Josh McDaniels, CEO and director of winemaking of Bledsoe Wine Estates, has been in the wine biz since he was 19-years-old. This Walla Walla native was named a “game changer of Washington wine” by Wine Spectator, and it is easy to taste why. Learn about Josh McDaniels…
Hometown: Walla Walla, WA
First job: Working for my parents. They had a number of small businesses.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: Being outdoors. Cycling, running, being active, hunting, fishing, hiking, eating at our great restaurants. WA has a lot to offer!
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My family, for sure. At the end of the day, it is all that matters to me and I am lucky to have a happy and healthy family, especially in the midst of Covid and everything we have seen in 2020, this certainly seems like my biggest accomplishment. Not sure if I can actually take credit, though.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I started a wine business when I was in high school. I grew it pretty fast and then ran in to the financial crisis and downturn in the late 2000s and ended up failing. I was 19 years old, and it was a really challenging few years. I came out of it with a tremendous education, grit and a better perspective and understanding of business.
Someone who inspires you and why: My dad. He has always been an entrepreneur, has a huge work ethic, incredibly creative and a positive role model on a lot of personal levels.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Do proper planning, work hard, don’t be too afraid to fail and ignore your haters.
Favorite quote: There are so many but one of them on my desk is “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” –Ronald Reagan
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I wasn’t scared of a thing until I had kids and now I am a huge wuss!
What makes someone fabulous: Being successful in their own right without sacrificing on their values.