How I Built This with Guy Raz Barefoot Wine: Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan
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Sep 16, 2024 
Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan, the innovative co-founders of Barefoot Wine, transformed their 300k debt and wine naivety into a booming brand. They share their journey of creating a relatable wine experience, emphasizing clever marketing strategies that targeted everyday drinkers. From overcoming skepticism to navigating debt and retail challenges, their story is a blend of persistence and ingenuity. Listeners will love the charming anecdotes of their serendipitous partnership and the iconic branding that made Barefoot a household name.
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The Wine Debt
- Bonnie Harvey was working for Mark Lyon, who was owed $300,000 for grape harvests.
- Michael Houlihan proposed settling the debt with bottled wine instead of cash after the debtor declared bankruptcy.
Initial Plan
- The initial plan was for Mark Lyon to sell the wine and repay himself, with Bonnie and Michael getting paid for their services.
- They didn't initially realize the complexities of bottling, licensing, and labeling.
Mark's Confession
- At Christmas 1985, Mark confessed he couldn't handle the wine project, leaving Bonnie and Michael in a difficult situation.
- Michael proposed they take on the debt and pay Mark over time.