The relationship between
the Gerkes and FCS Financial
has been a positive experience,
according to both parties.
For the Gerkes, a simple loan
process was like icing on the cake.
“I liked having one contact that
we could talk to and get back
with us,” Colleen said. “Clint got
back to us super fast, and it wasn’t
massive amounts of paperwork.” “We’re looking at trying to
figure out how to get into niche
markets just like they are,” Callow
explained. “It comes into play
with our local service. We try
to do everything as local as we
can. We’re not originating a loan
in some other office, some other
mortgage company. Everything
they get to do is with us. And, if
they can’t come to us, we’ll come
to them.”
From the tasting room decor to the
vineyard management, Jowler Creek
Vineyard and Winery prides itself as
both a sustainable and entertaining
venue for its customers. Networking Creates
Opportunity
12 HEARTBEAT | SUMMER 2017
An eagerness to learn combined
with keen business and
communications skills has served
the Gerkes well in building a
successful vineyard and winery.
Still, they know networking
with others in the industry is key
to their longevity.
As active members of the
Missouri Grape Growers and
various vintners associations the
couple has developed a noteworthy
resume and identify with key
mentors in the industry.
“It’s so different than
California,” Colleen said. “It’s like
you’re on (the boards) with your
competitors but they take you
under their wings and help you as
much as they can. It’s more like a
family, close-knit organization.”
The couple is also active with
the Northwest Missouri Wine
Trail, cooperating with other area
wineries to bring customers to
their geographic region.
“We have seen that if we can
work together instead of us all
doing our own thing, it will bring
more people to the region,” Jason
said.
The making of good wine
begins with harmonious ripening
of the fruit while still on the vine.
Balancing acidity and sweetness
only adds to the recipe.
While the recipe for a
successful agricultural business
might also begin out in the field,
balancing the fruits of one’s
labors with suave marketing
and consumer-minded needs
go the extra mile toward the
steadfastness.
And, the Gerkes are bottling
that up for customers — one glass
at a time.
“We have a lot of educational
opportunities,” Jason said.
“Through the years, not only were
we marketing stuff that helped
us with our branding, but we
also always had the approach of
education. We were willing to
present and share information
about growing.”
Whether through blending
parties, harvest gatherings or
self-guided sustainable agriculture
tours, the Gerkes are helping
customers connect the dots from
the field to the flavor in every glass
of wine they pour.
“We’re not afraid to try,”
Colleen said. “A lot of people are
like, ‘Well, there’s a reason no
other wineries do that.’ And, there
might be a reason they aren’t doing
it. But, let’s see if it works. If it
doesn’t, we won’t do it again. But,
you don’t know until you try.”