Press of Atlantic City

Passion Vines owner raised with business, philanthropy savvy

ANDREW ALBERT, Staff Writer
 
Feb 28, 2016
 

Michael Bray owns Passion Vines liquor stores in Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township. The Somers Point resident says his background in business and philanthropy started with his parents — his father being the owner of Brayces Orthodontics in Somers Point. Bray has served on business, government and community boards, including as president of the Somers Point Business Association and chairman of the Somers Point Economic Development Advisory Commission. He was named the 2016 recipient of the Lou DeScioli Community Spirit Award by the Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools.

Q: What is Passion Vines, for those who aren’t familiar with your business?

A: We are an award-winning, full-service liquor store. We bring the products to you with a full tasting and educational experience. We run events on a weekly basis. We do a whole lot to introduce people to the basics of wine, beer and other liquors. We do a Wine 101 class, but we also progress into more detailed classes from there. In the past, we have Skyped with wine experts from Italy who will lead the tastings we have. We specialize in a central experience where we bring the vineyard right to the classroom.

Q: When did you start Passion Vines?

A: In 2004, we took over what was then Point Pub Liquors. We operated at Point Pub Liquors until 2007, when we rebranded. We then launched in 2008 as Passion Vines and have been ever since.

Q: What has the evolution of Passion Vines been like for you?

A: We have been and are still very big on culture. I firmly believe in creating the best environment possible to work in. Through this culture we started to attract and draw in really great team members. For example, we now have a full-time whiskey guy who can tell you everything there is to know about whiskey. Things like that, starting with the culture, is what drives our success.

Q: Where do you see the business heading from here?

A: We want to continue making a positive impact in the community. Our main charitable focus is multiple sclerosis, mostly because my mother was diagnosed with the disease. We help raise money both nationally and help individuals locally with their fight against MS. Businesswise, we want to expand our business, naturally. We want to get other businesses that we can put in our community that make sense for everybody.

Q. What does being honored with the Lou DeScioli Community Spirit Award mean to you?

A: It means everything to me. I had the opportunity to work with Lou for five years. During those five years, it was a reminder to me of the power of proximity. The best thing to do is to be in proximity to the highest form of leadership. To me, that was Lou. He was a friend, a role model and a confidante. That’s priceless. Relationships are the most important thing in life, and mine with Lou, and to be honored with this award means a lot to me.