Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Davis.
Brandon, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Dallas in late 2008 for a job after I graduated from college. I got my degree in finance, and 2008 was not the best time for that industry to say the least. I worked at a few companies before partnering up with Vernon, including ISNetworld, Okon Metals and Neiman Marcus. My wife likes to joke. I should write a book called “From Scrap to Scarves.” All of which were a great experience, but were not my passion or what I wanted to do long term.
I met Vernon Wells, my business partner and founder of JayChris Management, while working at a small technology start-up in 2014. During that time, I was working on a project with Vernon, and where many discussions centered around our business interests and philosophies, which interestingly enough aligned. I joined Vernon in 2016, and at the time, our investment portfolio was mostly passive investments, and over the past four years, we have worked to become more active investors. We are currently heavily involved with the operations of three of our businesses, which include two wine brands, a production company and a sports apparel company.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not, I don’t believe there is ever a smooth road. Even when things are going well, there is always the unknown of the future that consumes my mind. Between the ever-changing climate of the entertainment industry, and the uncertainty from vintage to vintage in the wine world, we have found ourselves in very unpredictable and volatile markets. In Napa, mother nature has got the best of us in 2017 with the fires that hit during the busiest time of year, which all but ruined a vintage that was set to be released in 2020, which has been consumed by a global pandemic and steep economic recession. All that to say, we have been very lucky with the growth we have seen and continue to see, and continue to strategize on how to push forward successfully.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about JayChris Managment – what should we know?
My company, JayChris Management, is a small private equity firm, heavily focused on consumer goods in the beverage industry. We like to invest in small businesses that are looking for strategic and active investors with great leadership. We like to invest in people, not always the product. Although I am proud of all of our businesses, our biggest claim to fame is our production company, Project 10 Productions. We are executive producers on ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ and have recently been nominated for 15 emmys.
Our wine brands have grown drastically in the past few years, and have recently entered the Dallas market. Our passion is definitely the wine business, and have set out to become a new generation of vintners in Napa Valley. ManyNapa wines are overpriced, and we have set out to keep costs down while still delivering that incredible Napa quality that so many Texans enjoy. We own a large vineyard in Napa, and received scores in the high 90’s from Wine Advocate for our wines, having only been in the wine business for five years. It is really rewarding to walk into a restaurant or retailer and see your wines on their list or shelf.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think there are two. Persistence. I believe that never giving up on something allows me to be able to work through problems with a positive but realistic outlook. It is not always the outcome that you want, but you always learn and better yourself. Get your hands dirty. I never want to ask someone to do something without having not done it myself. It’s important as a leader to lead by example.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jackwinery @twoolddogscellars
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