Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Lane.
Hi Brian , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a Wine Salesman for 12+ years all over North Carolina a few things got me wanting to do my own thing in the wine retail industry! First running a route is like running your own business, so I got to thinking if I can do this for someone else why can’t I do it for myself and add my own touch and do it my way. Second being a black male and not seeing a lot of people that look like me I felt like their was a void that wasn’t being given attention to even though I had friends that loved wine the way I do. Lastly, I just got tired of working for others, I got great experience working for others but I noticed at certain levels I felt some was intimidated when a strong voice entered the room with new ideas and would squash them out because it wasn’t theirs! I guess also I wanted to make wine fun, if your just starting out or have been wine for years it’s ok to sit down with each other and share a bottle or glass! I like to say we make wine DOPE!!!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a combination of both! I had already built my brand for 2 years through community cigar events during COVID, I also bought out one of my wine accounts that already had a solid following, so those two things really helped getting started! My sales rep days definitely helped because starting out I knew what I wanted/needed to fill the shelves with and grew my selection from there!
As far as struggles I would say getting people to understand we’re not big box nor trying to be, so wine bars/bottle shops like mine aren’t going to carry much big box brands! I actually sample/curate 95% of my selection that way I’m giving knowledge and an experience that puts your needs first! Second small businesses don’t have tons of money to throw at advertising so word of mouth and return customers are key, I think people tend to go to the big name because it’s easy while passing by a local business that works just as hard if not harder because of the lack of corporate dollars!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Helping people move beyond their own perceived boundaries when it comes to wine! I specialize in people, I’m an extrovert so being around others is simple for me. As far as being proud number one being able to dream S&V, put for the plan to make it work, and when we hit May, 29th 2026 S&V will be 7 years old, 4 years brick and mortar! My proudest thing is tons of research and to the best of my knowledge I’m the first black male owned wine bar in the State of North Carolina!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Good question! Right now there’s so many new things, trends, and habits it’s hard to say! Soon as we think something is taking a downturn it somehow catches a tail wind and re-ignites! I think the big shift right now is having ability to keep customers engaged without losing what you are is key! You must be able to pivot without becoming gimmicky people like consistency but a little change of pace isn’t bad. In the next 5-10 years only speaking for my situation I’m already a big shift in the industry because naturally I’m a change of pace from your centuries old ways wine has been approached!
Trends are trends they swing back and forth so it’s tough to nail one down specifically! I watch trends and do some shifting of things but I never want to totally flip my concept but have the flexibility to cater to some different things!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sticksvines.com
- Instagram: sticks_vines
- Facebook: Sticks & Vines
