A family tradition
When Dina Opici enters the building and heads for her office at Opici Wines & Spirits in Glen Rock, New Jersey, she represents the fourth generation of the family.
As she greets the team each morning she knows she is following in the footsteps of a long line of Opici’s. With roots in the wine business dating back to 1913 when Joseph and Esther Opici first established a wine import business, the company representing over 250 suppliers from around the world.
As a result of the family’s commitment, the company has earned a well-regarded reputation in this global industry. It is a source of deep satisfaction that for more than 100 years the family name – Opici – has consistently represented a product that is of both high quality and value.
Defining the Why: Understanding the Importance of Sustaining a Family Legacy
For Dina, it is obvious why she does what she does.
Over the generations, the leaders of her family have been committed to developing meaningful, enduring relationships with employees, customers and suppliers based on trust along with upholding a common goal of offering the highest quality wines at the best possible prices.
Her grandfather Hubert took over in 1934 – and nearly 80 years later he was still speaking with Dina each morning to review the current “inventory data.” As President of Opici Family Distributing, Dina always felt the deep connection to all those in the family who set the stage for their current success. So when her grandfather called – even at the age of 100 – with sage advice, she always listened!
When you are so deeply bound to every aspect of the family business that it becomes intrinsic to your own history, then you have the answer to the important question: “Why do you do what you do?”
With second- and third-generation employees on staff, everyone in the company understands the importance of preserving a familial culture. Equally as essential are the lasting relationships that have been established with suppliers and customers stretching back for decades.
It is the continuous interaction with this community of family businesses that has fueled Dina’s own passion, serving as a reminder of the power of families working together to be their best.
Lessons Learned
Upholding a family heritage, maintaining and advancing an international distribution company, and interacting with families in business around the world have taught Dina many important life lessons that have led to her personal and professional successes.
But of all the knowledge she has gained through the years, Dina believes the most essential insight she has gained is to be curious.
As Dina reminds us, the most effective way to succeed is to be curious. Be curious about everything. Ask many questions, initiate probing and interesting conversations, discover what motivates others, and be inspired to remain curious for all of your life.
While family ties bind her to the organization that bears her name, and family connections have served as a catalyst for her to reach new heights, Dina is also affected by the company’s presence in the wine industry. As poet Lord Byron wisely said, “Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young and makes weariness forget his toil.”
At ROI-NJ, we offer this toast to Dina and all the New Jersey women of inspiration: “Thank You!”
