Ya know, I never really even heard of Gary Vaynerchuk until like a few short months ago. Occasionally, I’d come across this “Wine Guy” on the television but thought nothing of it. Maybe there were stories about him on the networks, or maybe he was in the news…I don’t really remember.  One day a friend of mine, John showed me a video of him on his computer though and I must admit, I was somewhat mesmorized with his “Show”. A few things I liked…He shot straight from the hip. He was honest to a flaw. He taught me several things I didn’t know about wine (in one episode, mind you…”nose” “cut grass” “oak” “points” “what food to drink it with” and more), He had energy and spoke regular street english.

  My friend John and I do other businesses, that being, helping other enterpreneurs with their existing businesses, an energy business, helping athletes with getting financially set up after their careers with their own residual income, fundraising and other things. We network.

  At any rate, I had NO idea that Gary had any money whatsoever, or that he had a huge following, or a media company, or Cork’d or any of the other things he has going on. He appeared too “Street” to have money. I just figured he was a wine connoisseur of sorts. Big deal. My friend knew though. He also knew I’d meet anyone I get into my crosshairs. I’m a goal reacher. John says to me, “You should really get this guy Gary to look at what we do.  He has a following and we could help each other.” What the heck, we all put our pants on the same way, so I figured, “Sure”.

  Well, at first I was all about trying to get Gary to see what it is that we do, John and I, but when I started to watch his Wine Library Shows, and his videos on GaryVaynerchuk.com, and his live Ustreams, and twittering and facebooking with him……things changed. Did I want Gary to look into what we do? Sure…BUT it became much more important after a very short while to become a friend of his. Not to try to sell him an idea or a service, but rather to try and give back to him a small token of my appreciation for what he has begun to do for my main business. Sandwiches. I’m not the kind of guy who admittedly learns much from anyone but this guy is a huge exception. His insight with social media, what people want, what to do, what not to do and the whole nine yards had me shutting up and listening more than ever. I started replying to his blogs and videos, not so much like most of his cheerleeding fans, but what is more important. Honest critique and praise when appropriate. I also shoot straight from the hip. I ain’t always pretty, but you can always count on honesty with me. I even had the nerve to critique a new design they made for Claimio. That’s what friends do.

 At any rate, I was very happy to have been able to provide lunch for the Vaynermedia Group. It was a tiny price when compared to what I’ve learned from Gary and what I’m still learning. Giving always feels way better than receiving and I don’t expect a damn thing in return. Those guys have a vibe ya just wanna be around. Forgot to mention, another thing about GaryVee that’s cool. His priorities…his wife, little girl, brother and Father. Raised right….old school.

                                                 Thanks again guys,

                                                          Gerald aka Waz