Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Gisler.
Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After 19 years of working in financial technology, I found myself laid off right as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning. Realizing that I wasn’t really happy in that industry and that I always wanted to own a small business, I began looking at local business brokerage listings and ran across this Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar store.
I had enough stock from my previous employer to purchase it, and given that most companies were laying people off, I decided to purchase The Olive Basket in June of 2020. Some say there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity. I think the jury is still out on which one led to that decision.
My daughter, Ella, has worked at the store with me since the beginning while she was finishing up high school. Now she is a student at UNG and still works in the store when her schedule allows. It’s been a wonderful learning experience for both of us. We’ve always been close, but I think working on this project together has helped us stay connected even more.
I’ve learned a lot of (expensive) lessons over the last 2 1/2 years, but it has been really fulfilling and I think we are on the right track to success.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I doubt any business venture is a “smooth road”, and this certainly hasn’t been. When I bought the store, I knew almost nothing about olive oils, vinegar, running a business or eCommerce. I love to learn so the learning experience has been really enlightening.
The biggest struggle has been that there aren’t enough hours in the day. To make ends meet, I did end up finding another “real job”, so day-to-day operations are run by my employees, but there are a lot of tasks that have to be done on evenings and weekends because nobody cares about your small business more than you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Olive Basket?
The Olive Basket specializes in olive oils and balsamic vinegar, but we carry many other gourmet food items as well.
We always carry the freshest extra virgin olive oils we can find. Fresh olive oil is always the best, and it is important to get it from a reputable merchant. Northern Hemisphere oils (Italy, Greece, Spain, California) are crushed in October and November and hit our shelves around January and February. Southern Hemisphere oils (Australia, Chile, South Africa, etc…) are crushed in May and June, and we usually see those around June and July.
We also carry two types of flavored olive oils: Fused and Infused. Fused oils are created by crushing flavoring agents with the olives as the oils are made, a process that lends a terrific flavor. Infused oils begin life as extra virgin olive oils, but essential oils are mixed in to create the desired flavor. Flavored oils cannot technically be called “extra virgin” because they contain more than just olive oil, but they are still fresh and made with the highest quality oils.
In addition to the olive oils, we carry over 40 flavored dark and white Balsamic vinegar, as well as more traditional unflavored Balsamics. All of our Balsamic vinegars are made using traditional methods in Modena, Italy, and are aged for at least 12 years.
Aside from oils and vinegar, we are always on the lookout for exciting gourmet food creations from small producers, and we try to carry products from local producers as much as possible.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Buy olive oils & vinegar! We are always open to working with local food producers or helping with charity events. We donate items to many local charity groups each year for silent auctions and the like and we enjoy doing so.
As far as collaborations, we have worked with businesses all over the country to create customer or employee gifts, and we’ve worked with several engaged couples to create tasteful shower and reception gifts.
We haven’t done it yet, but balsamic vinegar can make fantastic cocktails, and I think it would be great to team up with a bar on some creations!
Pricing:
- Fused & Infused oils range from $11 for a 200ml bottle to $79 for a growler (1.89L)
- Orders over $100 ship free, otherwise we charge $10 or less for shipping
Contact Info:
- Website: https://olivebasketonline.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivebasketathens/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliveBasket
Image Credits
The Olive Basket
