business/finance

Item Description

It is hard to believe that such an iconic brand as Barefoot Wines began as a start-up in a laundry room of a rented farmhouse in the Sonoma County hills. Even more surprising is that the people who started it were just an average business couple, Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, with no money and no real knowledge about the wine industry.
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The part that isn't a surprise is that, because of their lack of experience, and because the wine business is one massively complicated industry, they ran into difficulties and setbacks that regularly put the brand near death in the first two decades. What kept it going was an unshakable belief in Barefoot's potential, Michael's and Bonnie's use of universal business principles, and their never-say-die outlook despite facing one seemingly insurmountable hurdle after another. Those hardships, that hustle, and their heart, are the essence of the Barefoot Spirit.
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For years, Michael and Bonnie, the Barefoot Wine founders, have been asked to write a book about how this brand got started and became a best seller. "The Barefoot Spirit," the New York Times Bestselling Business Paperback, traces that history and tells the story of how an unknown novelty wine became an American icon. It chronicles the unlikely events that made it possible, and it lays out the cornerstone business and lifestyle philosophies that made it, ultimately, an enduring success. By the time they sold the brand to E&J Gallo in 2005, they'd won a ton of awards and helped transform an entire industry from stuffy and intimidating to fun, casual, and socially aware.
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The Barefoot Spirit is not a dry business text. The lessons are cheerfully woven into a twenty-year business adventure story that's inspiring, amazing, and entertaining. It's a case study, an idea book, an uncommon peek behind the curtain of the wine business, and a snapshot of the American spirit, West Coast style.
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The book was written by award-winning journalist Rick Kushman after hundreds of hours of research and interviews with Michael, Bonnie, and many others.
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The Barefoot Spirit is an inspirational guidebook for anyone in business and a great read for everyone who loves a rags-to-riches story. Filled with encouragement, inspiration, and empowerment.
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If you like wine, the wine country, or a story about how a plucky little winery transformed 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.

New York Times named "The Barefoot Spirit" a Top 10 Bestselling Business Book for June & July 2013

“This is a warm, wonderful, inspiring book that entertains and motivates at the same time.” --Brian Tracy, Author of The Power of Self-Confidence

"Great read, great book. This story is beyond wine and the love of wine, it's about starting a business." --Fran Tarkenton, Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback, Entrepreneur, & Sirius XM Radio Host of The Fran Tarkenton Show

"It's an inspiration to see how they broke all the rules and still succeeded against all odds. For anyone contemplating starting a business, there are lessons to be learned here and an entertaining story as a bonus." --Alan Caruba, Book Reviewer, National Book Critics Circle, Author and Columnist

"I try to read all the books of the authors on my show and am just getting into The Barefoot Spirit. It’s one of the best books on entrepreneurship I’ve read.”
--Kip Marlow, Entrepreneur & Host of Entrepreneurs Club Radio

"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 J. White, Professor, Entrepreneurship and James W. Walter, Distinguished Chair of Entrepreneurship Director, Entrepreneurship Center, The University of Tampa, John H. Sykes College of Business Tampa, Florida Outgoing President, United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship

“Fun beach reading for small business inspiration. The Barefoot Spirit is an entertaining rags-to-riches story of American entrepreneurship. It’s the first-hand tale of California rule breakers Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, the founders, of the country’s top-selling wine brand”  --Adrienne Burke, Yahoo! Small Business Writer

Used - Like new

Published 2013. 273 pages.  8-1/2 x 5-1/2 x 1"  Paperback

Item Special Note

Sales tax applies.

For the cheapest and quickest access to your books, plan to pick them up in Guerneville or Sebastopol shortly after the sale.  (Times and location will be sent to book buyers.)

For those living in Sonoma County, CA, we offer personal contact-free delivery right to your door for only $10 (all going to Stewards). Instructions for delivery will be provided in the purchase confirmation email.

If arrangements for pick-up or delivery are not set up, books will be mailed to the address provided, and shipping costs will be charged.  If no address has been provided, the sale will be void in 30 days, the winner may treat their purchase as a tax-deductible donation to Stewards, and the book will be resold at a future event.