4. Keep learning about your business and customer.

France Posener explains that maintaining the Opus One brand involves communicating with their market. “I visit wine clubs, organizations that are interested in wine and have dinner with distributors.” Intelligent and a great listener, France is what we at Riverview call an authentic communicator. France’s passion and sincerity are crystal clear. She is enthusiastic about wine, and makes the experience of wine tasting fun. At the same time, she educates her audience, explaining why each vintage of Opus One is different and how those differences can be tasted. France cares about the consumer’s experience with the Opus One brand and products.

5. Find motivation in what you do.

France was one of the first women to break into what was once a male-dominated wine industry. “I had to be motivated. When I first started, there were very few women in the wine business. At my first distribution and sales job, I was the only woman on the team, calling on all men. Today at Opus, 50% of our team are women.”

Working for a company started by legendary wine leaders, France and Michael are motivated and committed to maintaining the quality of Opus One’s Bordeaux. Michael, France and Todd all agree that distributing Opus One is not easy. Demand is strong, but distribution is determined by the amount of Opus that was sold in the prior year. The brand’s integrity is based on quality product, availability and a network of motivated distributors.

It’s also important for successful people to take time to recharge through personal hobbies. Both France and Michael take well-deserved down time seriously, spending time with their families, travelling, reading and cooking.

6. Be passionate about your work.

Preserving the quality of an iconic brand such as Opus One brings both excitement and challenge. No two days are the same for Michael Silacci and France Posener, which keeps them on their toes. On achieving longevity in the business, France says, “I’m still motivated and full of energy but it is because I am passionate about the business, I love doing this.”

♦♦♦

Whether it’s wine or any other business, best in class management methods create success in any industry. Michael Silacci’s effective leadership fosters a productive and positive company culture, engaging and motivating team members. France Posener’s passion and dedication creates a unique customer experience. Together, Michael and France ensure that the excellence of the Opus One brand established by Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi lives on.

Contributors: Alan Arcadipane is a Business Analyst of the Business Advisory Group at Riverview Capital Advisers. Melysa Latham is a member of the Business Advisory Group at Riverview Capital Advisers.