# Gwen Hurt

> Gwen Hurt is the founder and CEO of Virginia-based Shoe Crazy Wine, a mother-daughter wine and distribution business she launched after a long career running global processes in technology. Drawing on her own history, her international experience and a disciplined retail strategy, Hurt turned shoes into a memorable brand language and brought approachable wine blends to large retailers and markets beyond Virginia.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Shoe Crazy Wine
- **Organizations:** Shoe Crazy Wine
- **Education:** Human Services, Lincoln University
- **Known for:** Founded Shoe Crazy Wine with daughter Brittny Hurt and developed a private-label wine and distribution business., Secured placement with large retailers including Walmart, Total Wine & More and Sam's Club., Won a $5,000 export pitch grant in a VCU-supported competition in 2018.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2013** — Spent more than 15 years in the technology industry, building a global process and controls organization and leading cross-cultural teams across the Americas, Asia and Europe; lived in Hong Kong for seven years.
- **2013** — Was downsized from her corporate technology role and decided with daughter Brittny to enter the wine business; Shoe Crazy Wine LLC was formed.
- **2014** — The Shoe Crazy Wine trademark was registered, and the company developed private-label blends for consumers who preferred smoother and sweeter wines.
- **2015** — Pursued expansion in Asia, including a Singapore presence and a crowdfunding campaign.
- **2017** — Shoe Crazy Wine products were carried by regional independents and large retailers including Total Wine & More, Costco and Kroger.
- **2018** — Won a $5,000 VCU-supported export pitch grant and secured a Walmart distribution agreement after the retailer's annual Open Call.
- **2020** — Expanded the company's distribution arm and described plans to grow Shoe Crazy Wine into a broader adult beverage company.
- **2022** — Named one of Virginia Business magazine's Women in Leadership honorees; the brand was reported in 11 states and Washington, D.C.
- **2023** — Held the inaugural Wine Shoes and Brew Festival in Brandywine, Maryland.

## Achievements

- Founded Shoe Crazy Wine with daughter Brittny Hurt and developed a private-label wine and distribution business.
- Secured placement with large retailers including Walmart, Total Wine & More and Sam's Club.
- Won a $5,000 export pitch grant in a VCU-supported competition in 2018.
- Selected as one of 42 Virginia Business Women in Leadership honorees in 2022.
- Produced wines for three other women of color by 2022.
- Built retail distribution reported across 11 states and Washington, D.C. by 2022.

## Latest updates

- **2023-06** — Shoe Crazy Wine held its inaugural Wine Shoes and Brew Festival at Hennessey Creek in Brandywine, Maryland.
- **2022-06** — Virginia Business selected Hurt as one of its 42 Women in Leadership honorees.
- **2022-06** — Shoe Crazy Wine reported retail reach across 11 states and Washington, D.C., with plans for further market expansion.

## Links

- Website: https://www.shoecrazywine.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoecrazywine
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/shoecrazywine
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoecrazywine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoecrazywine/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/gwen-hurt
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-27