Trying to run an effective and efficient business without strong leadership is a practice in futility, but spotting leadership qualities isn’t exactly easy either. Even with lots of on-paper qualifications and potential experience, at the end of the day it’s the actions, mindset, and impact they leave that determines a leader. If you’re a business owner or manager, you might be wondering: How do I know if someone on my team has what it takes to lead? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll cover here! At The Personnel Perspective, we’ve spent decades helping companies build confident, effective leaders through coaching and leadership development training in Sonoma County. Here’s what to look for when identifying the people who could shape your organization’s future. They’ve Got People Skills, Not Just Job Skills Being good at a job is important, but leadership requires something more: emotional intelligence. The best leaders know how t

Dutton Ranch: Generations of Farming in Sonoma County. Join Amy G as she sits down with Steve and Joe Dutton of Dutton Ranch to talk about growing up in their family’s Sonoma County farming business, honoring the values their parents instilled, and the thoughtful steps they’re taking today to ensure Dutton Ranch thrives for generations to come.

A Story of Leadership, Innovation, Hard Work, and Inclusion In an industry dominated by large-scale manufacturers and long-established corporations, National Storage Tank (NST) stands out not only as a leader in engineered water storage systems but also as a certified woman-owned business driving change through innovation, diversity, and community impact. Led by CEO Nicole Oblad, NST has become a powerhouse in the design and delivery of bolted steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, and underground water storage tanks, serving industries ranging from hospitals and data centers to agriculture and manufacturing. Yet, what truly sets NST apart isn’t just the scale of its operations, but the values that fuel its success. Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry The water storage and construction industries have traditionally been male-dominated, but NST’s leadership has rewritten that narrative. Under Nicole Oblad’s guidance, NST has become one of

In the fast-paced world of wholesale building materials, success depends on speed, efficiency, and reliability at every link in the supply chain. OrePac Building Products thrives in this demanding environment thanks to a trusted partnership with two Papé divisions: Papé Kenworth and Papé Material Handling. From highways to warehouse floors, Papé provides OrePac with the tools, equipment, and expertise required to move product and keep customers satisfied. Watch how OrePac runs strong with Hyster forklifts from Papé. OrePac: A Leader in Building Materials Since its founding in 1977, OrePac has grown into one of the most respected distributors of building products in the West. With ten strategically located distribution centers, OrePac supplies contractors, builders, and retailers with everything from doors and decking to millwork, siding, windows, weatherization systems, and hardware. The company’s mission is clear: “make complicated

Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE) is proud to announce the launch of the WISE Rising Star Scholarship Program, three professional development scholarships designed to invest in the people shaping the future of the wine industry. Now in its 16th year supporting winery DTC, WISE continues its commitment to helping winery professionals grow through hands-on education, coaching, and certification. The new scholarships support both emerging professionals and rising managers who demonstrate heart, hustle, and a commitment to excellence. Recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium, held in Monterey California January 20-22, 2026. Two Tracks, One Goal: Empowering DTC Growth Rising Star Professional Scholarship (Value: $1,275) One Available. For individuals new to the wine industry or early in their DTC journey. Includes: WISE #111 Tasting Room Professional OR WISE #113 Wine Club ProfessionalWISE #116 Outbound Phone Sales Professional WISE

Facebook/Meta: Turning Fans into Wine Club Members Expanding on insights from our Wine Club Scorecard, this post explores one of the most underused yet powerful tools for wine club growth: Facebook. While platforms like TikTok and Instagram often grab attention, Facebook remains one of the most effective drivers of wine club engagement and conversion when paired with Meta’s advanced targeting and advertising tools. With 72% of wine consumers aged 35–65 actively using Facebook, this is not just a social network—it’s an opportunity to build real relationships, deepen loyalty, and guide new members into your wine club. Yet most wineries still treat Facebook as a newsfeed instead of a growth engine. Sporadic posts, static bottle shots, and low engagement can’t compete with a thoughtful strategy that uses Facebook the way it was meant to be used: to connect, converse, and convert. Let’s explore how to turn Facebook into a true wine club acquisition chann

As the wine industry reels following a string of economic setbacks, it has been hoping for a rebound. Conversations swirl around whether the sales decline is slowing or if a portfolio realignment to focus on premium wines could reposition the brand for success among consumers who are drinking less. Cure-alls for capturing the Gen Z and Millennial consumer abound, along with Instagrammable images of happy young women in hats. Technological innovation thrives, bringing solutions and automating processes from weeding to bottling and streamlining online direct-to-consumer sales. Almost all the worries are real, and experimentation is essential. But, in the end, wine is a nuts and bolts business. Winery owners tally up the costs and the sales revenue at the end of the harvest season and set about readjusting as necessary. Lately, the costs have been outstripping the profits at a greater rate than ever. It’s why we see dead vines and bare earth where vineyards were thriving yesterday a

Sonoma County is home to a remarkable array of native plants, each contributing to the rich tapestry of our local ecosystems. These plants are not only beautiful but also play a critical role in sustaining the health of our environment. From the rugged coastal ranges to the sun-soaked valleys of wine country, Sonoma’s native plants have evolved to thrive in our Mediterranean climate—making them ideal for sustainable and low-maintenance landscaping. Native plants are uniquely adapted to the soil, rainfall, and temperature of their home region. This means they require less water, fewer chemical inputs, and minimal maintenance compared to non-native species. In landscaping, that translates to less work for property owners and more harmony with the environment. Seven Native Plants Ideal for Sonoma County Landscapes 1. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Hearty as they are iconic, our state flower thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its bright orange blooms are a

Enhance audience engagement with these solutions—before your customers even step through the door A strong digital presence can transform how wine brands connect with their audience, replicating the charm of traditional tasting experiences online. By combining storytelling, emotion, and immersive design, businesses can evoke the same sense of discovery and connection that elevates their brand, driving deeper engagement and loyalty in today's digital age. Get the story Key takeaways Blend tradition with innovation: The modern wine experience isn't limited to the tasting room—it thrives when tradition meets digital innovation, creating lasting impressions and deeper connections. Leverage technology for intimacy: Thoughtfully crafted digital interactions can evoke the same warmth and personal touch as an in-person vineyard visit.   Redefine the tasting room: The future of wine experiences lies in expanding beyond physical boundaries, transforming every digital to

March 18, 2025 (Sonoma County, CA) — Rack & Riddle, the leading custom sparkling wine producer in the United States, has appointed new CEO Jeff Tuttle. He takes the helm from Rebecca Faust and Bruce Lundquist who co-founded the company and remain actively involved as board members and strategic advisors. Following graduation from Colorado College, Tuttle earned an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business. With family roots that span five generations in a specialty food product business, Tuttle has decades of experience nurturing partnerships, as well as professional experience in the packaged cuisine and beverage industries. Tuttle brings extensive food and beverage industry experience, with leadership roles at The Pillsbury Company, Miller Brewing, and Bellisio Foods, where he spearheaded the growth of major brands and built strategic partnerships across licensing, private label, and co-manufacturing for 18 years.  “Rack & Riddle has s