Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Pancake. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Lee got his start in the wine industry in 2011 as a stock clerk at his uncle’s locally owned wine market in Orlando, FL. At the time, he was still attending UCF for business management and entrepreneurship while trying to figure out what he wanted to do after university. As time passed, Lee was bitten hard by the “wine bug” and developed an insatiable thirst for wine knowledge. Through books provided to him by his uncle, Lee developed an impressive base knowledge on the subject.
In 2017 Lee began his journey through the WSET after meeting local Master of Wine, Jean Reilly. He quickly rose through the ranks under her guidance and later that year began teaching under Jean, fulfilling his dream of educating others on the subject he had become so passionate about. Four years later, after honing his skills in front of a classroom, Lee became the Education Director and Owner of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy.
Lee divides his time between working with his uncle in their family-owned wine market and teaching WSET courses through Slate Wine & Spirits Academy. When he’s not teaching, Lee produces music and spends time traveling the globe with his beautiful wife Madison.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road. My first year as the head of the academy was during the initial onset of COVID-19. I was still learning how to run the business properly while struggling to fill classes. Then it became apparent that we would not be able to run in person classes after CDC guidelines became the status quo for our local business environment.
One of the greatest struggles I faced in my first year of owning the company was learning how to run an in-person based education company in a climate that did not allow for multi-person gatherings. This included finding a space large enough for each student to be able to sit at least 6 feet apart, upping our sanitation processes, and, at the height of the pandemic, even having students wear face masks at their tables unless they were tasting. But we found the spaces we needed, continued to hold classes and made the most of our first year!
Additionally, our house flooded towards the end of 2020 and my now wife and I were basically couch surfing for the last four months of the year when our new business was picking back up again. Also, during this time, we were planning our wedding and eventually got married during that same time. So to recap: we were out of our house, running a business that was very new to us, and got married during that time.
It was tough but we made it and the lessons I learned from running the business and of myself were invaluable. I will continue to learn from and look back on those lessons for years to come.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Slate Wine & Spirits Academy?
We are central and north Florida’s premier program provider of Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications.
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the largest global provider of wine, spirits and sake qualifications. Trusted by the world’s most recognized drinks organizations, WSET has led the design and delivery of wine and spirit education for five decades. With four progressive levels of study offered through a network of course providers in more than 70 countries and translated into multiple languages, WSET qualifications inspire and empower drinks professionals and enthusiasts.
WSET qualifications are globally recognized as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. They are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits. As an approved program provider, we offer a comprehensive suite of qualifications covering wines, spirits and sake.
At Slate Wine & Spirits Academy, we offer the following WSET Qualifications in our classroom:
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
At Slate Wine & Spirits Academy, we offer the following WSET Qualifications online:
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Patience. Nothing happens overnight.
And above all, in the words of Sun Tzu, “In the midst of chaos, there is always opportunity.”
Contact Info:
- Email: registration@slatewineacademy.com
- Website: https://www.slatewineacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slatewineacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slatewineacademy
Image Credits:
All photos were taken by myself, Lee Pancake, or my wife, Madison Pancake.
