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Willow Park Wines & Spirits began as a business
venture 12 doors down from owner
Wayne Henuset’s childhood home.
Now, almost 15 years later, it’s Canada’s largest private
supplier of wines, beers and spirits, and although
Henuset’s neighbourhood remains the same, his sense of
community has expanded alongside his business.
“Albertans are extremely community-minded,”
he says. “They appreciate you being part of the
community.”
Willow Park was one of the last government-run liquor
stores to be sold after the government privatized the
industry in 1993. Because of the size and location, it was
thought the store wouldn’t do well.
Willow Park’s success is a testament to Henuset’s
entrepreneurial skills, which are based on exceeding
expectations.
“Everybody can offer a certain amount of service and
location,” Henuset says. “We try to go over and above
that in offering expertise in the products we offer. We
have the largest selection of products, along with daily
educational events and cooking classes for the novice
and enthusiasts alike.”
Henuset also respects his customers and truly believes
in putting them first.
“We feel that customers
are the smartest people in the
world,” he says, “so we strive
to bring them the best products
at the best prices.”
It helps he feels a personal
connection to the community.
“It is so rewarding to work
and service the community I
grew up in,” he says.
“Calgary’s not a big place
like Toronto. It’s a really
friendly, family-oriented city,
and we embrace that by treating
our employees and customers
as if they were members
of our own family.”
But his gratitude goes far
beyond just words. From the
beginning, Henuset has felt the need to give back, and as
his business grew, so did the realm of his philanthropy.
His support comes in the form of donations to more
than 100 organizations, including the University of Calgary,
Alpine Canada, United Way, STARS, numerous
programs supporting the arts and many others.
Henuset also co-chaired the David Foster & Friends
Charity Gala last fall, which raised more than $3 million
for the families of children in need of organ transplants.
But Henuset’s focus now is raising awareness about
the Vintage Fund, an initiative started by Willow Park
Wines & Spirits in 2001 that has since raised thousands
of dollars for seniors.
Henuset recently partnered with MCF Housing for
Seniors on the project, offering them his team’s fundraising
expertise, and helping them acquire other supporters
in the community, including the Calgary Flames
WayneHenuset
WILLOW PARK WINES & SPIRITS
21
Alumni.
“The community has been good to me and these philanthropic
endeavours are just part of the way I can thank
the community,” Henuset says.
“That’s what it’s about — having the opportunity to
give back to the community I grew up and still live in.”
For more information, visit www.willowpark.net