We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Frederick Hill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Frederick, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Of course, naming a business can be a challenging but crucial process. In the case of my brand, NAVI, there’s an interesting story behind the name. NAVI is actually my middle name, and it’s Ivan spelled backward. I wanted a name that had a personal connection and meaning to me, and using my middle name in reverse was a creative way to achieve that.
Ivan is a name that has been with me throughout my life, and by reversing it to NAVI, I wanted to convey a sense of uniqueness and individuality. It’s a name that holds personal significance and reflects my identity, and I believe it adds a distinctive touch to my brand. Plus, it’s memorable and has a certain mystique to it, which I thought would resonate well with my business concept.
So, in essence, NAVI represents a piece of my identity and serves as a meaningful and memorable name for my brand, which I hope will leave a lasting impression on customers and clients.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’d be delighted to share my journey and what sets NAVI Wine & Tasting Room apart.
I began my professional career in the tech industry, accumulating almost three decades of experience in various roles. While technology was my domain, I had a deep-seated passion for wine that had always been simmering beneath the surface. It wasn’t until later in my career that I decided to pivot from the tech world and venture into the world of wine.
The idea of merging technology and wine was the genesis of NAVI Wine & Tasting Room. I wanted to create a unique and innovative experience for wine enthusiasts, blending my tech expertise with my newfound love for wine. This led to the establishment of Columbus, Georgia’s first Black-owned tech wine bar, NAVI.
At NAVI, we offer a diverse range of wines from around the world, carefully curated to satisfy novice wine drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs. What sets us apart is our cutting-edge approach to wine service. We’ve introduced self-serving wine machines that allow customers to explore a wide array of wines at their own pace, making the tasting experience interactive and accessible. It’s this fusion of technology and the art of wine that makes NAVI truly special.
Our commitment to inclusivity and representation is another distinguishing factor. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy and learn about wine, regardless of their background or experience. We’ve created a welcoming and inclusive environment where people from all walks of life can come together to appreciate the world of wine.
I take immense pride in the recognition of NAVI, including being named the Best of Georgia Winner for Wine Bar in 2022 and receiving the Columbus People’s Choice Gold Award in multiple categories for 2023 & 2022. Most recently, we were honored with the 2023 Best of Columbus Award in the Wine Bar category by the Columbus Award Program. These accolades validate our commitment to providing an exceptional wine experience.
In January of 2023, I was included in Marquis Who’s Who in America for me outstanding contributions to the field of wine and technology. This recognition further cements my position as a leader in the industry.
In conclusion, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that NAVI Wine & Tasting Room is more than just a place to enjoy wine; it’s a destination where technology and wine converge to create a one-of-a-kind experience. We’re passionate about sharing our love for wine with the world, and our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence sets us apart in the industry. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I’m excited about the future as we continue to innovate and elevate the wine experience for our customers.
New Businesses Noir Studio Champagne & Tasting Room & Noir Vintage Fund, a 501c3 Non-profit organization, are launching soon.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a strong reputation in our market has been essential, and I believe it’s primarily due to our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. We’ve always aimed to go above and beyond for our customers, and we’ve drawn inspiration from the renowned Chick-fil-A customer service experience. Our motto is “Say No More,” which means we have our customers covered, and we’re here to fulfill their needs and exceed their expectations.
A few key factors have shaped our reputation:
1. Outstanding Customer Service: We prioritize providing the best possible experience to every customer who walks through our doors. Our team is trained to be attentive, responsive, and eager to assist. We believe in making every visit memorable and enjoyable.
2. Consistency: We’ve maintained a consistent standard of service and quality over time. Customers know they can rely on us for a top-notch experience whenever they visit. Consistency builds trust and loyalty.
3. Personalization: We take the time to understand our customers’ preferences and needs. Whether it’s recommending the perfect wine, hosting personalized events, or offering tailored advice, we aim to make each interaction personal and meaningful.
4. Going the Extra Mile: Our dedication to going above and beyond sets us apart. We’re always willing to take that extra step to satisfy our customers. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.
5. Listening to Feedback: We actively seek feedback from our customers and continually use it to improve our services. Customer input helps us identify areas for enhancement and refinement.
6. Community Engagement: We’re not just a business; we’re part of the community. Our involvement in community events, partnerships, and initiatives has allowed us to connect with our customers on a deeper level and build lasting relationships.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
When we initially started in February of 2020, we were excited about the prospects of our venture. However, the arrival of the pandemic caught us by surprise, and like many businesses, we had to navigate through uncertain times. The economic impact of COVID-19 was significant, and it forced us to delay our opening until January of 2021. This delay directly impacted our projected business profit, as we had to cover ongoing expenses without generating revenue.
During those challenging months, there were indeed moments when meeting payroll and covering operational costs became a serious concern. We had to make difficult decisions, including adjusting our budget, exploring financial assistance programs, and finding creative ways to keep our business afloat.
Additionally, we faced lease challenges with our building, which further complicated our situation. Navigating these lease issues while managing the business added another layer of complexity.
Despite these near-death moments and financial uncertainties, we remained committed to our vision for NAVI Tasting Room. We adapted our strategies, explored alternative revenue streams, and engaged with our community to stay connected.
While it was a challenging journey, I’m proud to say that we persevered through those tough times, and now we’re in the process of relocating to a new location in the Columbus, GA area. This transition allows us to overcome the challenges we faced with our previous lease and sets the stage for a new chapter in our business. It’s a testament to our determination and resilience as entrepreneurs, and we’re excited about the future of NAVI Wine & Tasting Room.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frederickhill.crd.co
- Instagram: iamfihill
- Facebook: iamfihill
- Twitter: iamfihill
- Other: NAVI Wine & Tasting Room www.naviwinebar.com NAVI Black Own Business Winning Columbus People’s Choice Gold Best Bar 2022 & 2023 Gold Best Live Music 2022 & 2023 Gold Best Specialty Cocktail 2022 & 2023 Gold Best Wine Selection 2022 Silver Best Wine Selection 2023 Gold Best Karaoke 2023 NAVI 2023 Award Magazine https://issuu.com/neruspublications/docs/2023cpc_flipbook NAVI 2022 Award Magazine https://issuu.com/neruspublications/docs/2022cpc_flipbook/6 New Businesses Launching Noir Vintage Fund, a 501c3 non-profit organization www.noirvintagefund.org Noir Studios Champagne & Tasting Room https://noirstudio.crd.co
Image Credits
Kima Golden of The Sweetest Things Photography by Kima Columbus People’s Choice NAVI Wine & Tasting Room Noir Vintage Fund Noir Champagne & Tasting Room