Geneva wine business named after family vacation

A passion for wine sparked a Geneva couple to launch a business selling high end California wines over the Internet.

Pat and Robbin Pipp recently launched Bright Angel Wines and are involved in every part of the winemaking process, from choosing the grapes to the exact fermenting process.

The couple started their business plan more than a year ago after a trip to Napa. Their children are now grown and they decided to turn their hobby into a business. Their children are involved in some aspects of the business. "We wanted to involve our kids as a way to continue to bring our family together," Pat said.

In fact, the process of naming the business took place during a three-hour dinner at an Italian restaurant. After throwing countless ideas on the table, the family decided to name the company after one of their most memorable family vacations.

Bright Angel was a trail the family hiked while conquering the Grand Canyon. "That was a special trip for our family and we liked the name - bright and cheerful," Pat said.

Pat, 54, works as CFO for Roman Inc., a gift distributor based in Bloomingdale, while Robbin is a full-time physical therapist.

The couple hold wine gatherings to sell their wines through home parties and business events. "We started this because we love wine and love talking to old friends and meeting new people," Pat said, adding that the motto of the business is "Be inspired. Celebrate success."

He explained that the wines are "ultra premium" because they source the grapes from high end vineyards. They work with a wine foundry to identify the style of grape they want to produce the exact taste. They then work with the winemaker on the type of barrel for the storage process. Stainless steel creates a crisper taste while a new French barrel provides a buttery flavor and the old French barrel, as used with their chardonnay, offers a more "balanced" blend, Pat explained.

So far, they have produced a Santa Rita Hills chardonnay and a Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon Bordeaux blend. Bright Angel Wines range in price from $30 to $60 and are all sold on the Internet and home parties. For more, visit www.brightangelwines.com.

College credit

Monmouth College selected Naperville-based Sikich LLP to audit the college's financial statements and provide tax consulting guidance and review services.

"As a recipient of federal funding, thorough and accurate audits are crucial to ensure our continued success and compliance with government regulations," said Richard Marshall, vice president for finance and business at Monmouth College.

In addition to the audit of the financial statements, Sikich will perform a Student Financial Assistance Audit and provide ongoing guidance to ensure Monmouth remains aware of all Financial Accounting Standards Board regulations for not-for-profit organizations. Richard Lynch, a partner in Sikich's not-for-profit practice with more than 14 years of experience in public accounting, will lead the engagement.

Perfect fit

Victor Construction has completed a 3,500 square foot building expansion to the Old Navy at Woodfield Village Green in Schaumburg.

The three month long building expansion took place while the Old Navy store remained open.

Temporary walls were added to maintain a separate space to provide safety and security for store employees and customers. Schaumburg-based Victor Construction ensured that the project proceeded without interruption and minimal disruption to Old Navy's business.

Hole in one

The blue skies and warmer than usual temperatures earlier this month prompted a "bonus" in revenues at many suburban golf courses.

For example, Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer saw its revenue grow more than 7,000 percent during Nov. 1-4 this year, compared to last year, according to Indianapolis-based Green Golf Partners which manages 15 golf courses in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

The firm reported that 48 rounds were played during the first four days of November last year, compared with 248 rounds this year.

Geneva to Lake Geneva

Shodeen Homes, most well known for Mill Creek, spanning over 2,000 acres in Geneva, is working on another project.

The Geneva-based construction firm is building luxury homes in downtown Fontana, Wisconsin, across from the Abbey Resort.

The Row Homes of Fontana is a new community of 18 row homes expected to be ready for the first move-ins in early 2016.

The 3-bedroom, two and a half bath homes range in price from $395,000 to $445,000. The luxury vacation homes are located about three blocks from the shores of Lake Geneva.