Tony's Liquor Stores
Tony Vander Wood’s job is about helping people have fun, so he makes sure he and his staff have fun doing it. Nineteen years ago, he opened his first package store, knowing very little about the industry. Now, with three busy stores, he knows that great customer service and competitive prices are the keys to his success. While national chains offer stiff competition, Tony is proud of his Greenville-based businesses and has found that his loyal clientele appreciates the knowledge and friendliness of his local staff of 16 employees.
Though he does brisk business with individual buyers, he’s also expanded his focus to providing beverages for 200 Upstate restaurants and bars, a challenge he enjoys meeting. “We’re the largest restaurant and bar supplier in the Upstate,” he says, and he sees the area as a continuing growth area as restaurants and bars flourish.
When he isn’t working, Tony says his three girls, ages 12, 10 and 4, “keep me hopping.” He’s active in his neighborhood, Botany Woods, helping out with the neighborhood association and swim team. He takes pride in his hometown, participating in Adopt-A-Highway to maintain the beauty of the area and serving as a charter member of the Wade Hampton High School Alumni Association.