Trailblazer Spotlight
Peter Mitalas
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Co-Owner, Florida Vino Imports
- Industry: Other
Business Founded: 2023
Phone: (904) 234-8408
Email: [email protected]
Address:
6900 Philips Hwy Ste 30
Jacksonville, FL 32259
How long have you been in your industry?2 years
Why did you choose your industry?Before Florida Vino Imports established in Florida, had you ever had a great Greco di Tufo...or Aglianico? We lived in Italy from 2020-2023 and discovered many amazing Italian wine varietals not available in the First Coast market -- and also learned exactly how they are supposed to be experienced. So we did something about this before returning. We founded our business and acquired Fed Import and State Distributor licenses -- and now our clients are savoring Florida Vino Imports Italian wines!
Who are your typical clients?Italian, Tapas & Steak Restaurants / Wine Bars & Shoppes / Wine Buyers who enjoy Old World wines
What do you like best about being in this industry?Introducing clients to wines they have never experienced, and helping businesses grow their neighborhood market share through the placement of our Italian wines. The relationships are immensely rewarding too. As a veteran run business, anytime we develop a new meaningful B2B relationship with a wine supplier or a retailer, we feel like we've accomplished the mission.
What are common problems you see?Statutory impediments on selling directly to consumers, and a general lack of education and/or exposure to premier old world Italian wines in this area.
What advice/tips do you have for clients?Before you call those big wine distributors to refill your inventory (or start your wine bar or restaurant) -- call us and we will set you up with high quality inventory. We have a wonderful selection of Old World Italian wines and first-rate service from us as owner-operators. We have a 24 hr turnaround time from request to delivery. And did we mention -- our Italian wines do not cause hangovers!
When is your busy season?Anytime people are celebrating and need Italian wines and/or Spumante!
What keeps you up at night?What advantages can our company attain to increase exposure in the marketplace?
How do you market yourself to grow/expand your business?Face-to-face marketing is proving to be the traditional and most genuine way to build our market share; but in a digital world, we are focusing heavily on social media too. We always approach with our personal story and provide wine samples -- remember, wine has to be experienced, not just discussed! We offer winemaker's dinners, distributor tastings & private event experiences.
How involved are you in the community?Community outreach through our parish and the Knights of Columbus, and business/veteran networking through our events and the Chamber of Commerce. We also simply open up conversations whenever encountering new people throughout the First Coast.
What is your favorite not for profit or charity?Women's Help Center, Jacksonville
What advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into this business?First, contact us for advice before entering the wine import & distribution business, then get ready to hustle & succeed!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?Family time, travel & recreation with our children
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