Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Heile.
Maggie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Vin 7000 in Spring 2019. I was a lifelong (well, at least adulthood) wine enthusiast; and, like many others in Utah, was frustrated with with the limited wine selection and availability in the state. There were so many shenanigans to acquire unique fine wines. I decided there must be a better way. So, I took an early retirement from my corporate career in brand management to pursue my next chapter in the wine industry.
I have always been drawn to the small family producers and limited production, small-batch, handcrafted wines. Not only was that the kind of wines and wineries I wanted to work with; but it was also where I uncovered a large unmet need in the market. So, I decided to tap into my entrepreneurial spirit and consumer background to create a consumer-driven business to make these wines available in the state and share them with Utah wine lovers.
My mission has always been to understand what the wine drinkers in Utah want, that they think they can’t get in Utah, and find creative ways to navigate the strict liquor laws to make those things happen. That’s how I’ve been able to deliver new experiences, like first-ever wine clubs in Utah.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are certainly days I need to remind myself that I chose to start an alcohol business in Utah! I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road – it’s had its fair share of challenges – but, overall, I’ve found that applying sound business management and relationship development principles, including a trusting relationship with the Utah DABS, to this space has made it smoother than expected.
I think that my biggest challenge, though this is also likely my biggest advantage, is that I did not come from the alcohol industry. I didn’t know the standard way to be a wine broker – what I was “supposed” to do. I intentionally did not research how to run this type of business, or things like what my marketing materials should look like. I just did things the way I felt I would want them done and represented as the end consumer/buyer. Often that has worked well and differentiated me and my business. And sometimes I’ve blown it.
It has also been a learning experience. It is amazing the number of things I have not directly managed in the past that I had to figure out how to do without a team – creating a website, becoming my accountant, and the myriad of daily work tasks that all need to get done. Plus, sometimes it just gets lonely without a team around me.
We’ve been impressed with Vin 7000, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Vin 7000 is a boutique, independent Utah wine brokerage. We specialize in limited-production handcrafted fine wines that are not widely distributed. We’re all about the small family wineries – from across the US and internationally with a focus on France. The stories behind the wine, the vineyards, the people, and how we met. In my opinion, those are the things that make wine great and experiences memorable.
Because our winery partners only make small batches, most of our wines are “Special Order” (though more and more are making their way into the Utah state stores) and available for purchase through the Utah DABS online ordering system. You simply order online and the wines will be delivered to the local liquor store you choose.
I have a consumer-driven approach to the business; so whereas most other brokers focus primarily on selling alcohol to the Utah DABS and restaurants/bars, I have a largely developed direct-to-consumer business. I can’t sell wine to consumers, but I help them find the wines they love and order them from the Utah DABS. I rather like that I’m known as “Utah’s Wine Curator”. I have a private clientele whom I assist with wine selection and purchase, I work in collaboration with several wine educators and private member clubs, and I now have hundreds of wine club members throughout the state.
I am proud that I’m doing things differently. Creatively disrupting the industry…in Utah anyway. And so very happy that people have amazing experiences with the wines and vintners/winemakers I get to share with them.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk-taking is critical to success in business. It fosters creativity, experimentation, and innovation. I also think it is an integral part of the journey of learning. I was coached, early in my career, on the importance of taking calculated risks – to try something new, make mistakes, and learn from it. That’s how we grow.
Quitting my high-salary corporate career and self-funding a new business was a risk. I can’t say it has financially paid off, but I have confidence it will…in its special way. And, for now, it is delivering value and sure is a lot of fun. But, yes, a big risk to put me and my family on the line while I pursue a passion.
And then there’s the obvious risk of choosing to build an alcohol business in one of the most highly regulated alcohol states in the country. When I decided to focus this next chapter of my career on the wine industry, it would have been much easier to move to California, Oregon, or Washington, to pursue wine adventures. I could have even moved back to my home state of Michigan and opened a bottle shop.
But I love Utah, and my family and I love living here. When faced with the decision to move out of Utah to have a higher chance of succeeding in this industry, or stay here and work hard to make it work – the answer was easy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vin7000.
com/ - Instagram: @vin_7000
- Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/maggie-heile- 3458834/
Image Credits
Mitch Meyer
