We were thrilled to be featured on Guy Raz’s podcast, How I Built This with Guy Raz, where we shared the journey behind building America’s #1 wine brand!
“Bonnie M. Harvey and Michael Houlihan started Barefoot Wine with $300,000 in debt and almost no knowledge of the wine industry. What they did know was how to market it—with a laid-back name, a beach-inspired label, and a consistent flavor at an affordable price, attracting people who often felt wine was too ‘snooty.’
After years of relentless work, especially from Michael, Barefoot Wine became a household name. In 2005, two decades after its launch, it was acquired by one of the largest wine brands in the world, E & J Gallo.
This episode was produced by J.C. Howard, with music by Ramtin Arablouei edited by Neva Grant, and research by Olivia Rockeman.
How I Built This dives deep into the minds of the world’s most well-known entrepreneurs, uncovering intimate moments of doubt, failure, and, ultimately, triumph. It’s a masterclass in innovation, leadership, and overcoming obstacles.”
Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform to listen:
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gwzieDHc
Apple: https://lnkd.in/g6btnKUr
Amazon: https://lnkd.in/g9FMgXEE
Photo Credit of Guy: Peter Prato/NPR
Who We Are
Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.
Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.
They offer their Guiding Principles for Success (GPS) to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People, helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.
Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, & keynoting at business schools, corporations, conferences. They are regular media guests and contributors to international publications and professional journals. They are C-Suite Network Advisors & Contributing Editors. Visit their popular brand building site at www.consumerbrandbuilders.com.
To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact sales@thebarefootspirit.com.
