By Paul Post
Brandan Greczkowski said he hears strong reactions from customers almost every day to Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor’s sheer size and the new specialty cabinet it installed, stocked with vintage wines and rare bourbons.
“The business is just fun,” said the 46-year-old Greczkowski. “Customer service is huge. Customer service, keeping things in stock and store appearance are the three things I tell everybody to focus on. It’s quite easy. If you can base yourself on those three key points it’s a successful business.”
The same drive and energy he brings to his business helped Greczkowski reach the 2000 Summer Olympics in judo, in addition to being a three-time U.S. national champion in the sport.
He co-owns the store, located in Congress Plaza in Saratoga Springs, with his wife, Kristen, a former U.S. National Team speedskater. Greczkowski been running it since Kristen’s mother and former long-time owner, Gail Brophy, died in 2020.
“She was my mentor. She knew it all. She taught me how to buy and save a penny when buying,” Greczkowski said.
The store also has a new website, offering online sales and delivery that’s expanded the firm’s reach beyond Saratoga Springs. The service was initiated in April 2022 and has reached new heights almost every month since then.
“We haven’t even chipped the top of the iceberg with online sales,” Greczkowski said.
This part of the business is overseen by marketing and operations director Jaclyn Shyptycki, who came on board 18 months ago.