Tiger Heritage Spotlight: Rakesh Chandiramani BS '04

What led you to RIT? 

I grew up in Rochester, so RIT was always a notable institution in my community.  I attended McQuaid Jesuit and upon graduation, I had a desire to attend a reputable university without knowing, for sure, what I wanted to do.  RIT had a strong track record across the curriculums I was interested in. 

In addition, had an impressive alumni network whom I could tap into regardless of which path I chose.    

What about college were you least prepared for?

Deciding on which major or subject area I wanted to pursue.  I went into RIT focused on Computer Science.  I pivoted to MIS and ultimately focused on business, with a major in finance.  Despite changing a few times, things worked out.  It’s okay not knowing what you want to do right away.   

Who influenced you most during your time at RIT?

I minored in Communications.  One of my most notable professors was Dr. Keith Jenkins.  His influence remains impactful to this day.  His curriculum taught me how to make decisions in the context of our society.  In my business, that is helpful, as context is important and more so, the importance of knowing how to make decisions.  We still keep in touch. 

What were your favorite classes and why?

Anything taught by Dr. Jenkins.  His classes inspired conversation – it made you think.  There was also a financial literacy course where we competed on a simulated equity markets platform.  It felt like an unorthodox way to learn but it was relevant which made it fun.  One of my favorite electives was Wines of the World taught by Lorraine Hems MS ’12.  What’s interesting is how my curriculum track mirrored my career.  I started working in finance, opened a wine bar as a passion project (ie. elective) and here I am fully immersed in the hospitality industry as my career.

How do you feel your major in Finance assisted you with your current career/entrepreneurial accomplishments?

One of the most critical aspects of business is financial discipline.  My courses in finance taught me how to read financial statements (P&Ls, Balance Sheets, Cash Flow statements etc.).  It addition, it taught me the basics on how to build a budget.  If your business does not have financial controls in place and you don’t have the discipline to understand standard financial metrics, you cannot fix what may be broken or optimize what is performing well. 

What sparked your interest in wine?

My class at RIT , Wines of the World, was my first introduction to wine.  It was interesting to learn the different parts of the world where wine is made, how much work went into producing wine and the complexity that exists in each bottle.  That interest just grew when I moved to NYC.  I would frequent a small French bistro where my now business partner, Sebastien (Seb) Auvet, was the general manager.  The way he navigated me across French wines made it so easy to learn.    

What led to the creation of Vin Sur Vingt (VSV) Wine Bars?

The idea of VSV was from Seb.  However, the execution took a team.  I was at the bistro one evening and we got to talking about how it was relatively hard to find wine bars in NY but in France, they are almost at every corner like a Starbucks.  We talked about how it would be nice to bring something like that to the City whereby you could be transported to wine bar in Paris.  We spent two years writing a business plan and peddling the pavement to find a location.  We eventually took a small business loan based on that plan and opened a tiny 425 sqft bar à vin in the West Village – ten years later, we have 7 locations across NYC and Washington DC along with a retail wine shop and an upcoming wine club and ecommerce business. 

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at RIT?

While you take advantage of the curriculum and facilities of RIT, don’t forget to tap into the alumni network.  The success of the alumni community is incredibly impressive.  The network extends globally.  In addition, stay in touch with your classmates.  The paths each one of you take will become relevant to one-another. 

What advice would you have for your 18-24 year old self?

Put time and energy into building your network.  Meet people, ask questions, listen and be resourceful with the knowledge you have.  It’s not all about how you enrich yourself.  You begin to build a legacy based on how resourceful you are to others and your community.  RIT has such a vast alumni network.  Plug in right away.   

What is something about your heritage that you would like others to know?

My heritage taught me discipline and gratitude.  My ancestry was predominantly nomads.  They had to invent their jobs as my parents did after arriving to the Rochester by operating retail businesses. 

Fun Fact about yourself?

One of my first job interviews after college was with the FBI…wait, can I say that?  Needless to say, I never got hired.