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Dick Quartel, Serial Entrepreneur

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Image Is Everything

Dick Quartel is a serial entrepreneur. He is launching his third company, a vineyard and winery located in Northern Michigan. Dick sold his share in his first two businesses after growing them into multimillion dollar businesses. Now he's doing what he loves most, starting something from scratch, working to transform vision into reality. For each venture, Dick has turned to The W Group for branding and the development of marketing communication programs and materials. "Image is everything," says Dick recalling his early days as a manufacturer of storage carts for medical supplies. "I remember when Texas Heart approached us at trade show and expressed an interest our product. They were looking for custom-made carts for eleven new labs. If they had realized we were just two guys working out of a garage, I don't think we would have gotten that project." His advice for start-ups: "You may not be a multimillion dollar company, but you can do a lot with good design and marketing to advance yourself. If you wait for your business to grow before you do it right, it may never happen. In order for people to take you seriously, you have to present a professional, credible image, right from the get go." Dick adds, "You've heard the phrase, 'Clothes make the man?' That's true in business too." As Dick launches his new business, he reflects on his long-term relationship with The W Group. "We kind of grew up together. I've never felt intimidated. I trust them completely. It's been a great relationship."