Content Is King: A Brand That Could Make a Big Impact

At industry trade shows, attendees are always on the lookout for new products. They have also been known to consume a glass or two of wine. One new product on display at this year’s International Roofing Expo appealed to both impulses: a wine from Hailstone Vineyards named Impact Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chris Zazo, CEO of Aspenmark Roofing and Solar in Dallas, had always been fascinated by the wine business, and he launched his own winery, Hailstone Vineyards.

One look at the bottle, complete with graphics showing a hailstone appearing to shatter the glass, and you might suspect it was a roofer who founded the company. Chris Zazo, CEO of Aspenmark Roofing and Solar in Dallas, had always been fascinated by the wine business, and he saw the potential of a brand that could capture the attention of the roofing industry. He thought the wine would make a great gift for roofing contractors to give to their valued customers.

But Zazo didn’t just want a gimmicky label; he wanted a top-quality wine as well. That’s why he and he teamed up with second-generation wine maker Garret Ahnfeldt in Napa, Calif., to create Impact. Zazo says he’s received a lot of interest in the company’s first offering, which will be released later this year. He plans to add a Chardonnay named Restoration, as well as a Bloody Mary mix named What the Hail.

For more information about Hailstone Vineyards, visit www.hailstonevineyards.com.