We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Staci Wanichek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Staci below.
Staci, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
Following our exciting feature in Food & Wine magazine (our very first write-up), I was thrilled to receive a call from the tasting room manager at the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery in the picturesque Napa Valley. The conversation sparked a wave of excitement, leading me to spend the next two weeks traveling from one charming winery to another to present Wine Away directly to the tasting rooms in the valley. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to connect with industry leaders. And the positive response highlighted the potential for Wine Away within the wine community. I was genuinely grateful for the kindness and support I encountered.
Staci, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I appreciate the opportunity to share a bit about myself and my journey! My background is in marketing and public relations, and I have a strong passion for wine. I started my business just as the wine country in Walla Walla was beginning to thrive, and it feels like our company has grown alongside this wonderful community.
Growing up, I developed a love for writing, which eventually led me to pursue a career in public relations. In this field, I learned how to effectively reach the media and pitch our products.
Twenty-seven years after launching Wine Away, I continue to create and implement targeted public relations campaigns while leading our team in developing the brand’s domestic and global strategies.
What sets me apart in the industry is our hands-on approach to customer service. We genuinely value feedback from our customers, and a real person answers our phone calls and emails—never a bot.
Wine Away is manufactured at our corporate headquarters in Walla Walla, WA. We are a certified Women-Owned Business. Our employees are like family; we wouldn’t be where we are today without their support. I cherish the feedback and satisfaction from my customers, which motivates me to continue improving and introducing new products.
One of my proudest achievements was receiving the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Product Award. I vividly remember sitting at my desk when the email arrived. I ran down the hall and gathered everyone to announce the news. Being recognized by such a prestigious magazine is one of my highest honors.
To potential clients or followers, I want to assure you that my goal is to continue providing quality products while ensuring a positive customer experience.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale are crucial for creating a positive and productive work environment. We achieve this through monthly meetings, team games, team-building activities, and spending time together both at work and outside the office.
We encourage open and honest communication and hold regular check-ins. Recognition of achievements—whether personal or related to friends or family—is also important to us.
By giving team members autonomy in their roles and trusting them to make decisions, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility within our company.
We believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We support personal commitments and offer flexibility when employees need time off for school activities or family events.
Our company also celebrates together—birthdays, anniversaries, births, graduations, and milestones—and provides comfort during difficult times.
By consistently implementing these strategies, we have created a positive work environment where people feel motivated and engaged.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold, we recognized an urgent need within our community—a need for protection and support. In response, we made a pivotal decision to redirect our efforts and produce hand sanitizer. This initiative was more than just a response to a crisis; it was a powerful commitment to our local businesses and residents. By providing them with essential supplies, we aimed to empower our community to thrive even in the face of adversity, ensuring that everyone had access to the safety they deserved during these challenging times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wineaway.com
- Instagram: wineaway
- Facebook: wineawayinc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wine-away-company/?viewAsMember=true
- Twitter: Wine Away
Image Credits
Melissa McFadden Photography
Fluff Media