An ordinary desert drive with dangerously hot wine seemed like a mere annoyance, but looking back, it sparked 3rd Bottle and changed my life.
Jeanine Lum · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Jeanine
Jeanine Lum is an accomplished entrepreneur, product innovator, and business leader with more than three decades of diverse professional experience. She is the Founder and CEO of 3rd Bottle LLC, an innovative company focused on insulated wine transportation solutions. After identifying a gap in the market for an effective way to protect wine from heat during travel, Jeanine developed a proprietary, heavily insulated wine bag designed to accommodate six or 12 bottles. The bags incorporate ice packs as dividers, providing both temperature protection and practical functionality for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. Her entrepreneurial leadership encompasses product development, manufacturing, strategic partnerships, and consumer goods innovation.
Prior to launching 3rd Bottle, Jeanine established an extensive career in public service, aviation, real estate, and personal care. She served for 20 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, specializing in drug and narcotics enforcement and retiring as a Sergeant. She then spent 10 years as a flight attendant with SkyWest Airlines, where she further developed her communication, customer service, adaptability, and leadership skills. Jeanine also holds a cosmetology license and has professional experience in real estate, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to continuous growth across a variety of fields.
Jeanine is equally passionate about community service and supporting those in need. She is certified through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) for her woman-owned construction company and is a member of the Elks Lodge, through which she has supported charitable and community initiatives. For six years, she volunteered her cosmetology skills by providing complimentary haircuts to veterans at a recovery home and, when the facility closed, helped relocate veterans to alternative housing to prevent homelessness. Her career reflects a strong foundation of resilience, service, innovation, and entrepreneurial determination, qualities that continue to guide her work and inspire her commitment to creating meaningful solutions and positive impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jeanine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the diverse experiences and skills I have gained throughout my career, along with my determination to embrace new challenges and opportunities. My professional journey has included 20 years in law enforcement with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 10 years as a flight attendant, work as a real estate agent, and my current role in a woman-owned construction company with my husband. Each experience has strengthened my adaptability, resilience, communication, and problem-solving abilities. My entrepreneurial journey, including developing a wine bag product and seeking guidance from experienced business leaders, has also taught me the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Above all, I believe my success comes from perseverance, staying open to new possibilities, serving others, and giving back to my community through professional organizations, volunteer work, and charitable fundraising.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women to seek out experienced professionals and experts as early as possible and learn directly from people who have successfully built businesses, developed products, and navigated the industry. It is equally important to tune out the noise and criticism from those on the sidelines who have never taken the risks or done the work themselves. Surround yourself with people who have firsthand experience, are willing to share their knowledge, and can provide meaningful guidance as you build your own path to success.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are compassion, service, integrity, and giving back to those who need support. For six years, I volunteered my time and skills by providing free haircuts at a veterans’ recovery home. When the facility was ultimately shut down due to fraud, I remained committed to helping the veterans, particularly Vietnam-era veterans who had little or no family support. I helped connect them with other homes and resources so they would not be left without shelter. These experiences reinforced my belief that true success is not only measured by professional accomplishments, but also by how we use our time, skills, and compassion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
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