The First Bottle Of ALMOND ROCA Cream Is Sold At The Brown & Haley ROCA Outlet In Fife, WA
22 Jul 2013 --- It was announced this week that the first bottle of ALMOND ROCA Cream Wine was available in the Brown & Haley ROCA Outlet in Fife, WA. Since its introduction in November 2012, the indulgent cream-based dessert wine, ALMOND ROCA Cream, is carving out a unique category for itself on wine shelves across the country as well as online stores.
As a regular at the Brown & Haley ROCA outlet store, Michael Hartzell kept his eye on the display case they were creating which would hold the new product. Michael Hartzell is an author, speaker and marketing consultant who has committed for every presentation to “share the best chocolate” with attendees. ALMOND ROCA was already a favorite and Hartzell was eager to add another special item as a gift to make people’s day. Even as the manager of the outlet store, Chris Carson, opened the doors on Saturday at 9:30 AM, Hartzell was the first customer who walked in the door to make the store’s first purchase of the cream-based dessert wine.
Hartzell says he is serious about all things ROCA as he believes there is much more to what the product offers; “Almond Roca is not just a candy or chocolate. For 50+ years I have watched as family, friends and associates make a big deal about the gift of the infamous pink can. Almond Roca is a symbol of appreciation, love and respect. Almost everyone has a story to share.” He recommends that any business or entrepreneur to have ALMOND ROCA or any of the ROCA confections available. “Each time I hold out the pink can and ask ‘do you like Almond Roca?’ - Eyes get wide, smiles appear and people exclaim: ‘that is my favorite!’ while reaching for a piece” says Hartzell. He goes on to say: “In a time when small businesses are trying to find a way to connect and create smiles, it makes sense to take advantage of what people already love.”
Chris Carson, the manager of the store, offered to make Hartzell's day and have the bottle signed by the executives at Brown & Haley. Carson's offer was accepted enthusiastically accepted.
This mindset is being adopted by others who have joined him with a: “Don’t just sell. First, make their day!”™ mantra. A dozen local business owners, executives and business consultants have joined together to consider each month how to encourage others to adapt the mindset which in turn would help Brown & Haley sell more pink cans of ROCA. Among the business owners who have joined Hartzell are: Elizabeth Harris – President of Resultist Consulting, Marilyn Schoeman – Keynote Speaker and Author of “GO! How to Think, Speak and ACT to Make Good Things Happen”, Rob Moore - Principal at ROCG Americas, Deneen Grant – Grant Management Consulting LLC, Mike Pritchard – President of 5 Circles Research, David Dallaire - President at Fennec Marketing Group, Wendy Kenzell – Author and Owner of Providing Choice, Margaret Dorchester, CMC, PMP - Instructor & Principal at Dorchester Consulting, Margaret Rodgers – Owner of The Gift Gourmet, Wade Stewart - Managing Member at Stewart and Son Computer Services, LLC, and Mike Redmond - President of Ops Savvy. Each has adapted a new way of thinking for their business relationships and continue to be advocates of the Tacoma based Brown & Haley which produces opportunities to spread goodwill.
Each of these business experts have experiences from the 101 year old Brown & Haley with its indulgent treats and irresistible flavors to confection lovers everywhere. They are talking about when and where to have an ALMOND ROCA Cream party to celebrate the new addition.
What was inspiring to Hartzell was the collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit of two Washington companies to create another opportunity for both to grow. Chocolate Shop Winery in Walla Walla, WA bottles ALMOND ROCA Cream which became a new extension of Brown & Haley’s globally enjoyed confection in November 2012. This is the first time Brown & Haley has delved into a wine and spirits line extension.
While the new ALMOND ROCA Cream can be found such retails stores as Bartell Drugs and Walgreens, Hartzell says it was as special treat to have a piece of history with the first bottle at the ROCA Outlet store in Fife. He goes on to say: “I will debate which will be the best occasion to open a bottle which marks a such a special moment in time after 101 years of business for Brown & Haley.”
