Business Plan For The Great Oak example essay topic

A short time ago a group of five college friends were out together at one of their favorite Temecula Valley wineries. These friends shared an affinity for local wine, and its production. After, maybe, one too many bottles of the precious beverage, these friends enthusiastically proclaimed a partnership, with the goal of owning and operating their own winery. The group envisioned their successful future as they sat beneath a great oak tree nestled among rolling hills, and looked out upon the vineyards that seemed to vanish where the horizon meets the setting sun. The friends were so dedicated to the idea that they decided to buy the very winery that inspired their partnership, and rename it for the spot that now meant so much to them all. This would soon become the future home of the Great Oak,'s Winery located in Temecula California.

Its mission: To create and develop the finest products possible, using the best materials available, and to continue following the high standards outlined by the founders, for the enjoyment of the customers we serve. The following is the business plan for the Great Oak,'s Winery. Objectives and planning premises will be created and analyzed, along with alternative courses of action and explanations of implementation. While these partners made a major business decision simply on a whim, the actual planning and organization skills needed for such a venture were quite detailed.

The associates formulated a five-year plan with a number of objectives. First, the group would establish a budget for their business venture. The second objective would be to select and purchase a suitable existing winery. Next, a team of master wine makers and grounds keepers would be chosen to set the production plan into motion. Finally, a marketing plan would be finalized and implemented. The associates realized that if the business was to grow and prosper definite goals were required.

The overall plan was to start small with two varieties of wine, and with time expand the line of products. During this initial period, a marketing team would be working constantly to mold and shape the desired image that was sought for the winery. After establishing the theme, the focus would then turn to productivity and quality control. In order for the business to succeed and establish a foothold in the local market, the quality of the products produced must remain at a high level. Furthermore, to keep the winery profitable and healthy a balance between quality and productivity would be maintained. After careful analysis of our business whim vision, with detailed research of the strengths and weaknesses of the California wine industry, we will be able to build our business premise.

Understanding the constant changes that occur in the wine industry our goals will allow for flexibility and growth through change. Each partner is an equal asset with individual strengths, talents, and skills to fulfill the proper management requirement necessary, to ensure a successful and profitable business. The budget is in place, with each of the five partners owning an equal share. The partnership of five is planning to maintain the financial ownership of the company for the first five years.

However, an alternative financial backing plan has been established to invite additional individual- investors for support, should the need arise. In the first two years, Great Oak,'s is expected to show a loss, as the product will have been on the market less than one year. Within its third year, Great Oak,'s is expecting to exceed the breakeven point with a profit line that will afford additional funds for reinvestment, and the option to increase our product line. This profit will also support our desire to fulfill our social responsibility of giving back to the community with annual contributions to the United Farm Workers of America, founded by Caesar Chavez. We were also fortunate in finding a team of master wine creators, who share in our enthusiasm, and support our organizational culture, which will insure the production and promotion of our unsurpassed products. The partners recognize the benefits of group discussions involving all employees, regarding the production of Great Oak,'s products.

Because the expertise of this production process lays in the trust of our Master wine creators, quarterly group meetings are to be practiced inviting all suggestions from every member of our staff. It has been determined in the first several group discussions that Great Oak,'s will officially enter the market within one year with two premium wines. Production will begin modestly the first year, with expectations just under the average winery,'s product output. This number is expected to double in our second year, and again in our third. The goal is to enter the market with one wine considerably lower in price then the other; however, both are expected to carry the wholesale value of a well-established vineyard. While production costs will be much higher than that of a lower quality product; this immediate and necessary expense is imperative to reach the five-year distribution goals.

Our sales and marketing will be handled within the existing partnership of five. There will be no need to invest in outside consultants, because three of the five partners bring with them the expertise of a full marketing staff. Product development, planning, branding, and image will be critical to boost our growth and exceed our goals. It will also be necessary for the success of our five-year plan to become extremely visible and recognizable to the public. Being a new company and label, it will be imperative for our consumers to understand that our product will be created by a team of experts, who are more than familiar with the process of producing excellent wines with the highest quality of ingredients available. Our exposure to the public will begin well before the first wine is distributed.

The Great Oak,'s Winery and the vineyard have been purchased in Temecula, California and are much more spectacular than expected. The winery,'s quaint, yet expansive farmhouse setting in Temecula,'s hot air balloon region, paired with spectacular vineyards, opens up an adventurous and exciting marketing strategy. We intend to market ^aEURoethe making of a fine wine^a EUR with tours of the winery, and vineyards which will encourage the public to support the beauty of this historical, age old process. The anticipation of the new arrival will excite consumers, leaving them to feel as though they are a part of the creation and birthing process. Great Oak,'s name not only lends a strength and longevity to its image, but also comfort and familiarity, which will be well received by the various consumer relationships we invite to share in this growth process.

We expect to establish relationships with retailers, restaurant owners, distributors and individual consumers. Our exposure with the city,'s tourism board will lend additional interest in our facility, and production. To ensure the success of this marketing strategy, image branding is necessary and a strict quality control plan will need to be implemented. Constant monitoring of the wine making process will need to be maintained. All employees will be expected to exude a positive attitude, as customer exposure is immanent. The grounds and vineyards will need to support the image of strength, comfort, familiarity and longevity, as this visual will be a direct reflection of the products to come.

What began as just some college friends sharing stories has blossomed into a partnership of great proportions. The possibilities of a new wine out of California are challenging and exciting. With a strong dedication to each other, the consumers, the employees, and the community, the founders of the Great Oak,'s Winery have envisioned a plan. To purchase a thriving vineyard in a marketable wine producing setting, examine the market and allow for growth and change, and to partner with reputable outlets and important, charitable, farming organizations. Combine this with the devotion to use only the best products and materials, and in five years the Great Oak,'s Winery,'s family of wines will be recognized in stores, restaurants, and households all across the country.