Overview

It is amazing that such an iconic brand as Barefoot Wines began as a start-up in the laundry room of a rented farmhouse. Even more surprising is that it was started by a business couple with no money and no knowledge of the wine industry. They regularly ran into difficulties that nearly killed the brand. It was their unshakable belief in Barefoot's potential that kept it going, along with the use of classic business principles, and a never-say-die outlook. Hardship, hustle, and heart are the essence of The Barefoot Spirit. The book was written by award-winning journalist Rick Kushman after hundreds of hours of research and interviews with the Barefoot Wine founders and many others. The Barefoot Spirit is not a dry business text. The lessons are woven into a humorous twenty-year business adventure story. It's an uncommon peek behind the curtain of the wine business that's inspiring, amazing, and entertaining. This book is a testament to the power of out-of-the-box thinking. It is a guidebook for anyone in business, and a great read for everyone who loves a rags-to-riches story. Filled with encouragement, inspiration, and empowerment, it includes: * How Worthy Cause Marketing out performed paid advertising * How boot-strapping was used instead of conventional financing * The surprising advantages of being small and broke * How creating a fun, yet hardworking company culture encouraged innovative leadership If you like wine, the wine country, or a story about how a plucky couple disrupted an industry, if you want to know what it takes to really succeed in the face of adversity, if you want to know how to use your core beliefs to build a national brand, then The Barefoot Spirit is for you.

Full Product Details

9780999504208

Table of Contents

Reviews

As an entrepreneur, publicist, and publisher, I found great insight in 'The Barefoot Spirit.' Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey's tips on how to survive on less than a shoestring are clever, practical--and best of all, provides a good giggle to any entrepreneur in panic mode. This book is one that I'm already recommending to my readers, colleagues, and clients in start-up mode--as well as those who are ready to take their business to the next level. Here's to going Barefoot!--Hope Katz Gibbs, Publisher of Be Inkandescent Magazine Michael and Bonnie's book is a must read for anyone who is looking to start a business that will make it in today's economy. Whether you are starting a company from scratch or investing your money or someone else's, 'The Barefoot Spirit' illustrates the hands on and no cost best practices that will make your company a success.--Andrea Keating, Founder, The International Video Crew Staffing Firm This book is arguably the best book I have ever read that details the real life challenges that every business has in getting established and growing to a substantial size. More importantly you should read the book and after you've done that give it to some of your clients.--Ric Payne, CEO, Principa Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey's lack of familiarity with the wine business was an asset. Because they didn't have preconceived notions about the business - and because they were creative and resourceful - they were ultimately successful.--Cyril Penn, Editor, Wine Business Monthly I picked up Michael and Bonnie's book chronicling the Barefoot story with the intention of a quick scan and found myself spending the better part of a Sunday thoroughly enjoying myself reading cover-to-cover. I believe students will find The Barefoot Spirit both a great read and an important lesson in creative problem solving in the face of critical challenges.--Pat Dickson - 2013 President, United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Associate Professor, Wake Forest University, North Carolina The Barefoot Spirit will appeal to entrepreneurs, business people, non-profit leaders, and anyone who is passionate about activism, unlikely stories, and - oh yes - wine. In content, message and even writing style, it's smart, funny, self-deprecating. --Michael Tate, Board President, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus I thoroughly enjoyed The Barefoot Spirit. I will make it required reading because it tells a lovely story and it embodies so much of the entrepreneurial mindset. I loved the voice of the book and storytelling is such a wonderful way to communicate. I believe students will find it a fun addition to their library and in the process they will learn the most important lessons of entrepreneurship! --Rebecca White, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Director of Entrepreneurship Center, The University of Tampa, John H. Sykes College of Business This is a warm, wonderful, inspiring book that entertains and motivates at the same time. --Brian Tracy, Author of over 70 motivational books

An irreverent, eye-opening business memoir. Novice winemakers upend the industry's pretensions while taking on the jungle of the retail beverage sector in this rollicking business saga. -Kirkus Reviews

