Here's to a Life Lesson Well Learned!

There were plenty of nay-sayers. “You’ll get no support!” was among the phrases tossed at Evelyn Clark when she announced her plans to open a Wine Styles franchise in Palm City, FL. Well, Evelyn is definitely someone who believes in her maker, herself and trusts what she’s learned over the years as an account executive in corporate America.

Evelyn and her husband Dennis came to Florida from the mid-west where they had transformed another franchise operation from 37th in the state to one of the top 5! And, after being downsized, right-sized, outsourced and outplaced for the last time, her attitude is “What have I got to lose?”

I had lunch with Evelyn at the Harborage Yacht Club & Marina in Stuart to talk about how she got interested in wine and ultimately opened a wine store. She told me about how she had held wine tastings in her home. She’d do research and select the wines and share her findings with her friends. This led to 12 of them having dinners to more than 150 people getting together for dinner and wine events. She told me that as an account exec she frequently had to wine and dine her clients. Being the type of woman she is, she would consult with the chef and determine what types of wines to select. Mistakes were not an option.

With this personal interest in wine established Evelyn investigated Wine Styles and visited the one in Wellington. She was impressed by what she saw and last October she and Dennis took the plunge and opened in Palm City. This year at the “by invitation” celebration party for wine club members, 200 people attended. It seems to me this place is on its way!

Besides wine for purchase, a wine bar and a wine club, Wine Styles offers entertainment and light hors d’oeuvres on the weekends and space for parties and special events. I should add that this is not your papa’s package store! This store is elegantly furnished and the wine is organized by style rather than by country of origin. The wine racks are color coded to depict a particular style from light and fruity to hearty and robust.

But, I go on too long. See for yourself. Visit Evelyn and Dennis at Wine Styles, 2951 SW High Meadows Avenue in Palm City or check out their website: www.winestyles.net/palmcity
Have questions? Call them at: 772-223-1221