Kevin O’Leary made a rather handsome offer. Hundreds of thousands of dollars, with millions more sure to follow, was sitting on the table. But, there was a catch. Kevin hated half the product. He wanted to split the packaging and product into two entities, and he wanted that packaging.
That wasn’t an option for James Martin, CEO and Founder of Copa Di Vino. His vision would remain the dominant vision in his brilliant packaging scheme: a single cup of wine.
Then, something unprecedented happened, ABC’s top rated reality show, “Shark Tank”, invited him back. This time the stakes increased greatly. $600,000 for a 30% share in his business.
James saw that as a low-ball offer and made his opinion known.
Now, not only is Copa Di Vino available in 42 states at major distributors, any Oneupwebber can wander down the street to our local Tom’s Food Market and grab a fine glass of wine for after work unwinding.
This is exactly the type of story that we at Oneupweb thoroughly enjoy. That’s why Copa Di Vino is our Tiny Titan for this week!
Mr. Martin, while riding a bullet train through France with his wife, saw an outstanding solution to a worldwide dilemma. For decades, America’s other favorite beverage, beer, has been available in simple, conveniently packaged single servings. But, if one wished to transport wine, one was condemned to also transporting a large bottle and a corkscrew as well…or, perhaps, an awkward box…or, best case scenario, these folks were forced to attempt near acrobatics as they traversed crowds and landscapes with incredibly breakable and infinitely tricky drink wear. Wine drinking was not always an option for the lover of the vine, to say the least. No more.
James partnered with the maker of the French bullet train container that jogged his creative genius and now America has premium wine contained in easy to transport single servings.
By rejecting, twice, the folks at Shark Tank, James stuck to his original business plan of offering wines that are not sourced from the major bulk vineyards, but instead from his own vineyards and those of other smaller and mid-size wineries. He also maintained 100% control of his patented wine glass design, which has the look and feel of glass, but is actually made of a high quality plastic, making his product the ideal container in which to transport wine in almost any situation. Finally, wherever you can crack open a bottle of brew, you can peel off the cover of a glass of Copa Di Vino.
Martin’s business is skyrocketing. His focus on his product and plan have paid off, despite some real temptation to deviate from his set path and take the easy way out.
A vision of success is one thing, but actually seeing that vision through to fruition and beyond is something completely different. Something that Copa Di Vino and James Martin have done and continue to do.
Cheers to you, mate!