Michael and Bonnie's book is a must read for anyone who is looking to start a business that will make it in today's economy. Whether you are starting a company from scratch or investing your money or someone else's, 'The Barefoot Spirit' illustrates the hands on and no cost best practices that will make your company a success.--Andrea Keating, Founder, The International Video Crew Staffing Firm This book is arguably the best book I have ever read that details the real life challenges that every business has in getting established and growing to a substantial size. More importantly you should read the book and after you've done that give it to some of your clients.--Ric Payne, CEO, Principa I picked up Michael and Bonnie's book chronicling the Barefoot story with the intention of a quick scan and found myself spending the better part of a Sunday thoroughly enjoying myself reading cover-to-cover. I believe students will find The Barefoot Spirit both a great read and an important lesson in creative problem solving in the face of critical challenges.--Pat Dickson - 2013 President, United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Associate Professor, Wake Forest University, North Carolina As an entrepreneur, publicist, and publisher, I found great insight in 'The Barefoot Spirit.' Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey's tips on how to survive on less than a shoestring are clever, practical--and best of all, provides a good giggle to any entrepreneur in panic mode. This book is one that I'm already recommending to my readers, colleagues, and clients in start-up mode--as well as those who are ready to take their business to the next level. Here's to going Barefoot!--Hope Katz Gibbs, Publisher of Be Inkandescent Magazine Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey's lack of familiarity with the wine business was an asset. Because they didn't have preconceived notions about the business - and because they were creative and resourceful - they were ultimately successful.--Cyril Penn, Editor, Wine Business Monthly The Barefoot Spirit will appeal to entrepreneurs, business people, non-profit leaders, and anyone who is passionate about activism, unlikely stories, and - oh yes - wine. In content, message and even writing style, it's smart, funny, self-deprecating. --Michael Tate, Board President, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus I thoroughly enjoyed The Barefoot Spirit. I will make it required reading because it tells a lovely story and it embodies so much of the entrepreneurial mindset. I loved the voice of the book and storytelling is such a wonderful way to communicate. I believe students will find it a fun addition to their library and in the process they will learn the most important lessons of entrepreneurship! --Rebecca White, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Director of Entrepreneurship Center, The University of Tampa, John H. Sykes College of Business This is a warm, wonderful, inspiring book that entertains and motivates at the same time. --Brian Tracy, Author of over 70 motivational books

As an entrepreneur, publicist, and publisher, I found great insight in 'The Barefoot Spirit.' Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey's tips on how to survive on less than a shoestring are clever, practical--and best of all, provides a good giggle to any entrepreneur in panic mode. This book is one that I'm already recommending to my readers, colleagues, and clients in start-up mode--as well as those who are ready to take their business to the next level. Here's to going Barefoot!--Hope Katz Gibbs, Publisher of Be Inkandescent Magazine Michael and Bonnie's book is a must read for anyone who is looking to start a business that will make it in today's economy. Whether you are starting a company from scratch or investing your money or someone else's, 'The Barefoot Spirit' illustrates the hands on and no cost best practices that will make your company a success.--Andrea Keating, Founder, The International Video Crew Staffing Firm This book is arguably the best book I have ever read that details the real life challenges that every business has in getting established and growing to a substantial size. More importantly you should read the book and after you've done that give it to some of your clients.--Ric Payne, CEO, Principa Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey's lack of familiarity with the wine business was an asset. Because they didn't have preconceived notions about the business - and because they were creative and resourceful - they were ultimately successful.--Cyril Penn, Editor, Wine Business Monthly I picked up Michael and Bonnie's book chronicling the Barefoot story with the intention of a quick scan and found myself spending the better part of a Sunday thoroughly enjoying myself reading cover-to-cover. I believe students will find The Barefoot Spirit both a great read and an important lesson in creative problem solving in the face of critical challenges.--Pat Dickson - 2013 President, United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Associate Professor, Wake Forest University, North Carolina I thoroughly enjoyed The Barefoot Spirit. I will make it required reading because it tells a lovely story and it embodies so much of the entrepreneurial mindset. I loved the voice of the book and storytelling is such a wonderful way to communicate. I believe students will find it a fun addition to their library and in the process they will learn the most important lessons of entrepreneurship! --Rebecca White, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Director of Entrepreneurship Center, The University of Tampa, John H. Sykes College of Business The Barefoot Spirit will appeal to entrepreneurs, business people, non-profit leaders, and anyone who is passionate about activism, unlikely stories, and - oh yes - wine. In content, message and even writing style, it's smart, funny, self-deprecating. --Michael Tate, Board President, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus This is a warm, wonderful, inspiring book that entertains and motivates at the same time. --Brian Tracy, Author of over 70 motivational books

