Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Find Your Local Branch
Back
Scroll to top

Business Spotlight: Duplin Winery

3 min read
Play Business Spotlight: Duplin Winery Video

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch

First Bank is proud to work with Duplin Winery of Rose Hill, NC.

Duplin Winery was started in 1972 by the Fussell Family. Now managed by brothers Dave Fussell Jr. and Jonathan Fussell, the Winery produces over 300,000 cases and hosts over 100,000 visitors per year.

Video Transcript

Dave Fussell: Duplin actually opened in 1972. My father and grandfather, who were a carpenter and a schoolteacher, decided they were going to start farming on the side. Got talked into growing muscadine grapes for a big winery out of Canandaigua, New York who promised $350 per ton. And after 4 years of these little vines fully maturing and waiting on our first big crop, they decided to pay us only $125 so we were stuck with a whole bunch of grapes.

It was either the jelly business or the wine business, and the wine business sounded like a little more fun.

Jonathan Fussell: We have a little bit more than 100,000 folks that come visit us a year. We also do events outside of the winery, about 110 events a year.

Every business is a relationship business. And it’s about being good to folks and treating everybody exactly how you want to be treated.

Dave Fussell: 20 years ago, we were selling 4-5,000 cases of wine a year. This past year we sold about 370,000.

Jonathan Fussell: We face all kinds of challenges from weather to change of customer tastes. For my department, it’s how to get folks to come visit us and then, also, how to make it new again. Our challenge here is to try to keep them coming back and then also to bring new folks with them.

Dave Fussell: We’re very lucky that we have First Bank here in Rose Hill, North Carolina because they’re a great little bank to work with. They treat us just like family, the way we want to be treated. Here, in a little town, it’s what’s expected and what’s needed. And they work side-by-side and anytime we need anything at all, we just shoot up the road and talk to George and he’s more than happy to help us out.

Jonathan Fussell: I’ve had great experiences with First Bank and I’ve actually dealt with branches all the way from Wilmington to Lillington, North Carolina. We’ve just always had a good relationship and we’re just honored that they’re here in our town.

Dave Fussell: They know your name, they know your family, they know what you need. And they did a wonderful job of treating us right and we hope that they’re going to be in Rose Hill for a long, long time.

To learn more, read the full story: Sippin’ On Sweet Success: Inside the Duplin Winery.

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch
Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

Where to Get Small Business Loan Rates So you’ve decided to start a small business, and you have everything sorted out. Business plan…check, location, check. Small business loan rate quotes….not checked. Okay, so you have almost everything sorted out. You’re stuck on the next step—financing your business—and you aren’t sure where to get small business loan rates in your area. There are a lot of options for small business loans, but banks are still the best places you can go. If you live in NC or SC, you can move forward with your plans to open a small business quickly and easily. All you have to do is visit a First Bank location near you, and ask one of our experts about our small business loans. Rates can vary depending on the type of loan, so speaking with one of our experts is the best way to make sure you’re getting a rate that works for you. Loan Options at First Bank At First Bank, we understand that small business loans aren’t one size fits all. Different businesses have different needs, and that is why we offer a variety of small business loan options, including: A business credit card with rewards Lines of credit Business loans Commercial mortgages Construction loans SBA loans All of our loans are offered with flexible terms and highly competitive rates*. With First Bank, you won’t have to wonder where to get small business loan rates anymore. What’s Next? Now that you’ve gotten your finances figured out, what’s next? According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, you have 6 steps left: Determine the legal structure of your business Register a business name Get a tax identification number Register for state and local taxes Obtain business licenses and permits Understand employer responsibilities For more information on starting a small business or answers to questions like “where to get small business loan rates?”, visit your nearest First Bank location to talk to a business loan expert today. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Bank Rate: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/3-ways-to-get-a-small-business-loan-1.aspx Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-business 2 min read
Getting Married You’re Getting Married! Keep These 8 Things in Mind Getting married is not a small feat for many reasons – among them, marriage represents a new stage in your financial life. We asked three First Bank team members about what financial issues soon-to-be newlyweds need to discuss. 3 min read
Education Savings Account – North Carolina College is expensive. The cost of tuition, housing, books, food, and transportation starts to add up. The cost of going to college has gone up by over 400% since the 1970s. The average college student’s debt is $37,172. Don’t get bogged down with student or parent loans. In North Carolina, a First Bank education savings account can help you save for college. Start A Savings Account for Education at First Bank in North Carolina North Carolina is home to some of the best universities in the country, like N.C. State, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, Elon, Eastern Carolina University, and Wake Forest. You shouldn’t have to miss out on the great education North Carolina has to offer because of the high costs. First Bank understands the importance of education. Our education savings accounts can help you prepare for your future and achieve your career goals. Everywhere Savings – Our Everywhere Savings account is a great option for anyone who wants to start saving for college. MyFirst Savings – It is never too early to start saving for your education. First Bank customers under 18 years of age can open a MyFirst Savings account with only a $10 initial deposit. Money Market – First Bank’s Money Market account is a good option for parents or young adults who can put down a little more money to deposit. CDs – A certificate of deposit may be a good option for parents or students who do not need immediate access to their funds. CDs usually earn interest at a higher rate, and are FDIC-insured.* All of our accounts come with free online and mobile banking services.** First Bank makes it easy for you to manage your account from virtually anywhere. Contact or visit your local First Bank to speak with one of our experts about the best education savings account option for you. With over 80 locations in North Carolina, it is easy to find a First Bank near you. *CDs are subject to penalty for early withdrawals prior to maturity date. Penalty will reduce earnings. Investment and Insurance Products are NOT Bank Deposits, NOT FDIC-Insured, HAVE NO Bank Guarantee, NOT Insured by any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value. **While First 3 min read
Serious millennial man using laptop sitting at the table in a home office, focused guy in casual clothing looking at the paper, communicating online, writing emails, distantly working or studying on computer at home. Defeat the Fraudsters: Protect Yourself Against Account Fraud Account takeover fraud is a form of identity theft where a fraudster gains access to a victim’s accounts and personal information. They can then use the information to perform a number of different fraudulent acts, including transferring funds, modifying personal information, and adding other “authorized” users. Combating this type of fraud requires understanding and action steps to make sure your business or organization is not at risk. Download our checklist to help ensure you are decreasing your risk of account fraud. Need more help with your business? Check out some of our free educational courses: Small Business Banking Services How Businesses Use Credit Opportunities for Women- and Minority-Owned Small Businesses   Contact the First Bank Business Support team to learn more about what First Bank can do to keep your business protected. Suspect fraud? Give us a call immediately! 1 min read