So, big year for me!

The obvious part, starting a business. This has grown much quicker than I had expected and that is great! Back in July when I was registering the business name with the state, I had no clue it would become what it has already. Needless to say I am very excited moving forward into 2017. I do look back at 2016 and see how there were several speed bumps, but I kept moving. Car was stolen from my driveway, being Director of Operations for a brewery where I wasn’t totally happy, to simply just getting my own business running. Speed bumps are great, they helped me grow.

Im very fortunate for all the producers I’m working with, because without them, I wouldn’t have much of a business. All of them took a leap of faith with me (Starting with Moonlight Meadery and Indiana Whiskey back in late August when we first started talking) I’m even more fortunate for the friendships I have and have developed this year. I have met with so many people and talked about what Monon Beverage is and each time I am grateful for the conversations. It helps me reflect on what I am doing in the first place, how I can better serve current producers, and future ones too. I love that I can have meetings that end in pizza parties with Scarlet Lane to dressing like Dr. Santa and going all over Mass Ave handing out presents with Broken Beaker. Traveling to visit O’Fallon and Arcadia to hear their stories, see their facilities, as well as meet their team has been great too. (New Hampshire in the spring to see Moonlight Meadery and make mead with them, yup, thats a goal.)

Reflection on 2016 is good, but I am also looking to 2017. Im looking to grow my business and grow as an individual. So what does 2017 have? I have my list of goals on my dry erase board, and I am printing a second set to be on my mirror in my bathroom. That way I see my goals while at my desk, and while getting ready in the morning. I have simple goals like more followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, but then goals with more depth like hitting $100,000 in sales for my producers. I want to better my education, so before Q1 is over, I plan to finish my Certified Specialist of Spirits and finish working on my Cicerone and BJCP certifications. I will get back to Sommelier when those 3 are done, and possibly mess with Micro-matic certifications. I want to perfect my craft to better serve all of those I work with.

Most importantly, developing long term relationships with those whom I work along side. Whether it is the producers, buyers, or just others in the beverage industry. I am looking to get to know everyone better.

Cheers to 2016, and here is looking at you 2017. Now to decide what I am going to drink at midnight in a week….
SPW