Today we’d like to introduce you to Bertrand Lapoire.
Bertrand, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Took over the distribution from the original distributing company that failed back at the end of 2008. Start back on my own as Southeast distributor of Enomatic Wine Serving Systems (Italian automated wine dispensers made in Florence, Italy) and became the world largest distributor in the network of dealers… Recently added a revolutionary line of Cocktails Machine from Milan, Italy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I started with the contact of former leads and a small portfolio but little to no capital. No line of credit or bank loan were available to me. We had to remain lean (1 full time employee, interns…) and count on family loan. Twice we had cash flow crisis that almost took us down. We are in much better shape 🙂
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Enomatic Wine Serving Systems and Cocktails Machine USA – what should we know?
As the exclusive distributor of Enomatic dispenser in the Southeast USA (18) and Exclusive importer of the Cocktail Machines in the entire US, we are proud to bring such innovative technologies that have incredible applications. We are serving customer like Ritz Carlton, Kroger/Harristeeter and our largest account is REGAL Cinemas (who implemented wine-by-the-glass in 200 theaters thanks to our equipment and service).
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
May not sound very original, but my wife! She has been understanding and patient and trusted me every second of every day, even when things were complicated and not looking good.
My former boss and his father (that I kept as a partner in the new venture after his company collapsed) have always been great advisors and forward thinking supporting friends.
The team that we have currently assembled and the vast majority of the employees and interns that have helped me run the company the past 8 years.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5555 Oakbrook Pkwy., Suite 120,
Norcross, GA 30093 - Website: www.enomatic.us / www.cocktailsmachine.us
- Phone: 404 394 1202
- Email: blapoire@enomatic.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enomatic_usa/,
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnomaticUSA,
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnomaticUSA
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