Podcast Summary: "Kerri Futch - A Candid Year One at WOLF AND FOX, a Wisconsin Winery"

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction: Embracing a Dream

In this heartfelt episode of "How I Built My Small Business," host Anne McGinty welcomes Kerri Futch, the visionary behind WOLF AND FOX, a boutique winery and event space nestled in Calumet County, Wisconsin. Kerri shares her inspiring journey of relocating from Northern California to Wisconsin to pursue her dream of establishing a sustainable vineyard and creating a community hub.

The Bold Move: From California to Wisconsin

Kerri recounts the pivotal moment that led to the birth of WOLF AND FOX. Highlighting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she explains how a near-wildfire evacuation in Sonoma County acted as a catalyst for change.

"It'll be four years in, in May, and we were evacuated from a wildfire at the time. We were in a hotel and made a decision at that moment to sell our things, say goodbye to California and move to Wisconsin and start a winery..."
— Kerri Futch [01:29]

Kerri and her husband, John, took the leap by purchasing 40 acres of land with the vision of cultivating a diverse, sustainable farm and creating a welcoming event space.

Building WOLF AND FOX: Challenges and Triumphs

Transforming the acquired land into a functional winery and event venue was no small feat. Over three years, Kerri and John undertook extensive renovations, converting barns and sheds into production and tasting spaces. Kerri emphasizes the multifaceted nature of this endeavor, balancing day jobs alongside the demanding process of obtaining necessary licenses and permits.

"It took us about three years to renovate the barn and some of the sheds that were on the property into a production space for the winery..."
— Kerri Futch [03:03]

Balancing Act: Day Jobs and Entrepreneurship

Maintaining day jobs while nurturing their business requires resilience and effective time management. Kerri shares how humor and a deep sense of purpose keep them motivated amidst the constant juggling act.

"The big picture for me is what holds it together is that knowing that for us it's more than a business, it's a lifestyle and it's a legacy, truly."
— Kerri Futch [04:21]

Community Integration: Drawing Locals and Tourists

Strategically located between Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago, WOLF AND FOX taps into nearby mid-sized cities like Green Bay and Appleton to attract both local patrons and tourists. Kerri highlights the importance of community support and word-of-mouth in building their clientele.

"We are surrounded by, I would say like mid-sized to large cities... We pull a lot from those areas."
— Kerri Futch [05:23]

Diverse Offerings: Beyond Wine

WOLF AND FOX thrives on its dual revenue streams: venue rentals and wine sales. From hosting weddings and employee parties to organizing barn concerts every Saturday, the venue offers a variety of experiences. Additionally, their innovative approach includes music pairing with wine tastings and collaborations with local artisans.

"Our main two income streams are venue rentals and wine sales... We have barn concerts every Saturday this summer..."
— Kerri Futch [06:13]

Operational Insights: Licensing and Self-Funding

Navigating the complexities of alcohol production licenses and self-funding presents significant challenges. Kerri and John opted to self-finance to maintain full ownership and protect their long-term vision, despite the slower progression this choice entails.

"Choosing to self-fund may slow you down, but it can also protect your long-term values, minimize risk and help you maintain full ownership over your project."
— Key Takeaways

Community and Sustainability: Planting for the Future

A testament to their commitment to sustainability, Kerri details their efforts in land stewardship, including planting 900 native trees and fostering habitats for pollinators and birds. Collaborations with local conservation organizations and sheep farmers enhance their environmental initiatives.

"We also organized volunteers to come and help us plant those trees, plant a bunch of different pollinators and help the birds..."
— Kerri Futch [05:06]

Overcoming Challenges: Organization and Delegation

Managing an extensive list of tasks across various domains—from farm maintenance to winery production—requires meticulous organization. Kerri discusses their reliance on a giant dry-erase board to visualize tasks and delegate responsibilities effectively.

"We use a giant dry erase board... to keep all our tasks and roles in check."
— Kerri Futch [20:26]

Vision for the Future: Expanding Horizons

Looking ahead, Kerri envisions WOLF AND FOX evolving into a multifaceted community hub. Plans include hosting maker series, theater productions, children's programming, and even music festivals. She aspires to create a space where people can relax, learn, and connect.

"What I really want people to associate our name, our brand, as not just a winery, but also just, like, a place they want to go and relax and hang out and, like, learn and find their people."
— Kerri Futch [28:24]

Key Takeaways: Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Anne McGinty concludes the conversation with actionable insights derived from Kerri’s experiences:

• Embrace Timing and Opportunities: Listen to life's nudges and seize the right moments.
• Progress Over Perfection: Start small and grow steadily without waiting for everything to be perfect.
• Self-Funding Benefits: While it may slow progress, self-funding protects long-term values and ownership.
• Community Collaboration: Leverage local partnerships to build a supportive network.
• Define Personal Success: Align business decisions with personal lifestyle and values.
• Be Open to Learning: Accept that you won't master everything immediately and be willing to seek help.

Final Thoughts

Kerri Futch’s journey with WOLF AND FOX exemplifies the blend of passion, perseverance, and community engagement necessary to build a successful small business. Her story serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to create meaningful and sustainable ventures.

For more insights and inspiring stories, follow Season 2 of "How I Built My Small Business," dropping on January 21, 2025.