John Bazzo

John Bazzo is an American entrepreneur, investor and managing partner of My Wine Society. The story of John becoming one of the co-owners of My Wine Society started with having a passion for wine that led him to become an early investor in the company. Through John’s time with My Wine Society he has helped leverage many past relationships by signing on multiple sponsors for the My Wine Society Mobile App and nationally recognized live events known as the Blended Festivals. He has also been instrumental in creating and implementing the MWS Loyalty Club, an online wine club subscription that ships directly to consumers.

Today John handles the day to day operations of the business as a Managing Partner and he is most excited about sharing his passion for wine and social gatherings to various communities. John’s entrepreneurial contributions to the wine industry have been recognized by the Italia Innovation Program, the Wine Spirits and Education Trust, and has even shared his knowledge and love for wine on the Love Connection hosted by Andy Cohen on FOX.

John’s professional experience details an excellent path of leadership. Upon graduating in 2006 from Cornell University, as an athlete on the university’s Varsity Football team, John joined Cintas as a Management Trainee. He has earned the highest level of achievement in each position that he held while at Cintas. John received the Outstanding Achievement Award during his time as General Manager of Southern California and was honored with multiple President’s Club Awards within the Sales organization. John recently graduated from UCLA Anderson with an Executive Masters of Business Administration and dual mastery Certificates in Entrepreneurial Studies and Global International Management. While on campus, John was the UCLA Anderson School President and is an acting member of the Anderson Board of Advisors.

In John’s spare time, he enjoys traveling the world and experiencing everything life has to offer. Between the wine app, loyalty club community, and festivals, John is reaching wine lovers on their phones, in their homes, and in real life. His life mission is to leverage his passions, history and partnerships in the wine community to help create elevated experiences for wine enthusiasts by growing the online community through MWS Loyalty Club and hosting world class in person experiences by bringing the Blended Festival to cities around the world.

Where did the idea for My Wine Society come from?

The My Wine Society Loyalty Club really developed during the pandemic quarantine to provide wine drinking audiences with a way to interact with the My Wine Society as a brand. We wanted a way to connect and share fun moments beyond digital screens.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Every day I wake up at 5:15am and go straight to boxing practice. As soon as I get home I then walk my dog. Usually by 8 A.M. my work starts and you could find me on either my phone or computer. Typically my work lasts throughout the day with a break at around 4:30pm to go to the gym and lift weights. My post gym time is spent at the computer either responding to customers or prospecting new clients until 8pm.

I enjoy wine and invest in it so before I go to bed I like to relax from the day with a glass of wine while visioning what I am going to accomplish the following day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

As an entrepreneur you really just have to “go” and “make it happen”. Those are two simple pieces of advice for those with entrepreneurial aspirations. Getting great feedback and guidance always feeds the motivation, but motivation just isn’t good enough. If you’re passionate about something you need to have a will stronger than the constant criticism that is always around. You have to exert the necessary effort to achieve your goals.

I also travel as much as possible. It helps expand your personal insights. Seeing new cultures and exploring what people find to be enjoyable in life helps me to find every bit of life enjoyable.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am excited that wine is becoming popular to drink during different situations throughout the day – and amongst a broader range of demographics.

Growing up Italian, wine was always found at the dinner table. The older adults would drink a glass. Now, thanks to the innovation that wine brands have done, almost everyone enjoys wine outside of the traditional cocktails. It’s great to see.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Being an early riser everyday sets the cadence of productivity. Sometimes the first hours of each morning can be tough to jump out of bed. Pushing myself to actually get up and start my day genuinely helps heighten my mind. Ultimately I become mentally stronger.

Getting out of bed can be difficult. When I do I already beat the hardest part of the day. Waking up early is a practice that activates me before my mind wants me to be. That same practice assures me that I could easily solve any business obstacle with my mental acuity.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Buy Bitcoin – lots of it.

I have done so much and was always very passionate about everything I did. Those experiences taught me to not take everything so seriously. I would tell my younger self that as long as you are breathing, standing, healthy, and have loved ones around, you will be ok.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I absolutely hate being in debt to anyone. I find it necessary to pay everything with urgency. “Owing” someone is not a good feeling. There are people who disagree with this and say that you should always live with some level of debt to create more wealth. That might be fine for them but I like having a level of peace of mind.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Constantly innovating is a major factor towards entrepreneurial achievement. The methods that you applied yesterday are the roadblocks that will be in your way tomorrow. Brainstorms and Idea Sessions are key to innovation. Hold them routinely and see how you can adapt your current strategy or form new ones.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Hiring great people is integral. The right people on board with your business who are just as passionate as you about growing your business is crucial to constant business gains. There’s a synergy that flows when you have the right people with you!

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I invested a lot of money into buying a business in an industry that I lacked knowledge of. More and more resources kept being poured in without actually spending time to have educated myself on the means of success. Eventually, I had to shut it down and move on to something new.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

It is really exciting to think of opening a winery estate and hunting lodge. People would love the weekend escape and enjoy some really good food and wine.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Buying any sporting ticket. Sports are a great way to experience the world around you. Fans and athletes are always excited. I love the scene and have serious F.O.M.O. if I miss an event.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Quip proves to be really helpful for My Wine Society to organize and work on documents. The software also streamlines the channels communication for projects and the daily operations.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Entrepreneurs can gain perspectives and a mental toughness from reading Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. The true life story of David makes entrepreneurship look easy! It’s a really inspiring read that should be on every ambitious person’s reading list.

What is your favorite quote?

There are so many quotes I live by, but a very memorable statement from Henry Ford that inspires positive thinking says, “Whether you can or you can’t, you’re right”. I can’t say enough on how perspective and perception are important to your outlook of life.

Key Learnings:

•  You must build a consistent cadence to your daily routine to help strengthen your mind so you can control your thoughts
• Exploring the different cultures and people of life is a necessity to expand your own perspectives and bring them into the business world.
• Know what you’re investing in as an entrepreneur rather than going into an industry without doing the research first.
• Innovate often!