Michael W. Asimos is a wine importer/exporter living on the western coast of the United States. A seasoned traveler, Michael Asimos has traveled to some of the most treasured destinations for wine lovers, and his love with wine and travel is only matched by his love for jazz music – a lost love for most.
Asimos’ passion for wine & travel has helped him create and build a very successful wine import/export business; something he’ll tell you is his proudest achievement.
1. What was your best/favorite subject in school?
I always loved music and history because learning about new places and cultures fascinates me. I suppose that’s why I travel to so many exotic and unique destinations each year.
2. What was your first job?
Unsurprisingly, I worked in a record store, back when records were actually popular. I appreciate good music, so working in at the record shop was my way of fully immersing myself into something I was passionate in.
3. Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
Unfortunately, the US has some strange laws with regards to bringing wine into the country when traveling internationally. One day, it just sort of dawned on me that hey – I should start a business to make it easier for those who appreciate good wine to have access to wines from all over the globe.
4. How have those jobs prepared you for what you do now?
The biggest thing my other jobs have taught me is to be truly passionate with what you are doing. Many of my co-workers were simply working to earn a paycheck, and I could tell they were miserable. That’s no way to live, and I’d tell anybody to pursue something they are passionate in over something else that just simply “earns a paycheck.”
5. Describe the best day of work you’ve ever had.
While I’d say every day is the “best day” of work because I truly enjoy what I do, I would probably say my first day is the most memorable. I took a huge risk to get into this business, but I felt free and alive the first day I started and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.
6. How do you keep yourself motivated?
Finding motivation isn’t very difficult for me at all, but one thing I do is continually travel all over the world to fine new wineries & new vintages that are exciting.
7. What kind of business ideas excite you the most?
Traveling. It’s unique that I get to visit and explore wineries all over the world, and get to do so for my business. If you get the chance to travel for your business, do it.
8. Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
I’d say most people would find my entire business to be unorthodox.
9. What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Building and growing my business from the ground up. It wasn’t easy and there were plenty of issues and obstacles on the way, but operating a profitable, successful business and doing so on my own is very satisfying and rewarding.
10. What wisdom you would have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
That even though you’re taking a huge risk and may doubt your decision, it will all pay off in the end. I think many entrepreneurs don’t take the first step because they have doubts about themselves, their abilities, etc. I doubted my decision early on quite a bit, and things may have been a lot easier had I told myself everything would work itself out.