Some advice

[barnesy]

Well folks,

I am looking at a career change into the wine industry. Eventually, I would like to get into importing and buying. Obviously, I have no experiance in the wine industry other than drinking it and loving it. I am looking at several companies in the Portland, OR area. I am looking at entry level merchandiser/sales positions. Is there any advice you guys could give on how else to look, what positions, etc.....

Barnesy

[winoweenie]

Hi Barnsey. I think this is a question best answered by CCK or our absent moderator, Bucko. If the wholesale business in the great NW is anything like here in the desert, you`ll need some retail sales experience before going to the wholesale level.I have a very close friend who owns a large floor-covering distributorship in Portland and who also gets his nose in the vinegar quite often and also has friends in the wine distribution field. His name is G. Chick (Yes the initial only. I didn`t say he wasn`t kooky like Moi) and the business is Sound Floorcovering. Call him. He`s very affable and can steer you somewhere near the rite direction. WW

[Thomas]

Barnsey, I have worked in all ends of the wine business except as an importer. In my view, before making a financial investment in the business, it is best to work on the distribution and retail levels for a few years each.If those experiences do not cure you, then you have a good basis for putting in your own money.

[barnesy]

WW,

Could you send me an email with this gentleman's contact information?
cbarnes@archaeologist.com is my email

Barnesy

[winoweenie]

Barnsey, you can E-mail my friend at gchick1@uswest.net. Explain what your looking for and I`m sure he can be helpful. Verne Batchelor

[chittychattykathy]

Have your phone message, and I will try to reach you on Sunday.