37 | John Sutton – How Wine Got Too Expensive (And Can It Come Back?) cover art

37 | John Sutton – How Wine Got Too Expensive (And Can It Come Back?)

37 | John Sutton – How Wine Got Too Expensive (And Can It Come Back?)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 Are you struggling with stagnation, searching for an edge that lasts beyond the next big deal?This week, J. Michael Fisher Jr. sits down with John Sutton, CEO of The Wine Group, for an unfiltered look into one of America’s largest wine companies and the unexpected journey from White House staffer to industry leader. They explore how brands survive disruption, the critical lessons behind world-famous labels, and why kindness and guts are the hidden accelerators for career and business breakthroughs.If you’ve ever doubted your trajectory or wondered what it really takes to build scale and resilience, don’t miss this episode. The old playbook is broken. Discover the proven, exclusive strategies that help leaders avoid decline and ignite next-level growth now.Timestamped Highlights01:38 – How a law career, White House experience, and a single cold call changed everything04:26 – What happens when you get a front-row seat to history and the grit it takes to succeed06:27 – The unforgettable advice: “Be nice to everybody on the way up…”13:10 – The guts behind reaching out and landing a dream role at The Wine Group15:41 – The industry’s shocking truth: Why wine lost its “on-ramp” to the younger consumer18:31 – New marketing secrets: Turning a $15 bottle into a lifestyle and why the old story fails22:42 – How packaging, high-alcohol trends, and Gen Z preferences are rewriting the playbook26:30 – Spain’s curbside cafés, the power of $4 wine, and what American culture’s missing41:39 – Why being management-owned is a game-changer and the hidden risks facing public companiesMentioned ResourcesFranziaBenzigerGlen EllenConcannonDiageoLeon PanettaClinton White HouseBuzzballsChloePaso RoblesAbout the GuestJohn Sutton is the CEO of The Wine Group, a powerhouse in the wine industry, overseeing iconic brands like Franzia, Cupcake, and Benziger. With a uniquely varied background in law, government, and White House service, Sutton has led the business through strategic acquisitions, innovation, and the transformation of generational consumer habits. His blend of operational excellence and authentic leadership makes him an industry standout, teaching founders and executives how to thrive in turbulent markets.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksFeel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment BankGoing Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.