Entrepreneur Interview: Gina Freize, Gourmet Food

Business Name:
Gourmet Food

Website URL:
http://www.venissimo.com

Year Founded:
2003

Business Partners:
Roger Freize

Number of Employees:
15

What does your company do?
We sell all the best cheese from all over the world through our website & four neighborhood cheese shops in Southern California.

Was there a specific turning point when you realized your business was moving to the next level?

Once we acquired our 2nd shop, we knew we were on our way to great expansion.

What processes or procedures have you implemented that have helped grow your company?
We centralized our customer purchase history database, making it easy for customers to find their favorite cheese no matter which location they visit.  We also updated / remodeled our website to increase sales & visibility.

What is most rewarding about running your business?
Seeing an idea go from head to paper to reality has been one of the best rides in my life.  I also love the relationship we have with our customers.  I love the passion of our team members.  I love the flexibility (now) to work when & where I want.

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
I never anticipated how long team members would like to stay & work for us.  We therefore had to develop an incentive plan, growth plan, review system & such.  The challenge is to continue to grow & provide financial gains to our team.

If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?
Absolutely nothing.

What advice do you have for other business owners?
Believe in your dream & listen to your gut.  It doesn’t lie.

Please list any favorite books, tools or resources (software, website, etc.) you would recommend for others:
Favorite book is “Atlas Shrugged.”  Also love “The Purple Elephant.”  Highly recommend a POS system that talks to the website that talks to accounting.

What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am scared to death of going to the dentist.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I highly recommend trying to start your own business.  It might fail, it might succeed, but regardless, you’ll learn & experience more than you ever thought possible!