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Style Magazine

David Girard Vineyards

Jan 31, 2012 09:04AM ● By Style

Photo by Dante Fontana

Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

Our business is wine – we grow grapes, make wine and sell wine both locally and as far east as Ohio. We found each other. Robert Mondavi Winery was looking for growers so we signed up, put in vines, and initially sold grapes. When our 10-year contract expired, we started making our own wine.

How are you involved with both the community and your customer?  

Our customers are the reason we exist. Without exaggeration, they are uncommonly kind, caring and supportive; I sometimes wonder what we did to deserve such kindness. I think it would be a mistake to distinguish between customers and the community. We can’t possibly do enough for the community, but we try to through our events, activities and relationships.

Why is your staff the best in the business?  

We have to have the right people on the bus and we do; sometimes I’m not sure where the bus is going, but with the right people I know it’s going somewhere good. First and foremost, we are a service/hospitality business. Our staff understands this and performs accordingly. Do we screw up? You bet – those are the nights we lay in bed wide-awake for hours.

Where do you go when the going gets tough?  

Pretty much under my pillow or for a long run. I figure that if I can still run 10 miles, the rest is mostly a big cosmic joke.

What’s your favorite local business other than your own?  

I think every local business owner is a hero or close to one. All local owners have a unique perspective on risk, responsibility, self-reliance, service, participation and humility. If you don’t, you’re out of business. But if I had to pick one it would probably be the guy who serves cold beer.

And finally, customer service is...?

Not about yourself.


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