Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants 19 Prospect St. Bellingham WA (360) 393-3271
After twenty+ years as a sales rep. for Unique Wine Co. out of Renton WA, my good friend (and best man at my wedding), Ted Seifert has turned a page in his career, opening his own wine shop along with good friend and wine steward Diane Jones in Bellingham, WA. I had the chance to visit his store not too long ago and it was nice to see Ted on the other side of the counter so to speak, selling wine to customers coming into his shop.
I would like to share with you my story about one of my mentors and perhaps one of the most successful salesperson on the wholesale side I have had contact with…Ted Seifert. I have had the privilege of knowing Ted for over Twenty years not only as my sales rep. from Unique Wine Co. but also as a friend.
I made a phone call to Unique Wine over twenty years ago, because I was interested in getting my hands on a wine that they distributed. A week later a lanky twenty-something shows up at the store with a handful of samples, a smile on his face with information about the wine I was seeking…His name was Ted. Over the years, Ted developed many close relationships with wine buyers throughout the San Juan Islands and Bellingham. He was good at what he did, and he helped many including myself gain more knowledge and enthusiasm about wine. Ted and I had our ups and downs over the years, but we became close friends and shared many good bottles of wine together.
Ted is an astute observer of the palate. He paid close attention to what his buyer liked or was looking for and always made sure he put a bottle in the buyers hand that would appeal to them. His approach was subtle and he was never pushy. Ted knew that the most important part of being successful in sales is to develop relationships and he did just that. I also watched him mentor other sales reps who were new to the islands, because he cares about people. That was really the secret to his success.
I firmly believe that all those traits that Ted developed as a wholesale rep. will pay off on the retail side. I know with certainty that the moment you walk into Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants and have a discussion with Ted, you can be assured that he is making mental notes on your palate. He will listen, ask questions, and lead you to a bottle of wine you will like for the best price, AND, he will remember (I am leaving Diane out only because this story is about Ted…She is well qualified). You will never call him a pushy salesperson.
His shop is quaint and small, but loaded with some great wines. If you find yourself in Bellingham and want a great bottle of wine, I urge you to seek out Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants on Prospect & Champion St. I know that both Ted and Diane pride themselves in finding the bottle of wine that fits their customers need. Their prices are very competitive and I am positive that they will seek out any wine that you are looking for.
It was hard for many of us who have known Ted over the years to watch him go, no longer visiting us on a weekly basis to sell us some wine or simply chat it up. I am putting this plug in for his store not only because he is my friend and I want him and Diane to succeed, but also because I liked what I saw when I stopped by his shop. They have a Facebook page so look them up and like them. They also have a newsletter you can receive by email to keep abreast of all the events they have planned at the store (there has been a lot going on there since their opening).
Ted is still doing what he loves to do…Talking about and selling wine, and he does that well. Hopefully when you are up North visiting Bellingham, take a trip downtown and check his place out. I know you are going to like it.
Cheers! Stan The Wine Man
