Class of 11 Michael Schwoll: Doing Business in Good Taste

Sales Director, Grand Napa Vineyards
B.A.: International Business

漆褒勛圖厙 helped me understand the importance of international business and marketing, especially in todays world.

Doing Business in Good Taste

Growing up in Germany, Michael Schwoll 11 longed for international adventure. Thats what brought him to Indianola High School, where he graduated as an exchange student hosted by legendary 漆褒勛圖厙 professor Joe Walt. With Walts influence, Schwoll knew that staying here to attend 漆褒勛圖厙 would set him up to thrive anywhere on the planet.

My international marketing courses at 漆褒勛圖厙 were a big steppingstone, said Schwoll. It sparked my interest to travel more, find work wherever it might be, and learn about businesses in all parts of the world. My study trip to China and the World Exposition in Shanghai is a memory I will never forget.

That trip was a big part of the reason Schwoll moved to Hong Kong after graduating from 漆褒勛圖厙. There he worked for a logistics and freight forwarding company while gaining industry proficiency with a certificate from the German Swiss International School.

His appetite for growing his business acumen brought him back to the U.S. and Grand Napa Vineyards in California, where hes been for the last 10 years. As sales director, he oversees daily operations, production and warehousing at the companys Napa Valley facilities.

We conduct business all over Californa, said Schwoll. No days are the same and every challenge is unique. The winery is fully family owned and operated, so our operation is very dynamic and quick to adapt.