Author Information

"Bonnie Harvey is the co-founder of Barefoot Cellars, where she was Vice President for 19 years. While Michael's role was big picture visionary, Bonnie translated his ideas into workable processes and displayed a genius for managing the millions of details that come with a start-up. She proved to possess a rare combination of creativity and business savvy that served Barefoot well. In the early days, Bonnie was responsible for bottling oversight, supply inventory and label design. In fact, the famous footprint is actually hers! Later, she focused on overview and direction of the business, company goals, and board matters. She managed all financial aspects of the business, oversaw legal relations and compliance, and edited countless press materials, presentations, official manuals and other documents.Bonnie also donates professional time to non-profits to help them improve their image, increase donations, and achieve financial sustainability. With Michael, she coauthors 2 weekly business blogs at www.thebarefootspirit.com and www.thebrandauthority.net, and consults with several clients. Bonnie has a passion for helping young entrepreneurs choose the right path. With her varied hard-knocks experience, she offers practical solutions for all aspects of starting a business. She and Michael shared their tales with Rick Kushman, who wrote The Barefoot Spirit, and she also edited the book. Today Bonnie is a workshop leader and a professional speaker on the subjects of company culture and entrepreneurship. Michael Houlihan is the co-founder of Barefoot Cellars along with partner Bonnie Harvey. Although his business card read ""Head Stomper,"" he officially served as president and CEO for 19 years. Starting with no money and no knowledge of the wine industry, he and Bonnie used out-of-the-box thinking coupled with solid business principles to build a leading national brand. They relied on Worthy Cause Marketing, instead of conventional advertising to grow a loyal following and promote their favorite causes. Barefoot Wines went on to win the industry's top sales awards.They were selling well over a half a million cases annually when the E. & J. Gallo family purchased the brand in 2005. Since then, Michael has been a valued adviser to large and small corporations and start-ups, improving their profitability, culture, and brand with real-world experience. Sales, marketing, and performance-based compensation are his sweet spots. He also donates professional time to non-profits to help them improve their image, and achieve financial sustainability. Michael is a funny, informative, and inspiring speaker who delivers keynotes for conventions, corporations and national conferences.(Audiences love the quirky Barefoot stories he weaves in with how-to advice.) He is a seminar and webinar leader, guest lecturer at business and entrepreneurial schools, active blogger, and contributor to a variety of publications. Rick Kushman is a New York Times bestselling author and an award-wining journalist who currently works in the wine industry and is based in Napa as a Communications Strategist. He is also the wine commentator for Capital Public Radio, Sacramento's NPR station, and is a contributing host for ""Insight, "" the station's highest profile locally produced show. Rick is also the creator and co-host of the popular podcast ""Bottle Talk with Rick and Paul,"" which is featured on the Capital Public Radio podcast lineup. Rick was a longtime columnist for The Sacramento Bee and his writing has appeared in publications ranging from Time Magazine to Sommelier Journal to Daily Variety. He has served as Co-Chief Judge for the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition and is currently Chief Judge of the State Fair's Home Winemaker's Competition.Rick holds a Certified Wine Professional credential from the Culinary Institute of America and earned an MA in Journalism from Stanford University and a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Davis. He teaches wine classes to professionals and regular folks, has taught culinary journalism and is a popular speaker for Northern California food and wine events. He lives in Sacramento with his wife, Deborah Meltvedt, who's a high school teacher, and with their cat, Anchovy Jack, who, they're convinced, used to be a pirate."

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