On September 10th, we had the privilege of speaking at the Private Directors Association® in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Mark Boundy and his team are launching the Arizona chapter of this incredible nonprofit, offering invaluable resources to any non-public company. It’s a unique opportunity to gain free expertise for your company’s board.

As passionate supporters of entrepreneurship, we wholeheartedly back this initiative. Check to see if there’s a Private Directors Association in your area—this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

During our talk, we shared key lessons from our own experience going through a real acquisition. We highlighted what worked, what could have been improved, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Why give up a 9 to 5 for a 5 to 9 if your goal isn’t to monetize your brand equity? More value can be lost in a single hour of negotiation than in an entire year of building your brand.

Be prepared from day one—the longer the process, the less you’ll make! We’re here to help.

Who We Are

Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders

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.