Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Reneé Bemis, CEO of Driftless Glen Distillery, located in Baraboo, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an award-winning craft distillery in Baraboo, WI. At Driftless Glen, our goal is to make spirits just as unique as the people who taste them. So when we searched the country for a terroir harboring the grain and water necessary to make a matchless expression of bourbon and rye, we couldn't ignore the Driftless Area in Wisconsin. This is a unique topographical part of the state that was missed by the last glaciation 15,000 years ago, and that now has rugged hills, deep river valleys, rich prairies, and abundant limestone. The local terroir offers not only prime conditions to grow grains but also a natural sandstone aquifer, allowing us to source grain and water locally and produce our whiskey 100% grain-to-glass. In addition to bourbon and rye, we have a full range of products that include brandy, vodka, and gin. We take pride in our 10,000-pound, 44-ft tall column still, along with our one-of-a-kind pot still. Most recently rated by Whisky Advocate with a "90" for our Bourbon Whiskey, our company has been named "Wisconsin Distillery of the Year" by New York International Spirits Competition and shared as a "Top Ten US Spirits Brand You Must Try" by London Spirits Competition. Share our dream and "Taste the American Spirit."
Tell us about yourself
I am an artist by trade, and originally, my husband and I were silent partners in the distillery business. But once we began diving into the world of craft spirits, we just knew that we wanted to be involved more. So, in 2015 we went all in and became fully invested as 100% partners. We've come out of the gates since then at full force and have been loving it ever since. Best decision we ever made! As the CEO of Driftless Glen, I get to oversee our incredible team here at the distillery. I have a talented group behind me, and I am very thankful for that! It's so fun to actively be involved in all of our projects, whether it's bouncing new ideas off of our distillers for upcoming products, helping to choose a final picture for one of our digital marketing ads, or talking with our chef about upcoming specials in the restaurant. I get to make the final decisions for lots of exciting projects, and I can't wait to see where the next few years take us!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm so proud of our team here at Driftless Glen for making a name for ourselves in the craft spirits industry! We have never sourced any of our whiskey and have filled over 8,000 barrels so far. To date, we have expanded our product line immensely, even adding a few limited-release spirits such as our Port-Finished Bourbon, Bourbon de Naranja, and Wheated Bourbon. One of my favorite parts of my job is seeing our brand being recognized across the country and opening up our distribution in more and more states. It's so exciting to see that people in places like California and Florida are interested in what we are creating right here in Wisconsin!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest parts of being a business owner is balancing your personal and professional life. When you own a company like this, your professional life is your personal life. I literally sleep, eat, and drink Driftless Glen! When I'm at home, I'm still answering emails or talking business on the phone. My husband and I have to stop ourselves from talking about Driftless Glen at the dinner table. And although you can't achieve great things in a business if you're not fanatical about it, sometimes you have to remind yourself to take a step back and relax.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't take "no" personally.
- Be dedicated and make yourself available.
- Make sure you love what you're doing!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://driftlessglen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DriftlessGlen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driftlessglen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/driftlessglen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/driftless-glen-distillery-llc/
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