Cody George, co-owner of Vintage Hill Cellars (www.vintagehillcellars.com) and Georgetown Properties (a real estate investment, development and rental firm), went from basement vintner to commercial winemaker. A 20-Under-40 alum who has an undergraduate degree from Washington State University and an MBA from the University of Washington, George is a former economic development adviser for the City of Spokane.

While start-up businesses can be tough, at some point you just have to take a leap of faith and commit. Vintage Hill Cellars opened its doors to the public in May of 2007.  Within weeks of opening, we started selling out, and just one year later, wine lovers can now purchase our wine in places like The Davenport Hotel, Luna and The Spokane Club. Here are a few things that have worked for me along the way:

Choose the voices you listen to wisely.

“How do you make a small fortune in the wine business? Start with a large fortune!”  No fewer than 100 people gave me this advice as Vintage Hill Cellars was coming to fruition. As I wasn’t able to qualify for this important prerequisite to success, the only option was to ignore the tales of woe and find a way to share our passion for handcrafted wine with others. Understand the negative, but focus on the positive.

Beware the couch that calls to you.

The only thing that moves you forward in a small business is getting off the couch and seeing new opportunities. As we grew tired of throwing things away, the winemaking process revealed hidden gems and new products. We’ve since begun making our own line of soap, Savon de Bellavino, which are bars, soft soaps and foot scrubs made with suspended wine-grape skins. Additionally, used oak barrels make fantastic furniture. There is never a next step without the first step.

Communicate with your spouse every day … and listen too.

One thing I’ve learned is to always allow for real life. Marriage, kids (not quite yet, Mom), job changes, time with family, friends, et cetera all bring unexpected details to the forefront. My wife Melissa and I sit down before any big undertaking and discuss our goals to make sure we are on the same page beforehand. For example, if you communicate that you could be home around 2 a.m. because you need to crush four tons of Cab that night, you’ll be a lot better off. Right, dear?

Be a part of another dream.

Every couple of weeks I go to a gathering of other Spokane entrepreneurs as a forum to talk about ideas and challenges we face. If you help others achieve their goals and dreams, it not only moves them toward success, but it also gives you great insight on where you’re going.

Starting a winery has been amazing. Some things have gone according to plan, and some things have been adjusted along the way. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us get the winery to where it is; we wouldn’t be where we are today without your support.

If you are thinking about starting a business, I say do it. It’s not really about what you have to lose; it’s more about what you have to gain. Of course, that’s just what works for me.

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