rare
prices. Think Costco or Sam’s – membership has its privileges….
I have owned the domain name www.bluejeanwines.com for some time now…at least several years. I liked the contradiction of wine, perceived as intimidating or something for use on occasion rather than everyday…in contrast with blue jeans – which are common, comfortable, and familiar. I never knew how I wanted to use the domain but held onto it just in case.
For the past decade of my life I have directly represented vineyards as a marketing and sales representative covering multiple states and managing many brands. It has been rewarding and challenging all at the same time – but still – a truly interesting way to make a living.
On May 12th, 2009 I received a raise and a bonus from my employer who then got into a discussion with me that afternoon about what the company could do better. I made a tragic mistake in telling the truth about serving our customers in a timelier manner via accounts receivable. He flew all over me and I backed away from the topic.
On May 13th he sat down with me at a conference table with the standard witnesses and said we needed to “part ways.” Despite a solid performance record documented by sales trends and relationships being built across my region – he disagreed strongly with my feelings that we weren’t up to par in servicing our clients.
I had no choice in the matter. With absolutely no warning I was given my walking papers and was headed home to Nashville and into the abyss of the worst economy and job market that this country has seen in a very long time.
To add a wrinkle, I had fallen in love with a divorced mother of two girls and had every intention of marrying her – but somehow now didn’t know what to do. I was shattered and confused and quite honestly…hurt by what had happened.
So, from the San Antonio airport I called her. The conversation went something like this:
Charley: Hey, I have to tell you something, but I ask that you not lose respect for me.
Julie: Why would I lose respect for you?
C: I just got fired.
J: What?
C: (Expletive) – Canned, let go, sent packing. My job is no more.
J: Why?
I told her what had happened.
Julie: You know, what I am about to say is going to sound crazy. I’m excited for you. You haven’t been happy in this for a while…and what about Blue Jean Wines? You have been talking about it since I met you. Why not do that? Charley, you have been working for someone else your entire life. Now is the time.
So, I took a couple of weeks to let that concept sink in…
Then I began to plan and think.
By the way, Julie and I were married October 17th, 2009.
Please see “Blue Jean Wines Philosophy”