The U.S. is our largest export market, where we also have a dedicated staff focused on growing Mt. Beautiful’s distribution across the country, as well as its brand awareness.
Naturally our team in New Zealand has firsthand and immediate interaction with the core of our brand (vineyards, winery and farms). The U.S. team relies on communication from our New Zealand teammates, to keep us informed on what’s going on.
Although the U.S. team can’t participate in the spontaneous staff BBQs known to happen from time to time in the vineyard or an afternoon quad outing, they come up with their own ways to build camaraderie and have fun. A few examples include lunching at a local account to show support, the occasional SF Bay outing on Mt. Beautiful’s owner’s yacht, or the annual sales and marketing retreat, which last year was held in scenic Lake Tahoe!
With a “work hard play hard” culture encouraged in both countries by CEO Robert Watkins, it was a win when Mt. Beautiful’s Marketing Manager, Suzanna Mannion, pitched the idea of forming a Mt. Beautiful U.S. running team for the Headlsburg Half Marathon slated for October 2017.
Sadly, due to the devastating wildfires that took Sonoma and Napa counties by storm, the Healdsburg Half Marathon was canceled. That didn’t stop the U.S. running team ("South Pacific Pacers") from getting together and cashing in on the months of running conditioning they endured.
Instead of letting their training go to waste, they quickly registered for another Bay Area half marathon in Redwood City. While this running event didn’t end in an epic wine party that the Healdsburg Half Marathon promised, they still celebrated their accomplishment over lunch and enjoyed some Mt. Beautiful Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc post run in the parking lot.
In 2018 they are looking to reform the U.S. running team (and add team members), while showing support for the wine country located in their own "back yard." If you're angling to run the 2018 Healdsburg Half Marathon, click HERE to send an email to Suzanna.