Employee Empowerment | Vineyard Professional Services

Randy Heinzen, President of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS), always encourages his team to pursue continuing education. But he noticed that employees didn’t always make it a priority.

In 2023, he and Jon Winstead, Vice President of Vineyard Operations, expanded their One-Year Personal/Professional Development Program. Staff could set a goal to achieve by harvest of 2024 and VPS would:

• Cover class fees
• Grant paid time off
• Conduct regular check-ins

Jon met with 14 interested employees to plan for success. The meetings weren’t about assigning goals, but empowering employees to choose what would help them grow.

Employees got PCA licenses, took UC Davis programs, and completed sustainability courses. For many, the experience was transformative. Some completed their goals, others did not, but everyone felt supported.

Oliver Matthews, Vineyard Manager, completed the UC Davis Wine Executive Program: "I was exposed to a wide range of aspects and issues in the industry. It was a great way to see the industry from a 10,000-foot view."

VPS’s approach is ongoing—employees always can seek growth support from Randy and Jon.

Randy Heizen, President

Jon Winstead, VP of Vineyard Operations