History of Gary Vaynerchuk in Timeline
Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as Gary Vee, is an American entrepreneur and internet personality. He gained initial recognition as a wine critic who grew his family's wine business. Currently, he is best known for his expertise in digital marketing and social media. Vaynerchuk is the chairman of the New York-based communications company VaynerX and CEO of its subsidiary, VaynerMedia. He is also a co-founder of the restaurant reservation software company Resy and Empathy Wines.
November 14, 1975: Birth of Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk was born on November 14, 1975, in Babruysk, Soviet Union (present-day Belarus).
1978: Immigration to the United States
At the age of three, in 1978, Gary Vaynerchuk and his family immigrated to New York City, USA.
1998: Taking Charge of Shopper's Discount Liquors
After graduating college in 1998, Vaynerchuk took over his father's liquor store, Shopper's Discount Liquors.
1998: Graduation from Mount Ida College
Gary Vaynerchuk graduated with a bachelor's degree in management science from Mount Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts in 1998.
February 2006: Debut of Wine Library TV
Wine Library TV (WLTV or The Thunder Show) premiered in February 2006, featuring Gary Vaynerchuk's wine reviews and discussions.
2006: Launch of Wine Library TV
In 2006, Gary Vaynerchuk started Wine Library TV, a daily webcast on YouTube focusing on wine reviews, tastings, and advice.
2009: Founding of VaynerMedia
Gary Vaynerchuk and his brother AJ Vaynerchuk founded VaynerMedia, a social media-focused digital agency, in 2009.
2010: Launch of Wine & Web on Sirius XM
Gary Vaynerchuk launched the "Wine & Web" show on Sirius XM satellite radio in 2010, combining wine tastings with discussions on technology and startups.
August 2011: Departure from Wine Library and Founding of VaynerMedia
Gary Vaynerchuk stepped away from the family wine business in August 2011 to establish VaynerMedia, a digital ad agency.
2011: End of Wine Library TV and Launch of The Daily Grape
After reaching 1,000 episodes, Vaynerchuk retired Wine Library TV in 2011 and replaced it with The Daily Grape, a video podcast.
2014: Launch of The #AskGaryVee Show
Gary Vaynerchuk started "The #AskGaryVee Show" on YouTube in 2014, addressing questions about entrepreneurship and business.
2015: Named to Crain's New York Business 40 Under 40
Gary Vaynerchuk was recognized as one of Crain's New York Business 40 Under 40 in 2015.
2015: Start of DailyVee Documentary Series
The DailyVee, a video documentary series hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk on YouTube, commenced in 2015, offering insights into his business ventures and meetings.
2015: VaynerMedia Named Ad Age A-List Agency
VaynerMedia was recognized as one of Ad Age's A-List agencies in 2015.
2016: VaynerMedia's Revenue Reaches $100 Million
In 2016, VaynerMedia, with a workforce of 600 employees, generated $100 million in revenue.
February 2017: Participation in "Planet of the Apps"
Gary Vaynerchuk participated as a judge on "Planet of the Apps," a reality TV series, alongside will.i.am, Jessica Alba, and Gwyneth Paltrow in February 2017.
2017: Formation of The Gallery (Later Gallery Media Group)
Gary Vaynerchuk established The Gallery, later renamed Gallery Media Group, in 2017, a VaynerX subsidiary encompassing media properties like PureWow and ONE37pm.com.
2017: Listed as One of Forbes' Top Social Influencers
In 2017, Gary Vaynerchuk was featured on Forbes' list of Top Social Influencers.
2019: Acquisition of Resy by American Express
In 2019, Resy, the restaurant reservation app co-founded by Gary Vaynerchuk, was acquired by American Express.
2020: Acquisition of Empathy Wines by Constellation Brands
Gary Vaynerchuk's co-founded winery, Empathy Wines, was acquired by Constellation Brands in 2020.
2023: Opening of Little Maven by VCR Group
VCR Group, Vaynerchuk's hospitality company, opened a new restaurant called Little Maven in New York City in the fall of 2023.