Why This CEO of a Top Winery Hasn't Touched a Drop of Alcohol in Years
When you meet someone who has spent nearly four decades as a top executive, served in the military, worked in law enforcement, held public office, and helped end the most famous family feud in American history, you might expect them to talk mostly about their big accomplishments. But when you talk to Reo Hatfield, current President and CEO of Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, you quickly realize that his real focus is on people, love, and the grace of Jesus Christ.
Reo’s life is a clear example of what happens when someone decides to live out their faith every single day. From starting at the absolute bottom in the trucking industry to leading major companies, his journey shows how humility, hard work, and a heart for service can make a lasting difference in the world.
Starting Small with Big Faith
It is easy to look at successful leaders and think they always had it easy, but true character is built from humble beginnings. Reo grew up watching his father live out a quiet, powerful faith. His father served as a minister for over forty years without taking a salary, working a regular day job to provide for his family while dedicating his nights and weekends to serving others. That early example planted a deep seed in Reo’s heart about what real service looks like.
After serving his country in the military, Reo entered the corporate world at the lowest step on the ladder—working as a simple typist for a logistics company. He did not let the small starting point discourage him. Instead, he worked hard, treated everyone with respect, and trusted that God had a plan for his life. Step by step, decade by decade, he worked his way up to becoming a high-level executive.
For anyone trying to walk out their own path of spiritual growth, Reo’s life reminds us that God honors faithful work in the small things. True growth does not happen overnight. It happens when we show up every day with a good attitude, ready to serve wherever God has placed us.
Leadership Built on Love and Purpose
Throughout his forty years as a CEO in transportation, warehousing, and international business, Reo developed a way of leading that was vastly different from typical corporate culture. For him, leadership was never about showing power or demanding respect. It was about seeing the good in people and helping them reach their full potential.
Even after trying to retire, Reo realized that God had built him to stay active and keep connecting with others. That drive led him to his current role leading a vineyard and winery, an unexpected change of scenery where he continues to focus on one main thing: treating people with genuine care.
This approach to work is the foundation of practical christianity. Real faith is not something we leave at the church doors on Sunday morning. It is something we bring into our offices, job sites, and daily interactions. As one of many christian entrepreneurs who view their business as a place to share God’s love, Reo shows us that running a successful company and leading with a big heart go hand in hand.
Extending a Hand Beyond the Office
A full life of faith goes far beyond career titles and earnings. Reo’s passion for helping others led him to serve as a reserve police officer—eventually becoming chief of reserves—and to serve on his city council. He also got involved in international programs aimed at building friendship and understanding between everyday citizens across different countries.
Whether he was patrolling the streets, helping make local government decisions, or connecting with people from other cultures, his goal remained the same: to find the good in others and help build stronger communities.
This commitment to community service is a natural expression of christian living. When our hearts are transformed by Christ, we cannot help but look for ways to lift up the people around us. Reo’s life teaches us that when we put others first and serve our neighborhoods with sincerity, we bring light into places that desperately need hope.
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Perhaps one of the most powerful chapters in Reo’s life involves his personal role in bringing peace to a century-old conflict. As a descendant of the famous Hatfield family, he was part of a historic moment when the Hatfield and McCoy families officially came together to sign a truce, formally ending a feud that had lasted for more than 140 years.
To mark this historic step toward peace, the families presented unfired shotguns to national leaders. The gesture was a powerful message that while conflicts may arise in life, choosing peace and understanding is always the better way forward. This incredible act of reconciliation was even recognized nationally as a shining example of true forgiveness.
This story serves as a gentle reminder of what Christ has done for each of us. Just as Jesus offered us grace and forgiveness when we did not deserve it, we are called to extend that same grace to others. Holding onto past hurt only holds us back, but choosing forgiveness opens the door to total freedom and peace.
Looking Ahead with an Unshakable Hope
Today, Reo continues to lead with joy, share stories from his past, and encourage everyone he meets. He does not spend time worrying about the future or letting the negativity of the world get him down. Instead, he chooses to focus his mind on what is good, true, and hopeful.
His positive outlook comes from a simple truth: knowing where his ultimate home lies. Because of his trust in Jesus Christ, he views every single day as a fresh opportunity to love people, do good work, and share the hope that keeps him grounded.
As we look at our own lives, we can all take a page from Reo’s journey. Life brings plenty of challenges, but when we anchor our hope in Christ, we can face every season with confidence, joy, and a heart ready to serve. By focusing on what truly matters, we can live lives that inspire others and leave a lasting mark of love on the world.
Author: Jovilyn Abella
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