We’ve connected with a lot of folks over this first year and a half of the podcast, but Rich Aurilia is the first incredibly successful athlete we’ve had the chance to interview. He’s also an entrepreneur and one of the founders of Red Stitch Wine.
Rich Aurilia grew up in Brooklyn, NY went off to play college baseball at St. John’s University and was then selected in the 24th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Texas Rangers. After a few years in them minors, Aurilia worked his was up to the Majors, which began a long, successful career for a number of teams, though he is most known for his tenure with the San Francisco Giants where he was an All Star shortstop. After 15 years in the MLB, Aurilia retired and started his second career – as a wine entrepreneur. He and former teammate and the current manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dave Roberts started Red Stitch Wine.
In this conversation, we discuss:
- The key to Aurilia’s success as an underdog
- How he handled the limelight and advice for those starting to get attention
- The advice he would go back and give his younger self when he was just starting out
- Aurilia discusses his transition from All-Star to wine entrepreneur
- How he’s created a reputable brand in the wine industry predicated on a well crafted brand story
- The advantages of moving “slow and steady” vs. fast
- AND a lot more!
Many thanks to the episode sponsor: Le Cordon Bleu
Listen to Making the Cut Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher
And check out Red Stitch Wine at www.redstitchwine.com
