and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Daniel Bick, and I started working with WineOnline.ca in 2006. I started as a delivery driver when the company was very small. My work ethic was recognized, and I was promised equity if I could commit for the long term. This was my first job where I felt I was working for more than just a paycheck. I really believed in WineOnline.ca and worked hard to ensure everything possible was done to ensure prosperity for the company. I worked my way up over the years from Logistics Manager to Operations manager and am now the Chief Operations Officer of WineOnline.ca. I run the company alongside my brother Jonny Bick. I am motivated daily by seeing our company grow and providing our staff with a great place to work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was to be able to grow the company over the years in a highly regulated environment. When I first started at WineOnline, we had 3 staff members, and we now have 25 staff on payroll. I am very proud to run a company that provides a good work environment and cares about our employees. I spent many years as an employee, and this aspect is very important to me.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

When running your own business, finding a work/life balance can be very difficult. When you own and run a business, you are held responsible for everything that happens. This is a difficult aspect to handle for some people.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. When starting a business, be prepared for things not to go as planned. Growing and running a business is one of the most difficult things one can accomplish.
  2. When trying to grow your business, it is very important to put any profits back into the company and make sure your accounting is done properly. This can be the difference between success and failure.
  3. If you believe in your business, do not give up! Building a business is a very difficult endeavor and is not for the faint at heart.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.wineonline.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WineOnline.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wineonline_ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wineonline_ca
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3T0v0z3

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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