The Junkyard Court: Collezione Vantaggio
All attended, a table had been prepared. An upstairs enclave, a darkened round, a nook with a slight cranny. Music played overhead, the invisible sound systems of the modern world make everything seem movie-like. Soundtracks of melody and comedy, and blues. Wine was ordered and discussed and discussed and ordered. It was admired, it was swirled in glasses, it was sniffed and gargled, it was drank. Cheese came, with olives and dried fruit, with exotic grapes, with salami. Bread with jam, then more wine discussion, certifications and travels. A smooth crisp South African white filled my mouth with an earthy spice taste. It was very good. The legs hinted at the drinkability, and the aroma was enchanting. Pitted olives are preferred, especially on a communal breadboard, but it was a minor indiscretion. Mercy you, mercy me, it's all we'll ever need. Then the meeting was called to order. Keck, Joe Vita, BV, AJ, and I. They all nodded, Keck quickly went downstairs to the head. He came back with luxurious reports of the facilities. We ordered more wine.
Facilitation is a cumbersome task. The organization of mutual communication intent. This must be established by an insistent voice. The fact the gathering was called for the purpose of the 2019 Year End Vantaggio Board Meeting helped gain everyone's attention. To start, each of the five would have a few minutes to discuss their visions, their ideas, their contributions to the advancement of Vantaggio. The meeting had begun.
Much had been accomplished going into the 3rd year of the 5 Year plan. The formation of an iconic tennis brand, one that stood for excellence, one that stood for endurance, one that stood for slamming grand slam doors. A logo that inspired, that popped like an international prism of colors, on all manners of surface, in the mud, on the grass, surrounded by cement. Hard core. Wristbands, of course. The facilitation went fairly well, all contributed, speakers were mostly respected, listeners were mostly attentive, ideas were made better, tangents were plentiful and helpful. Evidently notes were taken, but here is my recollection of each individual's contribution to the dialogue, in order:
Joe Vita: Advocated a local approach, with a merchandising concept, concentrating on wristband fashion and funcuality. Argle styles, a smaller size for women, move some product, get some revenue on the books, relationships. AJ, an expert in tennis shop economics, supported the idea heartily. He highlighted the per square foot value of the sales opportunity, specialized. Shop owners had nothing to lose, he thought their capitalistic thoughts. A very practical and controllable idea. Keck was jumping at the bit, his idea was an expansion on Joe's. He went next.
Keck: With much hand gesturing and excitement, Keck explained his kit idea. A box of some sort, shorter than a shoe box, each containing wristbands, socks, a shirt, shorts, and a bandana. The Collezione Vantaggio, as it was later named. Ambitious stuff from Keck, despite my doubts of feasibility and conclusion that it was a couple of years away. Truth is, Vantaggio socks, shorts, and bandanas don't even exist yet, but it was the branding Holy Grail, the nirvana of our vision, beyond the horizon. Keck, always ahead of the curve. Consider the current trend of vintage tennis. He was there 7 years prior.
BV: When Bill spoke he spoke with undeniable authority. He immediately declared a need to raise $5 million dollars. Completely surprised I asked, "From who?" Wine spilled from my glass. "Investors!" he answered. Immediately, the stakes were raised. He agreed to be COO, with Joe and Keck continuing as Co-CEOs. He will facilitate 4th Tuesday Business Review meetings. 4TBRs. Quarterly meetings are irrelevant in today's world. Winners have monthly meetings. We all agreed. AJ added "Ask for 5, get 2." and liked the boldness of BV's contributions. For my part, I was named CMO, Chief Media Officer.
jpg: I went next and immediately expressed my intention to continue with my tennis writings and journalistic pursuits. The publication of The Fantastic Formalities Of Tennis had been a triple sub culture smash hit, but it needed some marketing juice and it seemed more of a beginning than an ending. Observing never goes away. It will be written down with process and persistence. Word. Also, as I already set into motion, my idea of Bandana Thursday at the Houston Clay Court Championships in early April was enthusiastically endorsed by all. Guerrilla style interpersonal tactics seemed best, although there remains sensitivity to ruffling any River Oaks feathers. The Vantaggio Bandana Happy Hour will become legendary. Thanks, Amos. We'll have to stay two nights.
AJ: Approaching 10,000 listeners of his At The Net Podcast, AJ's influence on the emerging tennis culture is indeniable. Former hiting partner of Yannick Noah, custom tennis racquet constructor, and broadcasting academic, his words were heard intently, his ideas were influential, his blessings and approvals were secretly craved. He was gracious, he was inclusive, his knowledge was on full display. His stories careened, his life was full of notoriety and accomplishments. His star was still rising, he was convinced of the Vantaggio promise and potential. He was a connector, a collaboratore. We ordered more wine.
From there we finished up at the bar talking of travels and deals to come. AJ amazed us with his impersonations, his Nick, his Nadal, his Novak. A night of wine and song, of hope for the future, of toasting acoustics. Impending appearances, planned sales calls, trade shows, social media strategies, groovy drills, and the 2020 tennis season. Another ride on the Vantaggio side, down the T with extra pace.