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Overview:
In this interesting and motivational interview, Henry:
Shares the story of how packaging their wine in cans came about, going on to talk about some of the benefits of canned wine, including sustainability and convenience for the customer.
Talks about why a new business he’s developing is based in New Zealand, and his plans for starting similar businesses in Australia and North America in the future.
Delves into how the stigma of new world wine and English wine has affected the perception of The Uncommon, and why England is excellent for sparkling wine production.
Describes the wine varieties that they produce, the grapes that they use, and some of the locations in which they produce the wine. He also touches on the effects of global warming on grape growing.
Gives an overview of what a B Corp is, including what The Uncommon had to do to be awarded the certification, and explores the mentality of balancing making money from a business versus sustainability in a business.
Reminisces about how The Uncommon got off the ground as a business, and the early opportunities they embraced, before going on to outline his goals for the business over the next few years.
Talks about having a pioneering spirit in business, and about educating the market by selling something that people don't yet realise that they want or need.
Discusses his work life balance, especially considering potential extra travel to New Zealand in the near future, and the strain that the first few years of a start up can put on finding time to focus on things outside of work.
Highlights some of the learnings from his time running The Uncommon, stressing the importance of partnership, hard work and passion, and not being too precious about equity or debt.
Henry Connell
Co-Founder at The Uncommon
Highlights:
1:33 – Our show’s sponsor, Magus Wealth
2:40 – Why canned wine could be better for the environment
4:58 – Expanding into New Zealand
9:44 – Becoming B Corp certified
13:32 – Perceptions of new-world and English wine
19:20 – Barriers to entry for wine production in the UK
21:20 – The importance of having a partner in business
25:05 – How and where The Uncommon sold its first can
28:00 – Henry’s early mistakes
32:00 – Gaining traction
37:00 – Beyond The Uncommon’s first steps
38:58 – Selling people what they didn’t realise they needed
40:40 – Sustainability and changes in drinking habits among younger people
41:40 – Future goals
43:45 – Making money vs sustainability
45:05 – Achieving a work-life balance
48:45 – The importance of partnership, hard work, and passion
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