Brimming with life: Carlsbad Wine Merchant's Kathy Bankerd
For wine enthusiasts who want to discover and taste unique handcrafted wines from around the world, Carlsbad Wine Merchants provides a winery experience in an urban setting. Unlike a typical bar, liquor store, grocery store or gourmet markets, Carlsbad Wine Merchants offers wine enthusiasts a casual, informative environment that demystifies the buying experience. We offer customers the opportunity to sample and compare wines prior to purchase. In addition, we have a unique selection of wine-related gourmet foods, wine accessories and d?cor and hand-selected quality wine at a value price.
Owner's name: Kathy Bankerd
Title: President
Company name: Carlsbad Wine Merchants, Inc.
Address: 5814 Van Allen Way, Ste. 155, the Islands@Carlsbad, Carlsbad CA 92008.
Phone: (760) 804-9994
Web site: www.carlsbadwinemerchants.com.
Founded: 2004.
Prior experience: Executive management in the retail and technology sectors.
Source of starting capital: Corporate officers, self-funded.
Average hours worked weekly: 60
Number of teammates: Myself, plus the three other officers.
Residence: Oceanside.
Family: Three adult children and three cats
Hobbies: Gardening and wine tasting.
What got you into this business? A deep love and appreciation for wine and the pleasure of sharing wine with friends.
What makes your business a standout? At Carlsbad Wine Merchants, we provide an atmosphere similar to a winery experience by providing a 360 degree view of the enjoyment of wine with quality wines at value prices, wine and wine service education, excellent service in a warm relaxed atmosphere, and unique gift ware and wine service items.
Drawbacks to your line of business: There are a variety of barriers of entry into this type of business. The most complex issues and conditions were in regards to state alcohol, beverage control licensing, and city zoning regulations. There are also additional complexities involving wine supply and demand due to wine allocation, winery and vintage productions and a new company's ability to meet volume requirements.
How do you plan to grow? Our business is customer-centric, quality service that provides the customer with a 360 degree view of wine from the enjoyment of wine, foods to pair with it, and wonderful accessories to enhance wine presentation. Our concept is to be an urban winery experience a place to taste, learn and share wine with fellow wine enthusiasts
Toughest career decision: The decision to open in a new shopping area with limited exposure, centered in a business park.
Ongoing challenges: Keeping our mix of wines trendy and fresh. We study every day and taste at least 2 dozen wines a week.
Best way to stay competitive: Stay true to our mission of providing quality wines at value prices, wine education, excellent service in a warm, relaxed atmosphere and unique gift ware and wine service items.
In five years, where would you like your business to be? Renowned as one of the top wine shops of San Diego County.
What does your company contribute to the Carlsbad community? We are very community-centric and we support a variety of fundraising
activities ranging from PTA benefits, school sports teams, the Carlsbad Boys and Girls Club, Burn Center, and other service organizations that benefit the community. Our shop provides a place for Carlsbad residents to shop for wonderful wines, fine giftware and gracious living products without leaving the community.
What are your guiding principles? Our shop is all about the customer, concierge-type service, quality products, and value pricing.
What would you change if you could do it all over again? Ask me this question again after our first year in business.
Choice for a second career: This is my third career!
People you look up to and why: My parents for passing on to me their entrepreneurial spirit, and tenacity to be successful.
Favorite movie: Right now “Sideways” … Its popularity is driving a lot of Pinot Noir sales!
Favorite quote: An entrepreneur never quits, they just move on!
Advice for new entrepreneurs: Very simple advice — Understand who your customer is going to be, and is, and what value you are going to provide. Be consistent and stay focused on your business identity and the services you offer.
For wine enthusiasts who want to discover and taste unique handcrafted wines from around the world, Carlsbad Wine Merchants provides a winery experience in an urban setting. Unlike a typical bar, liquor store, grocery store or gourmet markets, Carlsbad Wine Merchants offers wine enthusiasts a casual, informative environment that demystifies the buying experience. We offer customers the opportunity to sample and compare wines prior to purchase. In addition, we have a unique selection of wine-related gourmet foods, wine accessories and d?cor and hand-selected quality wine at a value price.
Owner's name: Kathy Bankerd
Title: President
Company name: Carlsbad Wine Merchants, Inc.
Address: 5814 Van Allen Way, Ste. 155, the Islands@Carlsbad, Carlsbad CA 92008.
Phone: (760) 804-9994
Web site: www.carlsbadwinemerchants.com.
Founded: 2004.
Prior experience: Executive management in the retail and technology sectors.
Source of starting capital: Corporate officers, self-funded.
Average hours worked weekly: 60
Number of teammates: Myself, plus the three other officers.
Residence: Oceanside.
Family: Three adult children and three cats
Hobbies: Gardening and wine tasting.
What got you into this business? A deep love and appreciation for wine and the pleasure of sharing wine with friends.
What makes your business a standout? At Carlsbad Wine Merchants, we provide an atmosphere similar to a winery experience by providing a 360 degree view of the enjoyment of wine with quality wines at value prices, wine and wine service education, excellent service in a warm relaxed atmosphere, and unique gift ware and wine service items.
Drawbacks to your line of business: There are a variety of barriers of entry into this type of business. The most complex issues and conditions were in regards to state alcohol, beverage control licensing, and city zoning regulations. There are also additional complexities involving wine supply and demand due to wine allocation, winery and vintage productions and a new company's ability to meet volume requirements.
How do you plan to grow? Our business is customer-centric, quality service that provides the customer with a 360 degree view of wine from the enjoyment of wine, foods to pair with it, and wonderful accessories to enhance wine presentation. Our concept is to be an urban winery experience a place to taste, learn and share wine with fellow wine enthusiasts
Toughest career decision: The decision to open in a new shopping area with limited exposure, centered in a business park.
Ongoing challenges: Keeping our mix of wines trendy and fresh. We study every day and taste at least 2 dozen wines a week.
Best way to stay competitive: Stay true to our mission of providing quality wines at value prices, wine education, excellent service in a warm, relaxed atmosphere and unique gift ware and wine service items.
In five years, where would you like your business to be? Renowned as one of the top wine shops of San Diego County.
What does your company contribute to the Carlsbad community? We are very community-centric and we support a variety of fundraising
activities ranging from PTA benefits, school sports teams, the Carlsbad Boys and Girls Club, Burn Center, and other service organizations that benefit the community. Our shop provides a place for Carlsbad residents to shop for wonderful wines, fine giftware and gracious living products without leaving the community.
What are your guiding principles? Our shop is all about the customer, concierge-type service, quality products, and value pricing.
What would you change if you could do it all over again? Ask me this question again after our first year in business.
Choice for a second career: This is my third career!
People you look up to and why: My parents for passing on to me their entrepreneurial spirit, and tenacity to be successful.
Favorite movie: Right now “Sideways” … Its popularity is driving a lot of Pinot Noir sales!
Favorite quote: An entrepreneur never quits, they just move on!
Advice for new entrepreneurs: Very simple advice — Understand who your customer is going to be, and is, and what value you are going to provide. Be consistent and stay focused on your business identity and the services you offer.