Distilleries & Democracy
Scott Rosenbaum
Head of Search at Distill Ventures | Beverage Alcohol Start-Up Advisor | Co-Host of Business of Drinks
America’s new teetotaler-in-chief may keep distilled spirits out of the oval office for the duration of his term, but never before has the drinks industry and the White House been more intertwined since the end of Prohibition. That is because a rapidly growing percentage of the domestic spirits business is made up of small, upstart distilleries.
It is these small business that an “America First” ideology is purported to help, but this catchphrase is no more a model for governance than “we’re gonna sell a lot of spirits” is a business plan. Small business owners are more aware of this than most; the realities of starting a business does not afford the privilege of alternative facts or double speak. They are held accountable for the quality of their product, and anything less than exceptional will result in them going out of business.
In the political sphere, the once indispensable forces of truth and collaboration are now seemingly impotent. And so the engagement of citizens, an active press, and robust commerce seems more necessary than ever to grease the wheels of democracy.
For distilleries, values such as honesty and transparency remain an important currency. An authentic story is what sets upstart distilleries apart from the “smooth taste” and “good times” promised by every distiller ever. At one time, any deviation from such universal themes was considered a risk. To throw one’s hat into the current political ring most definitely risks offending customers. But that is why I am encouraged when I see businesses I work with take a political stand regarding the direction the current administration is headed; it shows that they place people above profits and they are acting as an essential part of our democracy. You are welcome to disagree. We can chat about over coffee at Starbucks. – Scott Rosenbaum
Founder & President of Cindy Jane Boutique - @shopcindyjane Visionary e-commerce executive. Proven track record of transforming & amplifying brands through the power of content, digital & customer insights.
8 年Brad Beckerman a really thoughtful and interesting read. Scott really hits the nail on the head with the discussion of authenticity and it's certainly thought-provoking. Additionally this is very much in line with our discussion about the new administration and American spirits businesses that stand to profit more generally.
Happily retired and golfing.
8 年Indeed, the need for discourse is paramount. However too often verbal engagement on most any topic these days involves strongly held beliefs based on perceptions of reality translated through dark glasses at high decibel levels. In other words, talk is important, listening is relegated to third place and facts are unimportant. One needs to listen to me because I am right even if I am wrong. Comprehension is relegated as long as I get my message out.