I am actively learning about wines and the wine industry - with the help of the Wine Executive Program at U.C. Davis and continuing personal study - I do know a thing or two about business and hard work. I was raised helping with the family grocery business (anything from chasing carts to bagging groceries!). Even as an executive, I contributed "in the trenches" to broaden our customer base and increase profits. Later, when I launched a separate grocery franchise, building two new locations into a 7-figure business, I did so by quickly learning a different business model and getting my hands dirty with everything from designing ad campaigns to optimizing in-store merchandising and POS displays. Now, I'm ready to learn all I can about the wine business. I'm as comfortable rolling up my sleeves and diving into a tactical project as I am discussing market conditions and preparing business plans. My primary concern is to understand what's needed and do I can to make it happen.